Immune System and Vitamin C

[Tarkana]

So I've heard a lot of ppl take vitamin c to keep their immune system up and not get sick. so i was wondering, is it because vitamin c is a water-soluble antioxidant? because if that were the reason, wouldn't grape seed extract be better? or is there something special about vitamin C itself?

[Magnetic]

So I've heard a lot of ppl take vitamin c to keep their immune system up and not get sick. so i was wondering, is it because vitamin c is a water-soluble antioxidant? because if that were the reason, wouldn't grape seed extract be better? or is there something special about vitamin C itself?

Theoretically, that's a plausible approach. Unfortunately, despite being water- soluble, the main antioxidant constituent of grape seed extract (proanthocyanidins) is not very bioavailable. (1) Also, immune enhancement, whether indirect T-cell enhancement as a result of dendritic cell stimulation or direct T-cell enhancement by grape seed extract has yet to be shown as it has in vitamin C. Grape seed extract is more known for its cell membrane stabilizing properties, especially regarding degranulation of mast cells.

1. Manach C, Williamson G, Morand C, Scalbert A, Remesy C. Bioavailability and bioefficacy of polyphenols in humans. I. Review of 97 bioavailability studies. Am J Clin Nutr. 2005 Jan;81(1 Suppl):230S-242S.

[Tarkana]

holy ****, thats way more than i expected. so i guess that goes for other antioxidants too? just use the good ol vitamin c...

[Magnetic]

holy ****, thats way more than i expected. so i guess that goes for other antioxidants too? just use the good ol vitamin c...

I found the question interesting.

That does not necessarily apply for other antioxidants, but that is a general flaw of most polyphenols purported to have antioxidant properties. In order of decreasing bioavailability:

1. Gallic acid and isoflavones
2. Catechins, flavanones, and quercetin glucosides (with varying kinetics)
3. Proanthocyanidins, galloylated tea catechins, and anthocyanins

Interestingly, vitamin C and polyphenols tend to have a synergistic effect. The mechanism of how they 'preserve' each other is not clear yet, but they do have a sparing effect on each other.

[Tarkana]

um, ok... s what would u recommend? wait, which was polyphenols again? i didnt really get that

[Magnetic]

um, ok... s what would u recommend? wait, which was polyphenols again? i didnt really get that

They're all types of polyphenols (at least those listed on the previous post). As for recommendation, it really depends on your goal. For example, I have mild seasonal allergies, but I find grape seed extract is effective for suppressing most symptoms. That response will vary depending on severity of allergic response, though. As for vitamin C, I keep it stable at 1.5grams/day. Again, just depends on goals.

[PrimeBeef]

Since vitamins work synergystically, taking one supplement (like Vitamin C) to boost your immune system may not be effective if you are deficient in other nutrients. A good multi vitamin/mineral should serve as the base of any supplement program.

On top of the multi, other nutrients can be added to achieve the desired result. I have been taking a broad spectrum of supplements and antioxidants (including 9-15 grams of Vitamin C daily) to support immune function for years. Also included in my personal regiment are E, CoQ10, Beta Carotene, ALA, ALC, Curcumin, EFA, Reservatrol, dhea, and melatonin. This is based on a program by Dr. Michael Colgan. It has worked very very well for me.

[liquid_fire]

Vitamin C is wayy over rated

Zinc ****ing rapes colds

[Magnetic]

A good multi vitamin/mineral should serve as the base of any supplement program.

Way to state the obvious, but the original question was directed toward a direct comparison of vitamin C and grape seed extract only.

[PrimeBeef]

Way to state the obvious, but the original question was directed toward a direct comparison of vitamin C and grape seed extract only.

Nice attack for no apparent reason, but my point was that neither will be effective if other nutrients are missing.

[Tarkana]

well, i already take a multi. thank for the info magnetic, reps

[Cp bball3]

i take 1000mg of Vitamin C after and before workin out, is that ok?

[Magnetic]

i take 1000mg of Vitamin C after and before workin out, is that ok?

Should be fine. Pre- and post-workout vitamin C will also aid the blunting of cortisol as a result of training.

[covert ash]

So if catechins and other assorted polyphenols have poor bioavailability, would it be wise to take them on an empty stomach to ensure better absorption? I ask this (more than anything in regards to green tea) because it has been suggested from Loky to take the green tea extract caps with food. Agree? Disagree? Thanks.

[Magnetic]

So if catechins and other assorted polyphenols have poor bioavailability, would it be wise to take them on an empty stomach to ensure better absorption? I ask this (more than anything in regards to green tea) because it has been suggested from Loky to take the green tea extract caps with food. Agree? Disagree? Thanks.

No, actually, taking them with food enhances their absorption better than taking them on an empty stomach. In essence, it's much like taking a multivitamin. The presence of gastric juices ensures improved breakdown and assimilation of nutrients as opposed to taking it on an empty stomach when gastric production is limited.

As a general rule, nutrients taken on an empty stomach are those that may have competitive inhibitors; for example, arginine. Otherwise, consumption with food is the recommended approach.

Hope that helps.

[covert ash]

Awesome, thank you.