Most research on Ester-C has focused on
the absorption rate and availability of Ester-C as
compared to Vitamin C. The benefits of Vitamin C
are well documented and it is believed the increased
absorption rate of Ester-C enhances the overall benefits
of Vitamin C. In the 1992 issue of the Journal of
Epidemiology, Dr. James Enstrom and colleagues at the
University of California at Los Angeles reported that men
consuming foods and supplements containing 50 mg. or more
a day of vitamin C had a 45% lower mortality rate from
coronary heart disease (CHD) than men getting lower
amounts of the vitamin. Women consuming that amount
of vitamin C daily were expected to have a 25% lower
heart attack mortality rate than those who received less.
In another study, Jonathon V. Wright, M.D., at the
Meridian Valley Clinical Laboratory in Kent, Washington,
has demonstrated that Ester-C "wasted only one-third
as much ordinary vitamin C and sent four times more to
the tissue levels." Dr. Wright concluded from
his study of 12 male volunteers that "Ester-C
produced higher white blood levels, was excreted less in
the urine, and was associated with lower urinary oxalate
output than ascorbic acid."
Ester C : Side effects, Interactions
When we talk about Ester-C and side effects, we talk
of what is doesn't do. Ester-C
is different from ordinary or buffered vitamin C because it
is processed in purified water instead of solvents which
makes it a purer form of vitamin C. It is non
acidic and buffered so it does not cause the stomach and
digestive problems of ordinary vitamin C.
Occasional side effects reported with large doses of this
dietary supplement include diarrhea. Because large doses
may also interfere with some medical tests, advise your
doctor if you are taking vitamin C. Corticosteroid
medications have been reported to decrease the uptake of
vitamin C into certain cells in the body so
supplementation with the affected nutrient may be
necessary. These drugs include prednisone,
hydrocortisone, methylprednisolone, prednisolone,
betamethasone, budesonide, triamcinolone, dexamethasone,
cortisone, beclomethasone, flunisolide, fluticasone,
fludrocortisone, and mometasone. Tetracyclines may
also decrease vitamin C levels in the blood and
supplementation may be required.
Ester C :
Health Benefits
- Involved in the production of collagen and elastin,
which are necessary for the health of skin, tendons,
joints, bones, teeth and blood vessels
- Functions as an antioxidant, thus helping to limit
damage to the body from free radicals.
- May reduce atherosclerotic plaque.
- Helps the body rid itself of heavy metal toxins like
mercury, lead, cadmium and nickel.
- Enhances the antioxidant activity of vitamin E.
- Has immune-boosting benefits for patients with the
AIDS virus.
- Helps support bone mineral density.
There
are many good products available which only contain
Ester-C. Other products contain Ester-C and other ingredients
such as Glucosamine and Chondroitin. One such
product which has received good results is Free & Easy
for People. Free and Easy for People contains 300
mg of Ester-C.
