Manuka C™ is scientifically formulated to support optimal immune system function. It includes evidence-based ingredients containing a blend of three ascorbates combined with glutathione, zinc and Manuka honey powder. Ascorbic acid, zinc and glutathione are vital for the optimal functioning of the immune system. They enhance immune cell function to support the immune defence system and offer antioxidant protection. Manuka-C™ may help to reduce the duration and severity of common cold symptoms.

STANDARD INDICATIONS

• For the symptomatic relief of upper respiratory tract infections.
• Treatment of symptoms of mild infections of upper respiratory tract.
• Relief of symptoms of mild upper respiratory infections.
• May assist in the management of upper respiratory tract infections.
• For the symptomatic relief of recurrent upper respiratory tract infections.

SPECIFIC INDICATIONS

• May assist in supporting and maintaining healthy immune function.
• The combination of vitamin C and zinc supports healthy connective tissue function.
• Vitamin C assists with normal iron metabolism.
• Requirements for vitamin C may be increased during times of stress.
• Zinc may assist in the healing of minor skin wounds.
• Vitamin C is a vital cofactor for several enzymatic reactions in the body.
• Vitamin C is required for the antimicrobial activity of white blood cells.
• Dehydroascorbic acid is immediately reduced to ascorbic acid upon entering the cell which is mediated by two major pathways; chemical reduction by glutathione and enzymatic reduction using glutaredoxin, a glutathione-dependent enzyme.
• Glutathione is vital constituent of cells throughout the body, acting as a redox buffer and as a cofactor for signal transduction.
• Honey has traditionally been used as a therapy to help heal wounds and conditions of the gut.
• Honey is well documented to have anti-microbial, anti-viral and anti-fungal activity.
• When exposed to bacteria, neutrophils oxidize extracellular ascorbic acid to form dehydroascorbic acid, which is transported into the neutrophil and rapidly reduced to ascorbic acid by the protein glutaredoxin. As a result of this recycling of extracellular ascorbic acid, the neutrophil internal concentration of ascorbic acid increases 10-fold.
• Ascorbic acid is transported into the cell by sodium-dependent vitamin C transporters SVCT1 and SVCT2, one or both of which are found in most tissues. Dehydroascorbic acid is transported by glucose transporters GLUT1 and GLUT3, and, in insulin-sensitive tissues, also by GLUT4.
• Neutrophils, monocytes and lymphocytes become saturated with vitamin C when dosed at 100 mg per day and demonstrate a concentration at least 14-fold higher than plasma vitamin C.
• Bioavailability of vitamin C decreases with increasing dosage. Bioavailability is demonstrated to be complete at a dose of 200 mg daily whereas at higher doses at 1250 mg daily, bioavailability declines to less than 50%.
• Vitamin C daily doses above 400 mg have no evident value as with increasing doses the bioavailability decreases and excess vitamin C is excreted in urine.
• Plateau plasma vitamin C is close to maximum when dosed at 200 mg daily with plasma concentrations near saturation at 400 mg daily. Complete plasma saturation occurrs at 1000 mg daily but at the expense of decreased bioavailability increased urinary excretion.
• At vitamin C doses of 1000 mg daily, urine uric acid and oxalate may become elevated.
• At doses greater than 100 mg/day, plasma concentrations reach a plateau but at doses greater than 400 mg/day, further increases in plasma concentrations are minimal.
• Tight control of plasma vitamin C levels are due to absorption (bioavailability), tissue transport, renal reabsorption and excretion and utilisation.