The Future of Vitamin C Technology is Here

It’s no secret that Vitamin C helps support your immune system, or that it’s one of the most proven, powerful, and well-established antioxidants your body and virtually all its cells need to function at its peak.

But you may not know that Vitamin C is an essential nutrient that benefits numerous bodily functions including tissue repair, cardiovascular health, and much more. The problem is that your body doesn't produce it so you need to get it from food or supplements, and if you take Vitamin C supplements, the acid in your stomach can destroy a huge percentage of what you take in, before it gets absorbed by your body for use.

But now there are advancements is supplement technology that significantly enhances vitamin C bioavailability and maintains its efficacy on the cellular level.

It's Backed by Science to Help Optimize:

• IMMUNE SUPPORT*

• ANTIOXIDANT SUPPORT*

• HEALTH & WELL-BEING*

• CARDIOVASCULAR HEALTH*

It's called Vitamin-C Liposomal and it's the future of Vitamin C technology and bioavailability.

‘Liposomal’ technology is quickly gaining traction as the new standard of nutrient deliverability. Liposomes are essentially cell layers made of fat that encapsulates a water layer such as a water-soluble nutrient like Vitamin C in order to deliver it where it best absorbed with as little degradation as possible.

Not only does STEEL's Vitamin C Liposomal deliver the Vitamin C you need to support a healthy immune system, but it's also packed with other potent ingredients designed to support a healthy immune system.

Here's what you're going to get:

Vitamin C (as Ascorbic Acid) w/ Cyclosome® Technology:  Vitamin C is a compound essential for maintaining cellular homeostasis in mammals. Vitamin C is directly involved in many vital processes, such as protection against excess of reactive oxygen species, maintenance of iron homeostasis and gene expression control.  Therefore, even moderate deficiency can have serious health consequences. This can be easily prevented by adjusting the diet and/or additional supplementation. 

Optimizing the delivery of vitamin C orally requires a reduction of the rate of its degradation in the gut and facilitation of its absorption. Typically, vitamin C is taken orally in crystalline form or as a solution, which makes it susceptible to degradation in the gastrointestinal tract. Degradation of vitamin C can be effectively reduced by its association with a hydrophilic-hydrophobic interface, which can be provided by lipid aggregates.

Lipid aggregates, such as liposomes, are well suited for this purpose. They reduce the vitamin C degradation that occurs in the gastrointestinal tract; thus slowing down its release and enhancing its absorption. This new formulation significantly enhances vitamin C bioavailability and maintains its efficacy on the cellular level.

Fig: Averaged concentration profiles of sodium ascorbate in serum determined for two groups of persons, following the oral intake of 10 g of sodium ascorbate in the form of the aqueous solution (squares) and encapsulated in liposomes (circles). The lines between points were drawn arbitrarily to guide the eye. Values of plasma concentrations measured for specific time points for liposomal and non-liposomal dosages are significantly different (p < 0.05) for three last points (180, 240, and 360 min Ref: J Liposome Res. 2019 Jul 2:1-8.

References:

• Young, J.I., Zuchner, S., and Wang, G.F., 2015. Regulation of the epigenome by vitamin C. Annual review of nutrition, 35, 545–564. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4506708/
• J Liposome Res. 2019 Jul 2:1-8.  https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/31264495
• Wechtersbach, L., Poklar Ulrih, N., and Cigic, B., 2012. Liposomal stabilization of ascorbic acid in model systems and in food matrices. LWT. Food science and technology, 45(1), 43–49.

Citrus Bioflavonoids: Bioflavonoids are antioxidants also known as 'flavonoids'. There are between 4,000 and 6,000 different known varieties of these “polyphenolic” plant-derived compounds. Some are used in medicine, supplements, or for other health purposes and they are found in certain fruits, vegetables, and other foods, like dark chocolate and wine. 

You may already be familiar with antioxidants, such as vitamins C and E and carotenoids. These compounds may protect your cells from free radical damage. Free radicals are toxins in the body that can damage healthy cells. When this happens, it is called oxidative stress.

Other antioxidants, like flavonoids, may not be found in high concentrations in the bloodstream alone. But they may affect the transport or activity of more powerful antioxidants, like vitamin C, throughout the body

Antioxidant power

Researchers have demonstrated bioflavonoids may help with a number of health issues. They have the potential to be used therapeutically or protectively. Flavonoids may also influence the ability of vitamin C to be absorbed and utilized by the body.

The antioxidant power of flavonoids is well documented in the scientific literature. In one overview, researchers explain that antioxidants like flavonoids work in a variety of ways.

They can:

• interfere with the enzymes that create free radicals, which suppresses reactive oxygen species (ROS) formation
• scavenge free radicals, meaning they deactivate these bad molecules before they cause damage
• protect and even increase antioxidant defenses in the body

When antioxidants stop free radicals in their tracks, cancer, aging, and other diseases may be either slowed or prevented.

The figure below shows that the correlation between the free radical scavenging activity and the total flavonoid content was found to be highly significant (Figure 1A and 1B). A similar correlation was also observed for their ethanol extracts (Figure 1C and 1D)

Fig: Correlation between DPPH free radical scavenging activity and the total phenolics content in: (A) water extracts and (C) ethanol extracts. Correlation between DPPH free radical scavenging activity and total flavonoid content in: (B) water extracts and (D) ethanol extracts. Ref: BMC Complement Altern Med. 2012 Oct 6;12:173

- Allergy-fighting potential

Allergic diseases may respond well to taking in more bioflavonoids. This includes:

• atopic dermatitis
• allergic rhinitis
• allergic asthma

The development of allergic diseases is often associated with excess oxidative stress on the body. Flavonoids may help to scavenge free radicals and stabilize the reactive oxygen species. This can lead to fewer allergic reactions. They may also reduce inflammatory responses that contribute to diseases like asthma.

So far, the research has suggested that flavonoids — along with improved diet habits — show potential for fighting allergic diseases.

Researchers are still trying to determine exactly how these compounds work. They also need to know how much is effective in preventing or treating these diseases.

- Cardiovascular protection

Coronary heart disease (coronary artery disease) is another health issue that involves oxidative stress and inflammation. The antioxidants in flavonoids may protect your heart and lower your risk of death according to one study. Even small amounts of dietary flavonoids may lower the risk of coronary heart disease death. But that research is needed to determine exactly how much of the compound gives the most benefit.

Other research shows that bioflavonoids may lower your risk for both coronary artery disease and stroke.

- Nervous system support

Flavonoids may protect nerve cells from damage. They may even help with the regeneration of nerve cells outside the brain and spinal cord. Most research has focused on chronic diseases thought to be caused by oxidative stress, such as dementia due to Alzheimer’s disease. In these cases, flavonoids may help delay onset, especially when taken long term.

Flavonoids may also help with blood flow to the brain. This may help to prevent a stroke. Better blood flow may also mean better brain function or even improved cognitive function.

References:

• ScientificWorldJournal. 2013 Dec 29;2013 https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/24470791
• BMC Complement Altern Med. 2012 Oct 6;12:173. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/23038995

OTHER INGREDIENTS:

Cyclosome® Technology with Phospholipids:

NON-GMO Soy Lecithin: Lecithin is a food additive that comes from several sources — one of them being soy. It’s generally used as an emulsifier, or lubricant, when added to food, but also has uses as an antioxidant and flavor protector.  Some of the benefits of lecithin include:

- Lowers cholesterol

The most well-known benefit of lecithin is its ability to lower cholesterol. Scientists discovered that soybean lecithin can contribute to raising HDL (good) cholesterol and lowering LDL (bad) cholesterol in blood profiles.

Soy protein provides an extra boost for people using it to treat cholesterol because of other components that soy offers.

- Improves heart health

Lecithin that comes from soy can improve cardiovascular health, especially if you’re already at risk of developing high blood pressure or heart disease. This is according to a small study in which participants were given soy products including lecithin additives.

- Helps improve digestion

Lecithin has been tested in people with ulcerative colitis to improve their digestion. Lecithin’s emulsifying qualities contribute to a chain reaction that improves the mucus in your intestine, making the digestive process easier and protecting the delicate lining of your digestive system.

Even if you don’t have ulcerative colitis, you might want to consider using lecithin if you have irritable bowel syndrome or another condition that affects your digestive process.

References:

• Nutrients. 2017 Apr; 9(4): 324. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5409663/#B25-nutrients-09-00324
• Dig Dis. 2013;31(3-4):388-90  https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/24246994?dopt=Abstract

Phosphatidylcholine:  Phosphatidylcholine is a phospholipid attached to a choline particle. Phospholipids contain fatty acids, glycerol, and phosphorous.

Lecithin is the phosphorous part of the phospholipid substance and is made up of phosphatidylcholine. Foods that contain lecithin are the best dietary sources of phosphatidylcholine.

Although phosphatidylcholine is traditionally used to support brain health, it can also support liver function and keep cholesterol levels in check. Below are some key evidence-based benefits of this nutritional supplement.

- It can help boost cognitive function

According to a 1995 study on mice with dementia, phosphatidylcholine supplementation can increase the neurotransmitter acetylcholine in the brain. It may also improve memory. The study found that mice without dementia had no memory increase, despite the increase in acetylcholine levels.

A 2001 study found feeding mice a diet rich in phosphatidylcholine and vitamin B-12 also had a positive impact on brain health.

Research has continued, and a 2017 study has found that levels of phosphatidylcholine are directly related to Alzheimer’s disease.

- It may aid in liver repair

A high-fat diet is known to negatively affect the liver. It may cause nonalcoholic fatty liver disease or cirrhosis of the liver. According to a 2010 study, phosphatidylcholine helped reduce lipids that can lead to a fatty liver (hepatic lipids) in mice fed a high-fat diet.

Another study on mice reviewed whether bringing elevated levels of phosphatidylcholine back to normal helps prevent nonalcoholic fatty liver disease. The study found that it helped prevent the accumulation of fat in the liver. It did not, however, prevent nonalcoholic fatty liver disease.

- It may help ease symptoms of ulcerative colitis

Ulcerative colitis causes inflammation in the digestive tract. It may also cause ulcers. According to a 2010 study, people with ulcerative colitis often have reduced levels of phosphatidylcholine in their intestinal mucus. Supplementation may help protect the mucus layer of the digestive tract and reduce inflammation.

- It may promote lipolysis

Lipolysis is the breakdown of fats in the body. Too much fat may cause lipomas to form. Lipomas are painful, benign fatty tumors. Most are removed surgically.

According to a 2014 study, injecting phosphatidylcholine into a lipoma can kill its fat cells and reduce its size.

References:

• J Nutr. 1995 Jun;125(6):1484-9. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/7782901
• Br J Nutr. 2001 Aug;86(2):163-71 https://search-proquest-com.ezproxy.fau.edu/docview/213838753/fulltextPDF/9317336D0AAA4366PQ/1?accountid=10902
• Volume 35, Issue 2, February 2014, Pages 271-278 https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0197458013003357
• J Clin Aesthet Dermatol. 2014 Jun; 7(6): 46–48. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4086534/
• Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2010, 11(10), 4149-4164 https://www.mdpi.com/1422-0067/11/10/4149

Lysophosphatidylcholine:  Lysophosphatidylcholine (LPC) is a major plasma lipid constituent that is produced from phosphatidylcholine (PC). 

The results of a recent study confirmed the importance of lysophosphatidylcholine in the lipid absorption process and showed that it facilitates the efficient intestinal lipid transport by accelerating lipid absorption.  This aids the absorption and enhancement of vitamin C bioavailability

References:

• Int J Mol Sci. 2019 Mar; 20(5): 1149. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6429061/
• Li X, Wang L, Fang P, et al. (May 2018) The Journal of Biological Chemistry. 293 (28): 11033–11045. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6052225/
• J Clin Biochem Nutr. 2009 Sep; 45(2): 227–234. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2735637/

Phosphatidylethanolamine:  Phosphatidylethanolamine is a multifunctional phospholipid required for mammalian development that is essential for a variety of cellular processes.

Phosphatidylethanolamine is a non-bilayer forming phospholipid containing a small polar head group diameter in proportion to its fatty-acid chains. 

As a polar head group, phosphatidylethanolamine creates a more viscous lipid membrane compared to phosphatidylcholine. This essentially aids in the absorption of vitamin C in new types of liposomes; thus enhancing vitamin C bioavailability

References:

• Int Rev Cell Mol Biol. 2016; 321: 29–88. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4778737/

Hydroxypropyl-B cyclodextrin (HPBCD): Cyclodextrins (CDs) are useful formulation vehicles, which increase the amount of drug that can be solubilized in aqueous vehicles, thus increasing delivery of many useful medicinal agents to a biological system.

Without a successful delivery system, many drugs could not be developed. 2-hydroxylpropyl-β-cyclodextrin (HP-β-CD), a hydroxyalkyl derivative, is an alternative to α-, β- and γ-cyclodextrin, with improved water-solubility properties.

References:

• Food Chem Toxicol. 2005 Oct;43(10):1451 https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/16018907

Phytosterol 90% Complex: Phytosterols, or plant sterols, are a family of molecules related to cholesterol. They are found in the cell membranes of plants, where they play important roles — just like cholesterol in humans. 

The most common phytosterols in your diet are campesterol, sitosterol, and stigmasterol. Plant stanols — another compound occurring in your diet — are similar.

It is a well-documented fact that phytosterols can lower cholesterol levels. Eating 2–3 grams of phytosterols per day for 3–4 weeks can reduce “bad” LDL cholesterol by around 10%.

This is particularly effective for people who have high cholesterol — whether or not they’re taking cholesterol-lowering statin drugs.  Phytosterol is believed to work by competing for the same enzymes as cholesterol in your gut, effectively preventing cholesterol from being absorbed.

References:

• Mayo Clin Proc. 2003 Aug;78(8):965-78. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/12911045
• Am J Cardiol. 2000 Jul 1;86(1):46-52.  https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/10867091

Microcrystalline Cellulose: Microcrystalline cellulose (C6H10O5)n is refined wood pulp. It is a white, free-flowing powder. Chemically, it is an inert substance, is not degraded during digestion and has no appreciable absorption. In large quantities it provides dietary bulk and may lead to a laxative effect. 

Microcrystalline cellulose is a commonly used excipient in the pharmaceutical industry. It has excellent compressibility properties and is used in solid dose forms, such as tablets.

Tablets can be formed that are hard, but dissolve quickly. Microcrystalline cellulose is the same as cellulose, except that it meets USP standards.

References:

• Dave RH. Overview of pharmaceutical excipients used in tablets and capsules. Drug Topics (online). Advanstar. 10/24/2008 http://drugtopics.modernmedicine.com/drugtopics/Top+News/Overview-of-pharmaceutical-excipients-used-in-tabl/ArticleStandard/Article/detail/561047

Colloidal Silica Anhydrous: Silica, colloidal anhydrous is a porous and granular form of silicon dioxide that is synthetically made from sodium silicate.

It's used as a free-flow agent to assist powder flow, e.g. in tableting, by reducing the angle of repose of bulk powder. Surfactant – used for flocculating, coagulating, dispersing, stabilizing etc. Liquid silicon dioxide (colloidal silica) is used as a wine and juice fining agent.

References:

• International Journal of Pharmaceutics  Volume 3, Issues 2–3, August 1979, Pages 127-131  https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/0378517379900747

Magnesium Stearate: Magnesium stearate is commonly added to many foods, pharmaceuticals, and cosmetics. In medications and vitamins, its primary purpose is to act as a lubricant. 

Magnesium stearate is an additive that’s primarily used in medication capsules. It’s considered a “flow agent.”  It’s possible to create medication capsules without magnesium stearate, but it’s more difficult to guarantee the consistency and quality of those capsules.

Magnesium stearate is used to delay breakdown and absorption of medications, so they’re absorbed in the correct area of the bowel.

How it Works in Your Body

During digestion, magnesium stearate dissolves into its component parts: magnesium and stearic acid. Magnesium is an essential mineral and stearic acid is a highly digestible fat found in many foods.  An enzyme called stearoyl-CoA desaturase converts stearic acid into oleic acid. Oleic acid is also found in olive oil. It is an important building block of the brain and nervous system.

References:

• AAPS PharmSciTech. 2013 Sep; 14(3): 1158–1168 https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3755167/
• Toxicol Rep. 2017; 4: 554–559. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5655391/
• Lipids. 2005 Dec;40(12):1187-91. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/16477801

Liposomal encapsulation technology enables vitamins to pass through the digestive system intact without being affected by digestive acids, helping overcome cellular absorption barriers and deliver nutrients effectively through the bloodstream to the cells where they are needed most.