XYMOGEN, Xcellent C™ 120 Capsules

Xcellent C™ is a high-potency vitamin C formula with 7.5 mg of BioPerine^® per capsule. BioPerine, a proprietary black pepper extract, is present to promote the absorption and bioavailability of vitamin C. Vitamin C provides valuable antioxidant protection and is necessary for the production of collagen, an integral component of blood vessels, tendons, ligaments, and bone. This essential water-soluble vitamin is also required to synthesize neurotransmitters and carnitine. Xcellent C contains buffering minerals to help prevent potential stomach upset.*

• High-Potency Vitamin C Formula Provides 750 mg of Vitamin C per Capsule
• Formulated with BioPerine® to Enhance Nutrient Bioavailability*
• Supports Immune and Antioxidant Systems*
• Supports Production of Collagen, Carnitine, and Neurotransmitters*
• Buffered with Minerals to Help Prevent Potential Stomach Upset*

Vitamin C (ascorbic acid) is a water-soluble vitamin that is essential to humans and must be obtained exogenously. While most mammals can synthesize vitamin C, humans are unable to. This is because humans lack one of the enzymes required to synthesize vitamin C from glucose. Stress, smoking, pollution, radiation and heavy metal exposure, immune challenges, and temperature change all increase the human requirement for vitamin C. Well-known functions of this versatile vitamin include antioxidant protection from free radicals and oxidative processes; synthesis of collagen, carnitine, and neurotransmitters; and immune stimulation and support.[1-3] Vitamin C functions as a cofactor for several metabolic enzymes and is involved in protein metabolism. It also plays a lesser-known role in the deactivation of histamine.*[4,5]

Collagen is a fundamental component of bone, tendons, ligaments, and blood vessels. Vitamin C’s role in collagen formation makes it vital to maintaining skin, capillary, gum, joint, and skeletal health.[1,3,6] Vitamin C’s role in promoting and maintaining collagen, and consequently skin integrity, was recognized as early as the 1930s in published surgical journals.*[7]

Synthesis of carnitine depends on vitamin C, highlighting vitamin C’s role in energy production. Carnitine is the “car” that shuttles fatty acids into the mitochondria where they can be converted to the energy-yielding molecule adenosine triphosphate (ATP). Synthesis of certain hormones and neurotransmitters depends on vitamin C as well. It is required for the conversion of dopamine to norepinephrine—a neurotransmitter that is of great importance in maintaining healthy mood and brain function.*[3]

Protecting tissues and organs from oxidative damage is believed to be pivotal in maintaining health in the body.[8,9] Ascorbate, the reduced form of vitamin C (the form found in Xcellent C™), is a generous donor of electrons, allowing it to counteract oxidative free radicals. This property makes ascorbate an ideal antioxidant that can protect cells and tissues as well as regenerate other antioxidants. In turn, various nutrients and compounds, such as glutathione and alpha-lipoic acid, can regenerate vitamin C and extend its antioxidant protection. Recognizing the importance of vitamin C as a protective antioxidant, the Institute of Medicine, an independent and non-profit organization that provides advice on health and science to decision-makers and the public, recommended increasing vitamin C requirements for smokers due to their exposure to toxins and oxidative elements in cigarette smoke.[1] Additionally, vitamin C can limit the formation of carcinogens, such as nitrosamines.*[1]

Vitamin C supplementation has been studied for more than six decades concerning moderating the severity or duration of acute immune challenges.[1,3,10] Benefits are most notable in cases of extreme physical stress.[2] Within three meta-analyses, in a subgroup of six studies, vitamin C reduced signs of acute immune challenge by an average of 50% in marathon runners, skiers, and soldiers who had been physically stressed or exposed to cold temperatures.*[11]

Adequate intake and retention is necessary to maintain vitamin C status in the body. Total stores can range from 300 mg (considered too low to maintain health) to 2000 mg. The highest concentrations can be found in leukocytes, eyes, adrenal and pituitary glands, and the brain.[1] Relatively low levels are maintained in plasma, so plasma vitamin C measurement may not be useful in the assessment of vitamin C status. According to pharmacokinetic studies, an oral dose of 1.25 g of vitamin C per day will produce mean peak plasma concentrations of 135 micromol/L (approximately twice the level reached by consuming 200-300 mg/d of ascorbic acid from foods rich in vitamin C).[1] The Linus Pauling Institute at Oregon State University recommends a base dose of 250 mg of vitamin C twice a day.[3] For optimal health, Dr. Pauling recommends 2.3 g or more per 2500 kcals.[12] Individual tolerance should be determined, as some ascorbic acid is metabolized to oxalic acid and excreted in the urine. Bowel tolerance to higher doses of vitamin C may vary from individual to individual as well.*

Other Ingredients

Capsule (hypromellose and water), stearic acid, medium-chain triglyceride oil, magnesium stearate, and silica.

Directions

Take two capsules twice daily, or as directed by your healthcare professional.

Consult your healthcare professional before use. Individuals taking medication should discuss potential interactions with their healthcare professional. Do not use if the tamper seal is damaged.

Storage

Keep closed in a cool, dry place out of reach of children.

Formulated To Exclude

Wheat, gluten, yeast, soy, animal and dairy products, fish, shellfish, peanuts, tree nuts, eggs, sesame, ingredients derived from genetically modified organisms (GMOs), artificial colors, and artificial sweeteners.

References

1. NIH Office of Dietary Supplements. Dietary Supplement Fact Sheet: Vitamin C. http://ods.od.nih.gov/factsheets/VitaminC-HealthProfessional/. Accessed September 3, 2012.

2. Schlueter AK, Johnston CS. Vitamin C: overview and update. Journal of Evidence-Based Complementary & Alternative Medicine (JEBCAM). 2011; 16(1) 49-57. http://chp.sagepub.com/content/16/1/49.full.pdf+html. Accessed August 23, 2012.

3. Linus Pauling Institute. Vitamin C. Updated November 2009. http://lpi. oregonstate.edu/infocenter/vitamins/vitaminC/. Accessed August 15, 2012.

4. Johnston CS. The antihistamine action of ascorbic acid. Subcell Biochem. 1996;25:189-213. [PMID: 8821975]

5. Strohle A, Wolters M, Hahn A. Micronutrients at the interface between inflammation and infection—ascorbic acid and calciferol: part 1, general overview with a focus on ascorbic acid. Inflamm Allergy Drug Targets. 2011 Feb;10(1):54-63. [PMID: 21184650]

6. MacKay D, Miller AL. Nutritional support for wound healing. Altern Med Rev. 2003 Nov;8(4):359-77. [PMID: 14653765]

7. Lanman TH, Ingalls TH. Vitamin C deficiency and wound healing: An experimental and clinical study. Ann Surg. 1937 Apr;105(4):616-25. [PMID: 17856964]

8. Jacob RA, Sotoudeh G. Vitamin C function and status in chronic disease. Nutr Clin Care. 2002 Mar-Apr;5(2):66-74. [PMID: 12134712]

9. Li Y, Schellhorn HE. New developments and novel therapeutic perspectives for vitamin C. J Nutr. 2007 Oct;137(10):2171-84. [PMID: 17884994]

10. Wintergerst ES, Maggini S, Hornig DH. Immune-enhancing role of vitamin C and zinc and effect on clinical conditions. Ann Nutr Metab. 2006;50(2):85-94. [PMID: 16373990]

11. Douglas RM, Hemilä H, Chalker E, et al. Vitamin C for preventing and treating the common cold. Cochrane Database Syst Rev. 2007 Jul 18;(3): CD000980. [PMID: 17636648]

12. Pauling L. Evolution and the need for ascorbic acid. Proc Natl Acad Sci USA. 1970 Dec;67(4):1643-8. [PMID: 5275366]

13. BioPerine®. About BioPerine®. http://www.bioperine.com/about-bioperine.html. Accessed September 4, 2012.