Clinical study shows that Ester-C stays in the body longer than other vitamin C
NBTY research demonstrates that taking Ester-C provides immune support for up to 24 hours
A new clinical study conducted by NBTY, a leading global wellness company, demonstrated that Ester-C, a patented form of vitamin C, stays in immune cells longer than regular vitamin C (ascorbic acid) currently on the market.
The study, published in SpringerPlus, reports that Ester-C significantly increases vitamin C concentrations in white blood cells (leukocytes; cell of the immune system) up to 24 hours following a single oral administration of 1000mg of vitamin C.
This is the first clinical trial comparing vitamin C retention in leukocytes between Ester-C and ascorbic acid in both male and female non-smokers.
In this double-blind, placebo-controlled, crossover trial, 30 healthy subjects aged 18-60 years were randomised to receive placebo (0mg of vitamin C), ascorbic acid (1000mg of vitamin C) and Ester-C (1000mg of vitamin C), each preceded by a 7-day washout period.
The Ester-C group had a significantly higher mean concentration change in leukocyte vitamin C, while there was no change in the ascorbic acid or placebo groups. The Ester-C group also had a significantly higher per cent change in leukocyte vitamin C compared with ascorbic acid at 8 and 24 h after the oral consumption.
Dr Susan Hazels Mitmesser, author of the study and Sr Director of Nutrition & Scientific Affairs at NBTY, said: 'This study is a great example of the commitment NBTY has to scientific diligence around our product innovations. As new ingredients and areas of research emerge, our scientific leadership will continue to be a priority and a differentiator in the scientific community and the supplement market with NBTY products leading the way.'
'Ester-C is the only product of its kind on the market, and customers can easily find it by the '24-Hour Immune Support' call out on the label,' added John Frame, Vice President of Marketing for Ester-C. 'This product has been clinically studied to stay in the white blood cells longer than regular vitamin C — a distinct advantage to anyone looking to nutritionally support their immune system all day long.'