What is vitamin C/glutathione?
Vitamin C, also known as ascorbic acid, is an essential vitamin that the body needs to stay healthy. It is water soluble and plays an important role in many biological processes, including boosting the immune system, promoting collagen production (which is important for healthy skin, teeth and bones), aiding the absorption of iron from plant sources and acting as an antioxidant that protects cells from free radical damage.
Glutathione is a tripeptide consisting of the amino acids glutamic acid, cysteine and glycine. It is the most important antioxidant in the body and plays a crucial role in detoxifying harmful substances, combating oxidative stress and supporting the immune system. Glutathione is often referred to as the "master antioxidant" because it can regenerate other antioxidants in the body and thus increase their effectiveness.
How are vitamin C and glutathione obtained?
The extraction of vitamin C and glutathione involves complex processes ranging from natural sources to synthetic manufacturing processes. Here is an overview of the extraction methods for both substances:
1. vitamin C:
a. Natural sources (LipoVibes): Vitamin C can be obtained from various natural sources, with the most common source being fruits and vegetables, especially citrus fruits such as oranges, lemons and grapefruits. It is also found in other fruits and vegetables such as peppers, broccoli and strawberries. It is obtained from natural sources by extracting the vitamin from the fruits or vegetables.
b. Synthetic production: The industrial production of vitamin C is often carried out using a chemical synthesis method known as the Reichstein process. This uses D-glucose as the starting material, which is converted into ascorbic acid through various chemical reactions. This process is inexpensive and allows a large amount of vitamin C to be produced, making it an efficient way to meet the needs of the food and supplement industry.
2. glutathione:
a. Biological production (LipoVibes): Glutathione is mainly obtained through biotechnological processes that involve the use of microorganisms such as yeasts or bacteria. These organisms are genetically modified to increase the production of glutathione. The process begins with the cultivation of the microorganisms in a nutrient medium that provides the required nutrients and growth conditions. The glutathione is then extracted from the cells using various methods such as centrifugation and filtration.
b. Chemical synthesis: Although biological production is the most common method of producing glutathione, it can also be produced by chemical synthesis methods. However, these methods are less common and often less efficient than biotechnological production due to the complexity of the molecular structure and the specific arrangement of the amino acids.
In both cases, be it vitamin C or glutathione, the chosen production methods depend on various factors such as cost, availability of starting materials, production capacity and requirements for purity and quality of the final product. The production of vitamins and supplements requires careful planning and control to ensure that the products meet health and safety standards.
Why a combination with glutathione?
Combining vitamin C and glutathione can make sense as both substances play important roles in the body and can have synergistic effects. Here are some reasons why their combination may be beneficial:
1. boost antioxidant effects: both vitamin C and glutathione are powerful antioxidants that help protect cells from oxidative stress and free radical damage. By regenerating and supporting each other, they can enhance their antioxidant properties and enable a more effective fight against oxidative stress.
2. support the immune system: Vitamin C plays an important role in strengthening the immune system by promoting the production and function of immune cells. Glutathione also supports the immune system by improving the function of immune cells and reducing inflammation. Through their combined effect, they can help to strengthen the immune system and improve the body's defences.
3. promote collagen production: Vitamin C is essential for the synthesis of collagen, a key protein that is important for the health of skin, bones, teeth and connective tissue. Glutathione can also support collagen production by promoting the formation of collagen while preventing the breakdown of collagen through oxidative damage.
4. improve detoxification function: Glutathione is the most important antioxidant in the body and plays a critical role in detoxifying harmful substances, including heavy metals and environmental toxins. Vitamin C supports the function of glutathione by promoting its regeneration and increasing its availability in the body. Through their combined action, they can help to improve the body's detoxification functions and promote the elimination of toxins.
How do vitamin C and glutathione work in the body?
Both vitamin C and glutathione play critical roles in the body and have a variety of effects that impact health and well-being. Here is a detailed explanation of the effects of these two substances:
Effects of vitamin C:
1. antioxidant effect: vitamin C is one of the best known antioxidants in the body. It neutralises free radicals that can be caused by metabolic processes or external influences such as UV radiation and environmental pollution. It therefore helps to prevent cell damage and slow down the ageing process.
2. strengthening the immune system: Vitamin C supports the function of various immune cells such as lymphocytes and phagocytes. It can increase the production of interferons, which support the defence against viruses, and promote the activity of natural killer cells, which attack infected or abnormal cells.
3. collagen production: As a cofactor in the synthesis of collagen, vitamin C is essential for the health of skin, bones, teeth and connective tissue. It promotes the formation of stable collagen fibres and helps to heal wounds and maintain skin elasticity.
4. iron absorption: Vitamin C improves the absorption of iron from plant sources such as spinach or pulses by converting iron into a more usable form. This can help prevent iron deficiency anaemia.
5. anti-inflammatory effect: Vitamin C can reduce inflammation in the body by inhibiting the release of pro-inflammatory substances and promoting the production of anti-inflammatory messenger substances. This can be helpful in relieving inflammatory conditions such as arthritis or asthma.
6. neuroprotection: Vitamin C protects the brain from oxidative stress and neurological diseases by crossing the blood-brain barrier and acting as an antioxidant in the brain. It can also support the formation of neurotransmitters such as dopamine and noradrenaline, which are important for neuronal signalling.
Effect of glutathione:
1st main antioxidant: Glutathione is the most important antioxidant in the body and plays a crucial role in neutralising free radicals and oxidative stress. It protects cells and tissues from damage caused by oxidative stress, which is associated with various diseases and the ageing process.
2. detoxification function: Glutathione is crucial for the detoxification of harmful substances such as heavy metals, environmental toxins and pharmaceuticals. It binds to toxic compounds and facilitates their elimination from the body, especially in the liver, where most detoxification processes take place.
3. immunomodulation: Glutathione supports the function of the immune system by regulating the activity of immune cells such as T-cells and natural killer cells. It can also promote the production of anti-inflammatory cytokines and reduce inflammation, which helps fight infections and inflammatory diseases.
4. cellular energy production: Glutathione plays an important role in maintaining cellular energy metabolism by supporting the transport of nutrients into cells and regulating the activity of enzymes involved in energy production. As a result, it can help improve energy levels and reduce tiredness and fatigue.
5. protection against disease: Due to its antioxidant and detoxifying properties, glutathione has been linked to a variety of health benefits, including the prevention of cardiovascular disease, neurodegenerative diseases, cancer and other chronic diseases.
The combined action of vitamin C and glutathione may have synergistic effects and help to support health and well-being. Through their antioxidant, detoxifying, immunomodulating and anti-inflammatory properties, they can help protect the body from disease and slow down the ageing process.
How does vitamin C / glutathione differ from other active ingredients?
Vitamin C and glutathione differ from other active ingredients in their unique chemical structures, their specific functions in the body and their multiple health benefits. Here are some key differences:
1. chemical structure:
Vitamin C, also known as ascorbic acid, is a water-soluble vitamin and an essential nutrient for humans. It is an organic compound that acts as an antioxidant and supports numerous physiological functions in the body.
Glutathione is a tripeptide consisting of the amino acids glutamic acid, cysteine and glycine. It is the most important antioxidant in the body and plays a crucial role in detoxifying harmful substances and maintaining a healthy immune system.
2 Functions in the body:
Vitamin C is known for its antioxidant properties, its role in collagen production, supporting the immune system and promoting iron absorption. It is also involved in other important metabolic processes, including the synthesis of neurotransmitters and the regeneration of vitamin E.
Glutathione also acts as a powerful antioxidant and is essential for the detoxification of harmful substances, the neutralisation of free radicals and the regulation of cellular energy metabolism. It also plays an important role in strengthening the immune system and fighting inflammation.
3. origin and availability:
Vitamin C occurs naturally in many foods, especially fruits and vegetables such as citrus fruits, peppers, broccoli and strawberries. It can also be taken in the form of dietary supplements, which are available in various forms such as tablets, capsules or powders.
Glutathione is mainly synthesised in the body itself, although it can also be obtained from certain foods such as fresh fruit, vegetables, meat and fish. It is also available as a dietary supplement in the form of oral preparations or intravenous infusions.
4 Unique health benefits:
Vitamin C is known for its role in preventing colds, improving skin health, supporting wound healing and fighting oxidative stress.
Glutathione is associated with a variety of health benefits, including supporting liver health, preventing cardiovascular disease, improving skin whitening and reducing oxidative stress.
