Can you explain me the difference between Ester C and our Vitamin C time release?
R/ Lamberts Ester-C 650mg is also described as calcium ascorbate. This product is fast absorbed and, according to the US patent holder, is well retained in the body. They furthermore state that the manufacturing process involved creates other compounds called ‘metabolites’ of vitamin C, which are believed to impart certain properties to Ester-C. They claim that this product is an improved form of the C vitamin because it is considered to be more bio-available that ordinary vitamin C, leading to higher vitamin C levels inside cells which stay in the body longer and less is excreted in urine. Lamberts were the first company to launch Ester-C in the UK, hence why it is still on our range, however feedback from practitioners state that they prefer the time release formula. Others state they find little significant change between the two when testing and so prefer the time release form due to the higher dose compared to price equation. What we do know is that Ester-C is non acidic (it has a neutral PH in solution), which means that it is certainly a very gentle form of vitamin C, which may be useful for those who experience intestinal difficulties when taking acidic forms of vitamin C. This is the same as for the forms of gentle vitamin C and calcium ascorbate.
The Lamberts Vitamin C time release formulas do not contain any calcium but are a high strength product designed for convenience that retains its nutrient levels in micropellets allowing them to be released slowly after the tablet has been swallowed. The absorption of vitamin C is a continuous process over 6 – 8 hours which allows the gradually absorption of vitamin C into the blood stream. It is recommended that Vitamin C is best taken in small amounts throughout the day because it is rapidly lost from the body. The time release formulas also contain bioflavonoid’s and rosehips that have been found to aid vitamin C absorption.
2) In Vitamin D 1000 UI, where does the modified starch?
R/ Modified starch means cellulose from a plant which has been heated to form a stable fibrous material which is used as a tablet binding material. The plant we use is corn for all supplements containing modified starch including vitamin D. Customers commonly misunderstand the word “modified” and wrongly assume it means “genetically modified” but this is certainly not the case! Also, bear in mind this is simply inert cellulose starch, so has no know allergenic properties and is widely found in the diet.
