Calcium ascorbate couples ascorbic acid (Vitamin C) with calcium carbonate. As the calcium salt of ascorbic acid, calcium ascorbate is hydrolyzed in the stomach, yielding calcium and an ascorbate ion. Stomach acid changes the ascorbate ion to ascorbic acid with no net increase in stomach acid levels.
Ascorbic acid facilitates calcium absorption, making it more bioavailable to the cells.
Ascorbic acid is important in many other critical functions such as the absorption of iron, stimulation of immune system and as an antioxidant to strengthen the immune system.
Vitamin C as an Antioxidant – Vitamin C is one of many antioxidants that block damage caused by free radicals, byproducts of our bodies transforming food into energy. Vitamin C neutralizes potentially harmful reactions in the watery parts of the body, such as blood and fluid both inside and surrounding cells.
Vitamin C and Immune System – Vitamin C may be useful as an immune stimulator and modulator in some circumstances. Vitamin C promotes resistance to infection through the immunologic activity of leukocytes, the production of interferon, and maintaining mucous membranes.
Humans have only three of the four enzymes necessary for internal production of ascorbic acid and must satisfy the need for the vitamin through eating vitamin C-rich foods or nutritional supplementation food additives.
Increased intake of vitamin C is required to maintain normal plasma levels under acute emotional or environmental stress such as trauma, fever, infection, or elevated environmental temperatures.
No comments:
Post a Comment