Ortho Molecular C-Flav Essential Vitamins Created from multiple sources rich in vitamin C, C-Flav includes antioxidant protection and enhances immune function. The formula helps support healthy collagen synthesis and connective tissue maintenance. While most mammals can synthesize vitamin C, humans lack the enzyme required to synthesize vitamin C from glucose and must obtain the vitamin from their diet. The primary function of vitamin C is to help manufacture collagen, the main structural protein of connective tissues in the human body. Still, vitamin C is crucial in a variety of biological functions, particularly the immune system, skin, blood vessels, arteries, and gums. It is an important antioxidant, providing protection from free radicals and the oxidative stress resulting from normal cellular function. In addition, vitamin C is important in brain health, where it supports neurotransmitter (brain chemical) synthesis, normal stress hormone production, and serves as a cofactor for several metabolic enzymes, including hydroxylation reactions that are essential for collagen formation. C-Flav is a formula that combines vitamin C with various bioflavonoids to mirror the way vitamin C is found in nature. It also supports normal levels of inflammation throughout the body. C-Flav provides 400 mg vitamin C, 100 mg acerola extract, 70 mg quercetin, 50 mg Citrus Bioflavonoid Complex, 50 mg hibiscus, and 50 mg rutin in an easy-to-take capsule form. Key Benefits and Features: Promotes Healthy Collagen Formation to Maintain Healthy Blood Vessels Supports Connective Tissues Maintains Normal Inflammatory Balance Boosts Immune System Function Ingredients Serving Size: 1 Capsule Amount/Serving Vitamin C (as Ascorbic Acid USP, Acerola Fruit Juice Concentrate Powder) 400 mg Acerola Fruit Juice Concentrate Powder (Standardized to contain 17% Vitamin C) 100 mg Quercetin Dihydrate 70 mg Citrus Bioflavonoid Complex 50 mg Hibiscus (Flowers) 50 mg Rutin 50 mg Other Ingredients: None. Does Not Contain: Gluten, corn, yeast, artificial colors or flavors. Suggested Use Take 1 capsule per day or as recommended by your healthcare professional. Warning: If you are pregnant or nursing, consult your physician before taking this product. Keep out of the reach of children. Storage: Keep tightly closed in a cool, dry place. More Info. Depletion While true deficiency in vitamin C is rare (the most severe form of deficiency is known as scurvy), evidence suggests that many people may have low levels of vitamin C, especially those under high amounts of stress and low dietary fruit and vegetable intake. Signs of deficiency include dry and splitting hair, bleeding gums, dry or scaly skin, and easy bruising. Those taking NSAIDS, aluminum-based antacids, oral contraceptives, barbiturates, tetracycline, and Coumadin are more susceptible to depletion of vitamin C. Immune Support Vitamin C has long been recognized for its role in supporting the immune system, specifically T cells, which absorb and concentrate vitamin C. A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study (1,000 subjects taking 1,000 mg of vitamin C per day) revealed that the group given vitamin C could consistently maintain a healthy immune response. Supplementation with vitamin C has also been shown to support immune response to seasonal challenges by supporting natural killer cells, lymphocyte proliferation, chemotaxis, and delayed-type hypersensitivity. Inflammatory Balance Vitamin C plays a key role in maintaining normal inflammatory balance. In a randomized crossover study (20 subjects, aged 21-29 years, who randomly consumed two glasses (250 mL each) of either a vitamin C-rich apple juice or a polyphenol-rich juice), numerous cardiometabolic markers were found to be maintained in the healthy range, as was antioxidant status. Supplementation with vitamin C has been shown to support microbial balance in the gastric mucosa by promoting an environment where healthy microflora can thrive, increasing tissue antioxidant status, and enhancing the absorption of key nutrients. High-dose vitamin C has also been shown to balance cytokines and help maintain healthy C-reactive protein levels in 75% of patients assessed. A cross-sectional study of lean and obese men aged 21± for three years found that higher vitamin C status was associated with better maintenance of normal inflammatory balance and blood vessel health. Bioflavonoids Bioflavonoids are a group of plant pigments that provide the colors of many fruits and flowers. Flavonoid intake is associated with cardiovascular health and microbial balance. Bioflavonoids are used to support connective tissue and joint comfort, as well as respiratory and eye health. Citrus bioflavonoids have also been shown to cross the blood-brain barrier, impart neuroprotective effects, and promote healthy cell growth, detoxification enzymes, vasodilation, and healthy platelet function. Quercetin, a flavonoid found in a variety of herbs, vegetables, and fruits, is an antioxidant that inhibits inducible ICAM-1 expression, an important pathway for maintaining normal inflammatory balance. It has also been shown to support epithelial barrier function in the intestines, to stabilize mast cells by releasing cytoprotective factors, and to promote the balanced release of inflammatory mediators from mast cells. Rutin and hesperidin complex are strong antioxidants, which increase intracellular levels of vitamin C and offer similar benefits to quercetin.
