"This is probably the optimal form of regular vitamin C that has not been encapsulated with liposomes. This is because very large amounts can be given up to the point of inducing a diarrhea-like, vitamin C-flush effect when what is known as bowel tolerance is reached. If exceeding the bowel tolerance level is well-tolerated this is also a very desirable effect as it neutralizes and eliminates a large amount of gut-generated toxins before they get absorbed. The amount of sodium ascorbate needed to exceed the bowel tolerance point can also be useful as a rough guide to the degree of infection or toxicity that is present in the patient. Generally the greater the infectious and/or toxic challenge the more vitamin C gets absorbed from the gut and the less of it reaches the colon, with the bowel tolerance point not being reached as readily.

It should also be noted that large amounts of sodium ascorbate can be taken by most individuals, including those with high blood pressure and heart disease, without causing fluid retention or an increase in blood pressure. This is because it is sodium chloride, not sodium associated with another anion like ascorbate, citrate, or bicarbonate, that reliably causes fluid retention and aggravates high blood pressure in individuals sensitive to volume overload. The term “sodium-dependent” hypertension should forever be replaced with the term “sodium chloride-dependent” or “table salt-dependent” hypertension. In any event, large doses of sodium ascorbate should not be avoided for fear of provoking elevated blood pressure.

Whenever a legitimate detoxification occurs. When some individuals with longstanding and substantial accumulations of toxins inside the cells receive a high enough dose of vitamin C quickly enough, toxins are then mobilized out of the cells and flood the blood and lymphatics. Generally, this occurs only when toxin levels are so high that many of the natural enzymatic chelators and toxin mobilizers are themselves in an oxidized and relatively nonfunctional state. The massive administration then causes a big intracellular rise in vitamin C, the enzymes are repaired by reduction (electron donation) from the vitamin C, and the toxins are released in large quantities."

- Taken from Guide to Optimal Administration of Vitamin C
Thomas E. Levy, MD, JD. Cardiologist and Author

Vitamin C: A Powerhouse for Immune Support

Vitamin C plays a vital role in keeping the immune system functioning optimally. It boosts the production of interferons, which are released when pathogens invade the body. Additionally, it enhances the activity of phagocytes—white blood cells that engulf harmful particles and pathogens.

By supporting the cell-mediated immune response and neutralizing oxidative stress through its antioxidant properties, Vitamin C becomes an essential ally, especially for those exposed to lifestyle factors that trigger oxidative stress. It strengthens white blood cells' ability to combat bacteria and viruses while also increasing the production of cytokines—communication proteins that coordinate the immune response.

Beyond immunity, Vitamin C is a key player in cardiovascular health. It’s crucial for synthesizing collagen, a major component of arterial walls, and acts as a cofactor in this process. It also promotes the formation of T-lymphocytes and B-lymphocytes, two white blood cell types critical for antibody production and overall immunity.

One of its unique defenses includes inhibiting neuraminidase, an enzyme some bacteria and viruses use to evade the body’s mucus defenses. Vitamin C supports the production and activity of antibodies and enhances natural killer cell activity. It also participates in generating and interacting with hydrogen peroxide—another tool in the body’s arsenal to eliminate microorganisms and break down bacterial capsules.

Vitamin C’s immune-boosting effects extend to enhancing lymphocyte cyclic GMP levels, which modulate immune responses, and detoxifying histamine. It also helps thin mucus secretions, improving the effectiveness of the body’s natural defenses, and makes bacterial membranes more permeable to certain antibiotics.

Furthermore, Vitamin C boosts prostaglandin formation, regulating T-lymphocyte function. Impressively, white blood cells can concentrate Vitamin C to levels 80 times higher than those found in plasma, underscoring its importance in immune defense.

Vitamin C doesn’t stop there—it helps recycle other antioxidants like vitamin E and glutathione within artery walls. High plasma levels of this nutrient are linked to a 50% reduction in stroke risk and improved liver function.

The Gumpii Apothecary content is provided for informational purposes only. We do not provide medical advice, diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease, nor should it be used for therapeutic purposes or as a substitute for your own health professional’s advice.