Vitamin C
6× the UK NRV. Water-soluble antioxidant essential for collagen synthesis, immune cell function, and non-haem iron absorption. The most-studied vitamin in clinical nutrition.
Mechanism
Vitamin C (L-ascorbic acid) is a cofactor for prolyl hydroxylase and lysyl hydroxylase - the enzymes required for collagen cross-linking into its stable triple-helix structure. Without vitamin C, newly synthesised collagen is degraded before it can be incorporated into tissue; this is the direct mechanism underlying scurvy.
In the immune system, vitamin C accumulates in neutrophils to 20-100× plasma levels, protecting these cells from their own oxidant output during phagocytosis. At 500mg, this formula targets the tissue saturation level established in pharmacokinetic studies - 6× the UK NRV of 80mg.
Key Benefits
- Essential cofactor for collagen synthesis and structural integrity
- Primary water-soluble antioxidant in plasma and cells
- Supports neutrophil and immune cell function
- Enhances non-haem iron absorption by up to 6×
- 6× UK NRV - dosed at tissue saturation level
The Research
Peer-reviewed human trials supporting this ingredient at this dose.
Vitamin C
500mgL-Ascorbic Acid - pharmaceutical grade
Any time, with or without food. Water-soluble - excess is excreted. Split dosing (2 × 250mg) may improve plasma retention.