Formulated with eight forms of buffered vitamin C, Vitamin C⁸ contains additional cutting-edge nutraceuticals dedicated to excellent health. It’s also less acidic, for enhanced gastrointestinal tolerance. Not All Vitamin C Products Are Created Equal For your body to truly get all the benefits of vitamin C, it needs to get it from more than one source. Vitamin C⁸ combines calcium, magnesium, potassium, zinc, manganese, selenium, and sodium mineral ascorbates with ascorbyl palmitate to provide a full spectrum of antioxidant benefits. Vitamin C⁸ helps immune function and is an excellent source of electrolytes which can replenish those lost through perspiration. It also delivers the antioxidant action of three cups worth of green tea per capsule. What Makes VITAMIN C⁸ Great? Vitamin C⁸ is formulated with minerals bonded with vitamin C, a superior form called ascorbates. Calcium Ascorbate is a natural form of vitamin C which is much more readily absorbed in the bloodstream than other forms of calcium. Importantly, calcium is coupled with vitamin C to deliver the benefits of both calcium and vitamin C. Magnesium Ascorbate is a buffered form of this critical mineral. It’s essential to build the bones and teeth, and has numerous metabolic functions. Magnesium ascorbate is a neutral salt having good gastrointestinal tolerance. Potassium Ascorbate — Potassium is an essential dietary mineral and electrolyte. Electrolytes are substances that dissociate into ions (charged particles) in a solution, making them capable of conducting electricity. Our bodies depend upon the tight regulation of potassium concentrations, both within and surrounding the cell. Manganese Ascorbate — Manganese is important in the breakdown of amino acids and the production of energy. It activates enzymes critical for digestion and nourishes skeletal development. Selenium (from ʟ-selenomethionine) protects cells from free radicals. Zinc Ascorbate — Zinc is a component of the enzymes involved in most major metabolic pathways, with a wide range of biological roles. Zinc plays catalytic, structural, and regulatory roles in more than 200 zinc metalloenzymes that have been identified in biological systems. These enzymes are involved in nucleic acid and protein metabolism as well as in the production of energy. Zinc plays structural roles in zinc fingers, which are instrumental in gene expression. Zinc is also instrumental for the integrity of biological membranes, for protection from oxidative stress. Zinc supports the immune system. Sodium Ascorbate is buffered (nonacidic) and will not contribute to gastric irritation in acid-sensitive persons. Calcium/magnesium, potassium, and manganese all play an important role, since a constant blood value of these minerals is required for a normal rhythmic heartbeat, healthy nerve transmission, and strong muscle contractions. Once a muscle contracts, calcium leaves and only then, magnesium replaces it; the muscle can then return to a relaxed state. Ascorbyl Palmitate is a fat-soluble antioxidant, allowing it to be incorporated into cell membranes. When incorporated into the cell membranes of human red blood cells, ascorbyl palmitate has been found to protect them from oxidative damage and to protect vitamin E (another fat-soluble antioxidant) from oxidation by free radicals. When taking ascorbyl palmitate orally, it becomes hydrolyzed and breaks apart into palmitate and ascorbic acid in the human digestive tract before it is absorbed. The presence of ascorbyl palmitate in Vitamin C⁸ contributes to the ascorbic acid content, and helps protect lipid-soluble antioxidants during storage. Nutraceuticals Vitamin C⁸ provides additional antioxidant protection with the inclusion of nutraceutical extracts. These natural food sources exist in harmony with the whole foods they are derived from. While isolated sources of antioxidants offer increased potency, whole-food sources offer natural balance and synergy, and they provide us with natural forms of minerals and antioxidants. Green Tea, 75% EGCG — Research suggests that flavonoid, polyphenol-type antioxidants, such as EGCG, inhibit 5-alpha-reductase. Multianthocyanidins 20%, Bilberry 25%, Grape Seed Extract 95%, and Cranberry 107× Extract — Proanthocyanidins, anthocyanidins, and cyanidins are bioflavonoids with powerful antioxidant properties. These flavonoids are sourced from strawberries, bilberries, blueberries, grapes, cherries, cranberries, and elderberries. They exert broad-spectrum action for scavenging free radicals. Citrus Bioflavonoids — Bioflavonoids are a class of water-soluble plant pigments abundant in citrus fruits. These bioflavonoids have been proven to benefit the bioavailability of vitamin C. Quercetin and Rutin — Quercetin is a flavonoid that forms the “backbone” for many other flavonoids, including tangeritin. Quercetin and rutin have many health-promoting effects, including the absorption and retention of vitamin C. They also help to combat free radicals which can damage cells. Black Pepper, 95% Extract — The active ingredient in both black pepper and long pepper is the alkaloid piperine. Research has demonstrated that piperine enhances the bioavailability of many nutraceuticals. This makes piperine a great fit for Vitamin C⁸. Proteolytic Enzymes — Bromelain from pineapple and papain from papaya are among the most researched proteolytic enzymes. They break down peptide bonds within proteins, which in turn increases bioavailability. These robust digestants also resist degradation within harsh gastric conditions