When colds and flu strike, one of the first things we reach for in our household dispensary is Vitamin C. From chewable tablets to powders, we add this remedy into our daily routine, whatever the time of year, to help protect ourselves from infection and reduce the chance of catching any bugs that are doing the rounds.

Vitamin C – how does it work?

When it comes to colds and flu’s, Vitamin C helps the body produce healthy white blood cells to fight these infections. Adding to its benefits, it is also collagen forming and antioxidant, meaning it actually helps the body develop healthy lung and respiratory tissue. In fact, Vitamin C is so antioxidant it helps the airways repel infective organisms such as bacteria and viruses, to help stop them taking over.

Where is the best place to get my C?

Vitamin C can be found in berries, such as blackcurrants; citrus fruits such as lemons, oranges, mandarins and grapefruits; and vegetables such as red and green capsicums. As the vitamin is 100% destroyed during cooking, the best way to get your intake each day is to squeeze fresh juice or eat fruits and vegetables high in Vitamin C when they are raw or to take a supplement that is easily absorbed and stays in the body for as long as possible.

Which type of C should I take?

How your body digests Vitamin C and how quickly your body uses it, can change depending on which type you take. Standard Ascorbic acid can be difficult to digest for people with acid reflux or digestive issue and also has a limited lifespan in the blood stream. Choosing a pH neutral, buffered form will enhance digestibility, whilst choosing Ester-C in particular assures this vitamin staying in the cell for a whole 24 hours (rather than the usual 4-6 hours ).

Mr Vitamins recommends:

Nutra-Life Ester-C

Ester-C is a patented form of Vitamin C that the body retains for up to 24 hours. Being pH neutral, Ester C is also suitable for people who experience reflux and indigestion when taking standard Vitamin C, due to its buffered, no acid formulation. Available in either a high dose tablet Ester-C + Bioflavonoids or easy-to-take Ester-C powder Find out more and shop online for Nutra-Life Ester-C Powder & Nutra-Life Ester-C + Bioflavonoids here Remember you can always 'ask a Naturopath' at Mr Vitamins