Science

At VitaBloom Sciences, we are committed to backing our products with rigorous scientific research. Below, you will find a collection of key studies and findings that highlight the benefits and mechanisms of our supplements.

"Vitamin C and the Common Cold" (1970)

by Linus Pauling

Presented evidence that high-dose vitamin C supplementation (1,000-3,000 mg/day) reduced the duration and severity of common colds by 20-50%.

Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine (1937)

by Albert Szent-Györgyi

Awarded for isolating vitamin C from adrenal glands, identifying its chemical structure (ascorbic acid), and demonstrating its essential role in preventing scurvy.

"The Healing Factor: Vitamin C Against Disease" (1972)

by Irwin Stone

Proposed that high-dose vitamin C therapy (10,000-40,000 mg/day) could treat various diseases, including cancer, cardiovascular disease, and infections, by enhancing collagen production and immune function.

Mark Levine's research (1990s-2000s)

Discovered key aspects of Vitamin C bioavailability and effects.

  • Vitamin C's bioavailability is limited by intestinal absorption (~200 mg/day)
  • High-dose vitamin C supplementation can achieve pharmacological concentrations in blood plasma
  • Vitamin C has pro-oxidant properties at high concentrations

The biochemical functions of ascorbic acid

by Englard S, Seifter S.

  • Ascorbic acid is a cofactor for several enzymes involved in the biosynthesis of collagen, carnitine, and neurotransmitters.
  • It acts as an antioxidant, protecting cells from damage by free radicals.
  • Ascorbic acid enhances the absorption of non-heme iron from plant-based foods.
  • It plays a role in immune function by supporting various cellular activities of both the innate and adaptive immune systems.

The epigenetic role of vitamin C in health and disease

by Vladimir Camarena, Gaofeng Wang

Vitamin C (ascorbate) acts as a cofactor for enzymes involved in DNA and histone demethylation, influencing gene expression and phenotypes. Ascorbate deficiency can affect development and contribute to diseases like neurodegeneration and cancer through epigenetic dysregulation.

  • Ascorbate is a cofactor for methylcytosine dioxygenases and JmjC domain-containing histone demethylases.
  • Variation in ascorbate bioavailability affects DNA and histone demethylation.
  • Ascorbate deficiency impacts tissues differently at various development stages.
  • Deficiency may contribute to diseases through epigenetic dysregulation.

Regulation of the Epigenome by Vitamin C (2015)

by Juan I Young, Stephan Züchner, Gaofeng Wang

Ascorbate influences the genome by regulating epigenomic processes.

  • Ascorbate is a cofactor for TET dioxygenases that oxidize 5-methylcytosine.
  • JmjC-domain histone demethylases require ascorbate.
  • Ascorbate mediates the interface between the genome and environment.
  • Redox status impacts ascorbate bioavailability in the nucleus.

Myths, artifacts, and fatal flaws: identifying limitations and opportunities in vitamin C research (2013)

by Alexander J Michels, Balz Frei

  • Research progress to understand the role of vitamin C in human health has been slow due to flawed study designs.
  • Primary issues in human cell culture include high oxygen environment, presence of redox-active transition metal ions, and use of immortalized cell lines without supplemental ascorbic acid.
  • Animal models are limited due to endogenous ascorbic acid synthesis, even in genetically altered rodent strains.
  • Several flaws in study design endemic to randomized controlled trials and other human studies greatly limit their conclusions and impact.
  • Anecdotal evidence of positive and negative health effects of vitamin C is widely accepted but not substantiated.

For more information about VitaBloom Sciences or our products, please visit our website or contact us at [email protected].