Centreforce Phytofood C-Plex

Phytofood C-Plex is a fortified formulation of natural fruit powders that contain high levels of nutrients; together forming the Vitamin C complex and that will ensure the facilitation of the uptake of Vitamin C in the body and enhance the antioxidant activities.

Both Ascorbic acid and Calcium Ascorbate are forms of vitamin C. Ascorbic acid is the pure form of vitamin C and Calcium Ascorbate is the buffered vitamin C, which means it is the non-acidic form of vitamin C and is gentle in the stomach. Vitamin C is necessary for collagen formation and tissue repair. It promotes healthy capillaries, gums and teeth; aids iron absorption; increases calcium absorption; helps heal wounds, burns and broken bones; reduces free-radical production; and strengthens blood vessels. It also aids the utilization of carbohydrates, synthesis of fats and proteins, and preservation of the integrity of blood-vessel walls.

Besides Ascorbic acid and Calcium Ascorbate, Phytofood C-Plex detracts the "naturalness" of the product from the natural citrus fruits. Citrus fruits contain bioflavonoids that affect the bioavailability of the Ascorbate part of vitamin C. Various studies have been done to find out the bioavailability and effectiveness of Ascorbic acids alone and in citrus extract. A study on this was done by Vinson JA and Bose P to determine the comparative bioavailability to humans of Ascorbic acid alone or in citrus extract. Ascorbate in the citrus extract was found to be more bioavailable than Ascorbic Acid alone in human subjects.

Another study demonstrated the significantly greater effectiveness of Ascorbic acid in a citrus extract compared to Ascorbic acid alone in diminishing the production of galactinol in rat lenses incubated in a high galactose media. The study showed that the greatest lens concentration of Ascorbate was found in the groups given of ascorbate and citrus extract and the combination of ascorbate and citrus extract slow down the progression of galactose cataracts.

This is one of the reasons that Phytofood C-Plex is formulated with air dried and freeze dried citrus fruits, orange, mandarin, lemon & lime; and fruits rich in Vitamin C, kiwifruit, rosehips, mango & passion fruit; as well as citrus and lemon bioflavonoids.

Ester-C® is also included in Phytofood C-Plex. It contains mainly Calcium Ascorbate and small amounts of the vitamin C metabolites such as Dehydroascorbic Acid, Calcium Threonate and trace levels of Xylonite and Lyxonate. The metabolites, especially Threonate, are claimed by the manufacturers to increase the bioavailability of the vitamin C.

Citrus and Lemon Bioflavonoids are a brightly coloured, chemical constituent of the pulp and rind of citrus fruits. It may act as an antioxidant, preventing vitamin C and adrenaline from being oxidized by copper-containing enzymes. It may also increase the effectiveness of vitamin C and decrease cholesterol levels.

D-alpha-tocopherol is the most absorbable form of vitamin E. It acts as an anti-blood clotting agent; promotes normal growth and development; promotes normal red-blood-cell formation; promotes vitamin C recycling; improves immunity; and functions as an antioxidant for the protection from cancer, heart disease, tissue and free radicals in the body.

Hesperidin is one of the bioflavonoids found in citrus foods. A study showed that hesperidin from oranges possessed significant anti-inflammatory and analgesic effects. Hesperidin also raises blood levels of the "good" high-density lipoprotein and lowers the "bad", low-density lipoprotein and triglycerides.

Rutin is a naturally occurring plant compound with antioxidant properties. It has the potential use for strengthening the immune system and may contain anti-inflammatory properties. One study showed rutin to be effective in reducing oxidative damage to red blood cells. Rutin was also shown to have a positive effect in preventing damage to the stomach from alcoholic consumption.

Zinc (monomethionine) is a trace mineral and a part of the molecular structure of 80 or more known enzymes which work with red blood cells to move carbon dioxide from tissues to lungs. It functions in antioxidant reactions; maintains one’s normal taste and sense of smell; aids wound healing; promotes normal fetal growth; helps synthesize DNA and RNA; promotes cell division, repair and growth; and maintains the normal level of vitamin A in blood. Zinc is a pivotal component of the antioxidant defense network that protects membranes from oxidation.

Riboflavin (Vitamin B2) acts as component in two coenzymes known as flavin adenine dinucleotide and flavin mononucleotide which are needed for tissue respiration and release of energy from food. It works in conjunction with other B vitamins and it activates vitamin B6. Riboflavin is essential for normal reproduction, growth, repair and development of body tissues including the skin, hair, nails, connective tissue and immune system. It is also vital for nerve development and the metabolism of brain neurotransmitters.

Beta-carotene acts as a provitamin-A compound found in plants and can be converted to vitamin A in the body. It helps to prevent some eye disorders; promotes bone growth, teeth development, and reproduction; helps form and maintain healthy skin, hair, mucous membranes; and builds the body’s resistance to respiratory and other infections. Beta-carotene may also act as an antioxidant, speed healing, improve immunity and help with skin lesions.

Coenzyme Q10 is part of the mitochondria of cells and is necessary for energy production. Its known effects include controlling the flow of oxygen within individual cells, increasing circulation and boosting the immune system. It may also improve heart-muscle metabolism, lower blood pressure and help with congestive heart failure by enhancing the pumping action of the heart.

Rose hips are the fruit of a rose after the petals have fallen. It has been used as a source of vitamin C since World War II in Britain to prevent scurvy during a shortage of citrus fruit. Actually, rose hips have been found to be up to 60 times the vitamin C of citrus fruit as well as containing the bioflavonoids that aid in the absorption of vitamin C. It is also used to fight infection & curb stress.

Grape seed extract is a rich source of proanthocyanidins. It has been known for its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. It helps prevent free radical damage and improve circulation. It may help heal wounds and protect against effects of radiation. It is these proanthocyanidins that facilitate the activity of vitamin C by up to 25 times and vitamin E by 50 times.

Elderberry extract is rich in vitamin C and bioflavonoids, which helps in strengthening the immune system and protects the body cells from flu viruses. A standardised extract of elderberries has been shown to inhibit the replication of a number of strains of the influenza virus (type A, type B and animal strains) in vitro. A research study was done to compare a standardised extract to a placebo on 40 flu patients and the health changes were recorded over six days. The extract has been shown to speed the recovery from influenza infection with the infections lasting 2-3 days for 90% of the patients taking elderberry extract, compared to 6 days for the patients taking placebo.

Suggested Use

Take 1-3 tsps of Phytofood C-Plex up to 2 times daily. Stir briskly into water, juice, smoothie, salad dressing, dessert topping, jelly or other food. Children _ to 1 tsp daily.

Galati et al., Biological effects of hesperidin, a citrus flavonoid. (Note I): antiinflammatory and analgesic activity," "Farmaco" Nov 1994, 40(11):709-12.

Griffith H.W., Vitamins, Herbs, Minerals & Supplements: The Complete Guide, Fisher Books, Arizona, 1998.

Grinberg L.N., Rachmilewitz EA, Newmark H. Protective effects of rutin against hemoglobin oxidation. Biochem Pharmacol. 1994 Aug 17; 48(4): 643-9.

Reavley N., The New Encyclopedia of Vitamins, Minerals, Supplements and Herbs, Bookman Press, Melbourne, 1998.

Vinson J.A. & Bose P., Comparative Bioavailability to Humans of Ascorbic Acid alone or in Citrus Extract. American Journal of Clinical Nutrition. Sept 1988; Vol. 48, No. 3, pp 601-604.

Vinson J.A., Courey B.S. & Maro N.P. Comparison of Two forms of Vitamin C on Galactose Cataracts, Nutrition Research. 1992; Vol. 12, pp 915-922.

Zakay-Rones, Z., et al, Inhibition of several strains of influenze virus in vitro and reduction of symptoms by an elderberry extract (Sambucus nigra L.) during an outbreak of influenza B Panama. Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine, 1995; 1(4): 361-369.