Vitamin C (ascorbic acid) is a key antioxidant, protecting cells throughout the body from free radical damage. It plays an integral role in the production of cellular energy, and is essential for the proper metabolism of carbohydrates and the synthesis of fats and proteins. Vitamin C also helps break down cholesterol, promotes wound healing, and helps maintain healthy immune function. Thorne’s Vitamin C with Flavonoids contains ascorbic acid and citrus flavonoids. The flavonoids are a mixture of naturally-occurring flavonoids, including rutin, hesperidin, and quercetin. And there is no corn starch contained in this supplement, as it is in many other vitamin C supplements. Although ascorbic acid will work in the body without flavonoids, it works better when accompanied by flavonoid molecules, because the bioflavonoids spare vitamin C, thus providing greater antioxidant capacity.

Vitamin C is an essential, water-soluble antioxidant that can enhance collagen stabilization. A vitamin C deficiency can result in poor collagen cross-linkage and weaker connective tissue. Vitamin C promotes wound healing because it is a cofactor in the synthesis of collagen and other connective tissue components.

Because bioflavonoids have some of the same mechanisms of action as vitamin C, they can potentiate the effect of ascorbic acid. Vitamin C and bioflavonoids both support immune function, connective tissue formation, cellular energy production, and antioxidant activity. Factors dictating a need for higher vitamin C intake include smoking, alcohol ingestion, stress, diabetes, environmental toxicity, and the use of certain medications.

Vitamin C also serves as a cofactor in the synthesis of important neurotransmitters in the body, such as dopamine and norepinephrine.