Regular vitamin C can cause stomach upset, especially when taken in higher doses, and your body can struggle to absorb the quantities you need for improved immune response and other benefits. Compared to buffered vitamin C, the unbuffered form is less bioavailable and more likely to cause discomfort, so buffering the vitamin helps improve absorption and reduce some side effects. Bhagavan H.N., Wolkoff B.I. Correlation between the disintegration time and the bioavailability of vitamin C tablets. Pharm. Res. 1993; 10: 239–242.

To understand both allergic and associated addictive phenomenon, we can look at the two conditions as aspects of food intolerance. In allergy-addiction, there are three principle stages. The first stage is characterised by an acute allergic reaction to a toxic substance. The allergic reaction itself can result in a drastic reduction in blood sugar with the accompanying symptomatology: weakness, hunger, and irritability. Uchida E., Kondo Y., et al. Absorption and excretion of ascorbic acid alone and in acerola (Malpighia emarginata) juice: Comparison in healthy Japanese subjects. Biol. Pharm. Bull. 2011; 34:1744 – 1747. Uchida E, Kondo Y, et al. Absorption and excretion of ascorbic acid alone and in acerola (Malpighia emarginata) juice: comparison in healthy Japanese subjects. Biol Pharm Bull. 2011;34(11):1744-1747.A buffered form of vitamin C is an improved alternative to the sodium and potassium bicarbonate combination, free of sodium and with a neutral taste. It also contains large quantities of calcium and magnesium, which have anti-allergy effects of their own. Eventually, the adaptation is so strong that the body and mind become dependent on the substance, or, in other words, “hooked.” You must consume it at regular intervals to avoid withdrawal symptoms. When you try to quit, your body craves it: you are addicted in the truest sense of the word, and you will experience the addictive aspect of the “allergy-addiction syndrome.” The final stage occurs when the body fails to maintain adaptation and experiences the allergic and addicted symptomatology simultaneously.

So you’ve decided you could do with some extra vitamin C. But how do you know which is the best vitamin C supplement for you? With so many different types it can be a real challenge to choose. Don’t worry, help is at hand! Here’s a useful overview on the different types of vitamin C, to help you make the decision that’s right for you. Ascorbic acid is the type of vitamin C found naturally in food. It has good bioavailability but some people find it too acidic on their gut and can’t tolerate higher doses. Most common mineral ascorbates include sodium ascorbate, calcium ascorbate, potassium ascorbate and magnesium ascorbate. It is important to note however that both the ascorbic acid and the mineral are typically well absorbed so the dose of the accompanying mineral needs to be taken into account alongside the ascorbic acid, especially when taking a higher dosage. 22 Time-release vitamin CThey found this increased rate of absorption correlated with increased cellular protection from toxic pesticides and concluded that vitamin C-lipid metabolites (PureWay-C) have potent antioxidant and significant free radical scavenging capabilities. 28 Typically, the small intestine absorbs up to 100 mg of vitamin C from food per day. Once the cells have become saturated with vitamin C, they cannot absorb more. Sodium Ascorbate is a stomach friendly form of Vitamin C. It is gentler on the gastrointestinal system compared to Ascorbic Acid which is more acidic. Vitamin C is essential for the growth and repair of your body’s tissues including bone, skin, and blood vessels. It cannot be produced by the body and must be replenished daily. As a powerful antioxidant , it can combat the damaging effects of free radicals, which is why it is associated with preventing conditions like cancer, cataracts, and heart disease. It can help speed wound healing, boost the immune system, and aid in the absorption of iron .