Optimally, BIO C should be taken 3 times a day, one with each meal. This will ensure adequate levels of Vitamin C and bioflavonoids in the blood stream throughout the whole day. This is far more effective than taking a larger single dose of the vitamin. Being water soluble, Vitamin C stays in the blood stream for only 3-4 hours and must be replenished every few hours for maximum benefit. In fact, according to research conducted by Dr. Cheraskin, one 500 mg tablet taken every 4 hours (three per day), provides higher average blood level of Vitamin C than a single dose of 5,000 mg.
BIO C tablets contain 500 mg of vitamin C plus 250 mg of citrus bioflavonoids containing not less than 50% hesperidin as measured by High Pressure Liquid Chromatography (HPLC). Current nutritional knowledge supports the idea first suggested by Dr. Albert Szent-Györgyi, the 1937 Nobel Prize winner for the discovery of Vitamin C and the Bioflavonoids; that bioflavonoids and vitamin C should always be provided together in equal ratio. Vitamin C and bioflavonoids together play a vital role in the health and permeability of the capillaries, the distal end of the arterial network.
Vitamin C is involved in virtually every biochemical and biological reaction in the body. It is required for the synthesis of connective tissues such as chondroitin sulphate and collagen. It stimulates lymphocytes, heightening their ability to resist and overcome disease. It is necessary for wound healing, and it aids in the formation of red blood cells. Vitamin C is required to convert cholesterol to bile acids and it helps regulate blood fats. It helps with calcium absorption and it enhances the absorption of dietary iron by up to 400%.
Vitamin C is a powerful antioxidant which protects the B vitamins and vitamin E from oxidation. Vitamin C enhances immune function, protecting all tissues in the body including the brain and spinal cord from damage by free radicals and toxins. Due to its antioxidant properties, Vitamin C helps protect against the stress of surgery, radiation and chemotherapy.
Bioflavonoids, often called Vitamin P (P for permeability), were first discovered and named by Dr. Albert Szent-Gyorgyi, the discoverer of Vitamin C. Bioflavonoids are water-soluble flavone derivatives which include Hesperidin, Quercitin, Naringin and Rutin. Bioflavonoids are found along with Vitamin C in foods such as citrus fruits, green peppers and buckwheat.
Bioflavonoids are essential for the absorption and utilization of Vitamin C. The bioavailability of Vitamin C is enhanced when adequate bioflavonoids are present, and in turn, the bioavailability of bioflavonoids is enhanced when adequate Vitamin C is present. They assist Vitamin C in keeping collagen, the "intercellular cement" in a healthy condition. As a potent antioxidant, bioflavonoids keep Vitamin C and adrenalin from being oxidized by copper-containing enzymes. They reduce the risk of heart disease by their ability to lower cholesterol and triglycerides. They improve capillary permeability and reduce red blood cell aggregation. They have anti-allergy and anti-inflammatory activity and reduce swelling and body fluid concentration at sites of inflammation, and they dilate small arteries, improving circulation. They stimulate bile production, influence endocrine glands and have anti-parasitic and anti-bacterial properties. Bioflavonoids reduce platelet adhesiveness and the incidence of heart disease and stroke.
BIO C uses one of the most potent forms of Bioflavonoids with a Hesperidin content of not less than 50%. Together, Vitamin C and Bioflavonoids have proven helpful in treating capillary injuries and they help minimize contact sport bruising. They also have proven helpful in the treatment of bleeding gums, eczema and haemorrhaging.
While Vitamin C, and probably Bioflavonoids, are essential nutrients upon which life depends, they are only part of the nutritional requirements necessary for optimum health. A proper nutritional supplement programme which includes balanced levels of all the essential vitamins, minerals, enzymes and essential fatty acids is necessary to help maintain good health over one's lifetime.