What is Calcium Ascorbate Buffered Vitamin C? Calcium ascorbate is a buffered form of Vitamin C (Ascorbic Acid). It is a calcium salt combined with ascorbic acid and is gentler for people with sensitive gastrointestinal tracts. Humans have only three of the four enzymes necessary to produce ascorbic acid and must eat vitamin C-rich foods or nutritional supplements to meet their daily needs. PureBulk carries several types of vitamin C supplements, including Ascorbyl Palmitate, Sodium Ascorbate, and pure Vitamin C (Ascorbic Acid). Calcium Ascorbate vs Ascorbic Acid Calcium ascorbate and ascorbic acid both have high bioavailability. However, calcium ascorbate is best for individuals who experience side effects from ascorbic acid or individuals with acid reflux. The calcium buffers the acidity and reduces the likelihood of indigestion, heartburn, and diarrhea. The addition of calcium reduces the acidic nature of this vitamin substantially, as stomach acid changes the ascorbate ion to ascorbic acid without increasing stomach acid levels. Calcium ascorbate is also a good source of calcium. PureBulk’s calcium ascorbate contains 98mg of calcium and provides around 10% of daily nutritional calcium needs. Ascorbic acid also facilitates calcium and iron absorption, making them more bioavailable to the cells. Potential Calcium Ascorbate Benefits Vitamin C as an Antioxidant Ascorbic acid is a powerful antioxidant in its own right, and it increases levels of other antioxidants as well. It 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. It synergizes with vitamin E (another antioxidant) to enhance each other’s effects. Vitamin C and Connective Tissue Vitamin C is essential to produce collagen, as it participates in hydrolyzing proline. Proline accounts for 10% of the amino acid content found in collagen. Collagen is a protein substance that supports the integrity of fibrous tissues. The body needs it to develop and maintain healthy teeth, bones, gums, cartilage, vertebrae discs, joint linings, skin, and blood vessels. By supporting collagen production, vitamin C plays an essential role in wound healing and repairing damaged connective tissues. Vitamin C and Immune System Vitamin C may be useful as an immune stimulator and modulator. Vitamin C promotes resistance to infection through the immunologic activity of leukocytes, the production of interferon, and maintaining mucous membranes. Ascorbic acid also helps neutrophils (white blood cells) remove toxins, pathogens, and other germs from the body. Taking vitamin C and zinc together may further enhance the immune support properties of both supplements. Purity and Concentration of Calcium Ascorbate Buffered Vitamin C PureBulk’s calcium ascorbate contains no fillers, additives, or anti-caking agents. Each molecule of calcium ascorbate buffered vitamin C yields 90% actual vitamin C and 10% calcium. Potential Side Effects of Calcium Ascorbate Buffered Vitamin C Calcium ascorbate is generally nontoxic, and side effects rarely occur. High amounts (more than 2,000 milligrams daily) of vitamin C may cause diarrhea, gas, or stomach upset. Any side effects from supplementation generally are reduced or disappear with a decrease in use. A high intake of ascorbic acid may reduce copper levels in the body. Individuals with an existing copper deficiency or marginal copper stores should consult a physician before taking calcium ascorbate. People with iron storage conditions such as hemochromatosis should also consult a physician before taking vitamin C supplements since vitamin C increases iron absorption. Pregnant women should consult their prenatal care professional when using vitamin C supplements. Infants born to mothers taking high amounts of vitamin C could develop rebound scurvy (ascorbic acid deficiency disease) due to a sudden drop in vitamin C levels after birth. However, this usually only occurred in women who consumed more than 6,000 mg of vitamin C regularly. Bioavailability, Mixing, and Solubility of Calcium Ascorbate Buffered Vitamin C Calcium ascorbate has a neutral pH and is easier for the body to absorb and use. It mixes well in a glass of juice or water. Stir well and drink immediately. References and Further Research https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/16644619 https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/14498993/ https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/3667346 https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/17509858 https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/24796079/ https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/25157026 https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/10075731/ https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/4601508 https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/23440782 https://journals.plos.org/plosmedicine/article/info%3Adoi%2F10.1371%2Fjournal.pmed.0020168 https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/16297506/ https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/20200263 https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/10799377 https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/8864290 https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/9109530 https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/1983355 https://www.thelancet.com/journals/lancet/article/PIIS0140-6736(74)91874-1/fulltext https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/10101920 https://jcp.bmj.com/content/54/3/176 https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/12805247 https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0891584998001324 https://www.sciencedirect.com/topics/medicine-and-dentistry/ascorbic-acid-deficiency https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/700025 WebMD: The benefits of Vitamin Chttps://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/6641851 https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/15785002/ University of Maryland: Vitamin C overview The Bioavailability of Different Forms of Vitamin C
