Vitamin C has long been the go-to to prevent colds and flu and support your immune system. Consuming foods rich in vitamin C will go a long way to boosting your immunity through the winter months. The best forms of vitamin C are found in oranges, red and green capsicum, kale, brussel sprouts, broccoli, guava and kiwi fruit. However, according to the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) the average Australian is not consuming adequate amounts of fruits and vegetables with only 49.8% aged 18 years and over meeting the guidelines for recommended daily serves of fruit (2 or more) and vegetables (5 or more). Taking vitamin C supplements may support you in times when you are not eating enough fruit and vegetables.

Vitamin C is known as ascorbic acid. There are also two other types of ascorbic acids called mineral ascorbates: sodium ascorbate and calcium ascorbate. These mineral salts are less acidic than vitamin C and can be good to use if you are prone to stomach upsets which are exacerbated by vitamin C. Caution should be taken when using these mineral ascorbates so check with your general practitioner if the recommended dietary intakes of sodium ascorbate or calcium ascorbate are right for you.

Good vitamin C supplements contain bioflavonoids which are phytochemical compounds found in natural plant food sources. Bioflavonoids are found in fruits and vegetables containing high sources of vitamin C. Research indicates that bioflavonoids help to make the ascorbic acid more bioavailable in your body – which means that your body can absorb more vitamin C. Studies on vitamin C suggests a dietary supplement of 500 milligrams to no more than 2000 milligrams a day may help to strengthen your immune system.

A low acidic highly bioavailable form of vitamin C called Ester C is available when you have been struck down with cold and flu! Stomach friendly and long-lasting Ester C provides your immune system support by staying in your white blood cells longer than a standard vitamin C helping to reduce the severity of colds and flu. Ester C is available in powder, tablets and chewable tablets safe for the whole family.

The friendly team at Bridgers Fitness are here to help but always consult your healthcare practitioner to make sure supplementation is right for you!