Vitamin C and bioflavonoids (Vitamin P): what they are and how they are used
Vitamin C is the vitamin most of us know from oranges, guavas and peppers, and it contributes to normal collagen formation for the normal function of blood vessels. Bioflavonoids, sometimes called vitamin P, are the plant compounds found alongside vitamin C in fruit. Both are named in Normatone, a blood-pressure support supplement.
Key takeaways
- Vitamin C contributes to normal collagen formation for the normal function of blood vessels.
- It also contributes to the normal function of the immune system and the protection of cells from oxidative stress.
- Bioflavonoids (vitamin P) are plant compounds found alongside vitamin C in fruit.
- Both appear in Normatone, described by the seller as nutrients for strong blood-vessel and capillary walls.
- Check with your pharmacist if you already take other vitamin supplements.
What is vitamin C?
Vitamin C, also called ascorbic acid, is a water-soluble vitamin. Your body cannot make it, so it has to come from food or supplements. It is found in fruit and vegetables such as oranges, naartjies, guavas, kiwi fruit, strawberries, peppers, broccoli and spinach.
Because it dissolves in water, your body does not store large amounts, which is why a little each day matters more than a big amount now and then.
What does vitamin C contribute to?
Authorised-style nutrient wording describes several roles for vitamin C. It contributes to normal collagen formation for the normal function of blood vessels. It contributes to the normal function of the immune system, to the protection of cells from oxidative stress, and to the reduction of tiredness and fatigue. It also increases the absorption of iron.
Collagen is a protein that gives structure to skin, bones and the walls of blood vessels. That is why vitamin C is a natural fit for a supplement focused on vessel wellbeing.
- Normal collagen formation for the normal function of blood vessels
- Normal function of the immune system
- Protection of cells from oxidative stress
- Reduction of tiredness and fatigue
What are bioflavonoids, or vitamin P?
Bioflavonoids are plant compounds found alongside vitamin C in fruit, especially in the white pith and skin of citrus. The name vitamin P has been used for them in the past, although they are classed as plant compounds rather than as a true vitamin.
You meet them every time you eat a whole orange rather than only drinking the juice. Naturally occurring together in fruit, vitamin C and bioflavonoids are often paired in supplements.
Which Mzansi Hub products contain vitamin C?
Normatone names Vitamin C and Vitamin P (bioflavonoids) in the seller's description as nutrients for strong blood-vessel and capillary walls. The seller describes Normatone as created to support healthy blood pressure, a calm nervous system and normal heart function, and to help keep vessels flexible and tonic.
Normatone is a capsule supplement labelled Blood Pressure Support and costs R899. The full composition and amounts are printed on the pack.
Visit the Normatone product page for the order details, the FAQ and customer opinions.
How do I use vitamin C supplements with care?
Follow the directions on the pack. Because vitamin C also comes from your diet, check the total amount if you take other multivitamins or effervescent tablets.
Speak to your GP or pharmacist first if you take blood-pressure tablets, blood thinners or other daily medicine, if you are pregnant or breastfeeding, or if you have a history of kidney stones. Never stop or change prescribed tablets because you started a supplement.
Frequently asked questions
What does vitamin C contribute to?
Vitamin C contributes to normal collagen formation for the normal function of blood vessels, to the normal function of the immune system and to the protection of cells from oxidative stress.
What is vitamin P?
Vitamin P is a traditional name for bioflavonoids, plant compounds found alongside vitamin C in fruit, especially in citrus pith and skin.
Which foods are rich in vitamin C?
Oranges, naartjies, guavas, kiwi fruit, strawberries, peppers, broccoli and spinach are all good sources. Eating them fresh gives you the most.
Which Mzansi Hub product has vitamin C?
Normatone, a capsule supplement for blood-pressure support priced at R899, names Vitamin C and Vitamin P (bioflavonoids).
Can I take vitamin C with other supplements?
Ask your pharmacist to check the total amount across everything you take, so you do not double up on vitamin C.
