VITA C 60 tablets

Vitamin C, the Nobel Prize vitamin

The human body is unable to synthesise vitamin C, also known as ascorbic acid or ascorbate. However, this vitamin is essential to our bodies. In fact, Vitamin C even earned Norman Haworth the Nobel Prize for Chemistry in 1937! Vitamin C should be ingested regularly, as body stores are limited(McArdle & et al, 1998).

Vitamin C in VITA C Athlete's Health is a valuable ergogenic aid, owing to its various actions:

• Iron metabolism: Vitamin C increases the absorption of dietary iron. Iron plays a key role in the transport of oxygen in the bloodstream and muscles. This mineral is also involved in energy production through oxidative phosphorylation. Iron deficiencies may compromise athletic performance. These deficiencies occur more frequently in female and adolescent athletes primarily engaged in endurance sports, as a result of increased iron loss through haemolysis (destruction of red blood cells), haematuria (blood loss in urine), sweat and gastrointestinal haemorrhage (particularly in athletes taking high doses of anti-inflammatory agents).

• Connective tissue: Vitamin C is involved in Collagen synthesis. Vitamin C is a co-factor of two key enzymes in collagen synthesis: lysyl hydroxylase and prolyl hydroxylase, which catalyse the hydroxylation of lysyl and prolyl groups in Collagen polypeptides, respectively. Collagen is a structural protein found in skin, bones, tendons and cartilage; therefore, vitamin C plays an important role in tissue repair, especially after exercise and overuse.

• Carnitine synthesis: Vitamin C plays a key role in the hydroxylation reactions involved in carnitine synthesis. Carnitine carries fatty acids into the mitochondria, where they are used to produce energy for muscle cells.

• Antioxidant: Excessive production of free radicals can lead to cell damage. Antioxidants reduce tiredness and fatigue.

• Immune system: Vitamin C strengthens the immune system, helping keep illness at bay during and after exercise.

• Neurotransmitter and hormone synthesis: Vitamin C is involved in the synthesis of neurotransmitters such as adrenaline and serotonin. Vitamin C also reduces fatigue caused by increased cortisol levels during intense and prolonged exercise, owing to its role as a coenzyme in the metabolism of cortisol, serotonin and adrenaline, amongst others.

• Macronutrient metabolism: Vitamin C plays a key role in carbohydrate metabolism and promotes glycogen storage in the muscles and liver. (Veríssimo, 1999) VITA C Athlete's Health contains high levels of vitamin C, namely from Rose hip. Rose hip enhances the action of VITA C, an ideal supplement for increasing athletic performance and boosting Vitamin C levels. Rose hip contains high levels of vitamin C and boasts antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activity (anti-inflammatory galactolipid) (Lattanzio & et al, 2011).