Homepage

AlphaSorb-C™
NOW PRODUCT #: 0726
UPC: 733739007261-

 NOW ® AlphaSorb-C™ is a patent-pending formulation that combines the benefits of buffered vitamin C (ascorbate) with other antioxidants to create a product that specifically enhances ascorbate absorption, especially via the important glucose transport pathways. This makes AlphaSorb-C™ uniquely beneficial to the many millions of people with insulin resistance, or poor insulin sensitivity, who are prone to have poor ascorbate status, as well as for everyone seeking to improve vitamin C uptake into the bloodstream and cells. AlphaSorb-C™ is a nature-identical formulation designed to provide an alternative to the popular types of vitamin C developed years ago. It is available in a non-acidic, gentle form.


The decision to make these product advancements was based on a number of factors. Ultimately, the most innovative new formulas are being brought to the market as a result of ongoing research and advanced technology. Much has been learned about how vitamin C functions within the body, as well as which conditions provide the most optimal environment for its absorption and utilization. Over the past two years, NOW researchers closely monitored these findings in order to develop a formula that would set new standards for the efficacy of vitamin C and function-boosting co-factors.
 

One significant finding involves the unique absorption abilities of threonic acid – a metabolite of ascorbic acid. An article published in the October 2007 Medical Science Monitor provided convincing evidence of the compound's unique absorption abilities in a double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical study that concluded threonic acid had two very beneficial characteristics: First, it increases the amount of vitamin C that it is taken up by the immune system's T-cells; Secondly, it increases vitamin C's overall potency within the cells.

Based on these clinical studies and other scientific information, many vitamin C and Ester-C™ users are now turning to threonic acid-containing formulas as a potent source of cellular protection. These findings, coupled with growing public interest in the potential of vitamin C metabolites, inspired NOW to develop AlphaSorb-C™. Realizing that absorption and utilization of vitamin C were key benefits that had to be provided by any new formulation, a theory was developed suggesting that vitamin C could be transported via active glucose transport pathways. This theory was found to be valid, and it was determined that the transport mechanism could be enhanced through proper formulation.

Human cell laboratory work demonstrated the benefits of AlphaSorb-C™ over ascorbic acid and a United States patent was applied for, specifically for the purpose of recognizing the compound's unique mechanism of action. The efficacy of AlphaSorb-C™ is based on the unique combination of a non-acidic vitamin C plus certain metabolites, notably threonic acid and alpha lipoic acid.

The known benefits of non-acidic vitamin C and metabolites are combined with substances that stimulate vitamin C transport into cells, enhancing absorption into both the bloodstream and immune cells, while stimulating utilization by immune cells. Additionally, because of the ability of AlphaSorb-C™ to enhance vitamin C absorption via glucose transport channels, it is an ideal and suitable source of vitamin C for diabetics and those with blood sugar imbalances; individuals who traditionally struggle when it comes to maintaining healthy vitamin C levels.

Studies have determined that alpha lipoic acid may enhance the body's ability to better utilize vitamin C in other ways, such as enhancing absorption through glucose pathways into cells, thus stimulating utilization in repair and protection activities. * Finally, this innovative new nature-identical vitamin C formula from NOW is 100% vegetarian, and has been enhanced with synergistic bioflavonoids to ensure that its active constituents are well-absorbed and highly effective. NOW ® AlphaSorb-C™ is the culmination of ongoing advanced scientific research.

 

  
 
Nutrition Info
 
  Amount Per Serving % Daily Value
Vitamin C (from Threonic Acid Enhanced Buffered Calcium Ascorbate)  1.0 g (1,000 mg)   1667% 
Calcium (from Buffered Calcium Ascorbate)  120 mg   12% 
Alpha Lipoic Acid  100 mg   † 
Citrus Bioflavonoids (37% total bioflavonoids as Hesperidin)  75 mg   † 
Acerola Powder  25 mg   † 
Rose Hips Powder (Rosa canina) (Seed)  25 mg   † 
Rutin  25 mg   † 
* Percent Daily Values are based on 2,000 calorie diet.
† Daily Value not established.
 


 


References:

1. Weeks BS, Perez PP. Absorption rates and free radical scavenging values of vitamin C-lipid metabolites in human lymphoblastic cells. Med Sci Monitor. 2007 Oct; 13(10):BR205-10.

2. Internal Study, NOW Foods, 2007

3. Rowe DJ, Ko S, Tom XM, Silverstein SJ, Richards DW. Enhanced production of mineralized nodules and collagenous proteins in vitro by calcium ascorbate supplemented with vitamin C metabolites. Jour Periodontal. 1999 Sep;70(9):992-9

4. Constantinescu A, Tritschler H, Packer L. Alpha-Lipoic acid protects against hemolysis of human erythrocytes induced by peroxyl radicals. Biochem Mol Biol Int. 1994 Jul;33(4):669-79.

5. U.S. Patent Application: 1, Serial #11,877,230
Homepage