Collagen + Vitamin C

General Information:
AdvaCare is a GMP manufacturer of Collagen + Vitamin C capsules.

Vitamin C, also known as L-ascorbic acid, is a water-soluble vitamin that is naturally present in some foods, added to others, and available as a dietary supplement. Humans, unlike most animals, are unable to synthesize vitamin C endogenously, so it is an essential dietary component. Vitamin C is required for the biosynthesis of collagen, L-carnitine, and certain neurotransmitters; vitamin C is also involved in protein metabolism.

Ongoing research is examining whether vitamin C, by limiting the damaging effects of free radicals through its antioxidant activity, might help prevent cardiovascular disease and other diseases in which oxidative stress plays a causal role. In addition to its biosynthetic and antioxidant functions, vitamin C plays an important role in immune function and improves the absorption of nonheme iron, the form of iron present in plant-based foods.

Insufficient vitamin C intake causes scurvy, which is characterized by fatigue or lassitude, widespread connective tissue weakness, and capillary fragility. Oral vitamin C produces tissue and plasma concentrations that the body tightly controls. Approximately 70%-90% of vitamin C is absorbed in moderate intakes of 30-180 mg/day. However, at doses above 1 g/day, absorption falls to less than 50% and absorbed, unmetabolized ascorbic acid is excreted in the urine. Results from pharmacokinetic studies indicate that oral doses of 1.25 g/day ascorbic acid produce mean peak plasma vitamin C concentrations of 135 micromole/L, which are about two times higher than those produced by consuming 200-300 mg/day ascorbic acid from vitamin C-rich foods.

Studies suggest that vitamin C may also be helpful for: boosting immunity, maintaining healthy gums, improving vision for those with uveitis (an inflammation of the middle part of the eye), treating allergy-related conditions, such as asthma, eczema, and hay fever (called allergic rhinitis) reducing effects of sun exposure, such as sunburn or redness (called erythema), alleviating dry mouth, particularly from antidepressant medications (a common side effect from these drugs), healing burns and wounds, decreasing blood sugar in people with diabetes, some viral conditions, including mononucleosis – Although scientific evidence is lacking, some doctors may suggest high-dose vitamin C to treat some viruses.

Collagen is the most abundant protein in the human body and is the substance that holds the whole body together. It is found in the bones, muscles, skin, and tendons, where it forms a scaffold to provide strength and structure. Endogenously produced collagen (i.e. collagen synthesized by the body) plays numerous important roles in health, with the breakdown and depletion of the body’s natural collagen associated with a number of health problems. As such, exogenous (supplemental) collagen is increasingly used for medical and cosmetic purposes, including helping with healing and repairing of the body’s tissues.