Buffered Vitamin C - 120 caps - Allergy Research Group

Buffered Vitamin C, developed by Stephen A. Levine, PhD., contains high-purity ascorbic acid buffered with carbonates of calcium and magnesium. Buffered C has an acid-alkaline buffering action that can help control the increased acidity often associated with allergic reactions.*

Description
Vitamin C is the most important water-soluble antioxidant nutrient and is involved in a wide variety of biochemical reactions throughout the body. Allergy Research Group has pioneered the development of Buffered Vitamin C products, and continues to offer the purest and least allergenic vitamin C products available. In addition to its hefty content of ascorbic acid, Allergy Research Buffered Vitamin C also supplies the macro-minerals calcium and magnesium at approximately one half the RDI per heaping teaspoon, which may make it desirable for individuals who do not regularly consume dairy products.*

The human body cannot manufacture vitamin C, as do most other mammals, so we must rely on food or nutritional supplements. Vitamin C is stored in tissues throughout the body, and is especially concentrated in the adrenal glands, where it is crucial for the production of adrenal hormones involved in responding to stress.

The body also uses vitamin C in immune system functions, including white blood cell production, histamine release and degradation, the reduction of glutathione, and the metabolism and protection of several other nutrients. Vitamin C is involved in detoxifying heavy metals such as lead, cadmium, mercury and nickel. It is involved in the production of collagen and elastin, two important connective tissue proteins. Vitamin C may also support HDL cholesterol within normal levels, and bone mineral density.*

Allergy Research Group Buffered Vitamin C has been used clinically for offsetting acute hypersensitivity reactions and the addictive craving for foods, cigarettes and other withdrawal states from stimulants and alcohol. A study at the Haight-Ashbury Free Clinic in San Francisco demonstrated that Buffered Vitamin C could offset and reduce withdrawal symptoms for stimulants and opiates by 90% in outpatients, who took a teaspoon of Buffered Vitamin C whenever they felt a craving.*

Calcium is important for skeletal health, with 99% of calcium occurring in the bones and teeth, and the rest found in cells and body fluids. Calcium is involved in many functions in the human body, including initiation of muscle contractions, the blood clotting process, and the regulation of nutrient and waste product transport through cell membranes. It also is involved with enzymes that control fat digestion and metabolism, blood pressure, cholesterol, hormones, and nerve impulse transmission.*

Magnesium is involved in more than 300 enzyme reactions in the human body. It is utilized in the metabolism of carbohydrates, proteins and fats, and in transmission of nerve impulses, temperature regulation, detoxification, and energy production. It is a key element for cardiovascular health, as it helps relax blood vessels, and supports blood pressure within normal levels. Magnesium is also important for the health of bones and teeth, particularly the enamel.*

Ingredients: Vitamin C 2000mg 3333% (as Ascorbic Acid), Calcium 380mg 38% (as Calcium Carbonate), Magnesium 208mg 52% (as Magnesium Carbonate)

Inactive Ingredients: Cellulose, Hydroxypropyl Methylcellulose, Silicon Dioxide, Stearic Acid (Vegetable Source)

Suggested Use: As a dietary supplement, two to four (2-4) capsules, two or three (2 or 3) times daily between meals, or more as directed by a healthcare practitioner. As with all vitamin C formulations, as one begins to achieve body saturation, “bowel tolerance” may be temporarily exceeded and diarrhea or loose stools may occur. As the high levels of vitamin C in the tissues become used up, the bowel symptoms should ease. Ideal for controlling acidity often associated with hypersensitivity reactions.*

Important Info: These nutrients are of the highest quality and purity obtainable, and do not contain preservatives, diluents, or artificial additives.

Size: 120 Vegetarian Capsules

UPC: 713947700109

Manufacturer: Allergy Research Group

Best Used By Date and/or Expiration Date: ALL of our current inventory for this product is brand new with safety seals in place. This product comes from the most recent production run by this manufacturer. We warehouse all of our products in closed, climate controlled storage areas that are protected by security guards and inventory control specialists. Ultimately, this means you will receive the newest, purest, freshest and most potent product available.

A Tradition Of Innovation

Allergy Research Group is one of the very first allergy-oriented, hypoallergenic nutritional supplement companies and was founded in 1979 by Stephen Levine, Ph.D., a biochemist from UC Berkeley. For almost 30 years, Dr. Levine has dedicated himself to the latest research and the passionate pursuit of cutting-edge nutritional supplements.

Dr. Levine and Allergy Research Group were among the first to introduce truly hypoallergenic products to the market, and developed the very first Buffered Vitamin C product. Dr. Levine's antioxidant research is legendary in that it created a unique, broad spectrum integration of the data with a very expanded perspective, which is still one of the most sophisticated antioxidant presentations even today. This work eventually lead to Dr. Levine’s groundbreaking textbook Antioxidant Adaptation, which he co-authored with Dr. Parris Kidd in 1985. For almost thirty years, Allergy Research Group has been known for the highest quality, most hypoallergenic, and most cutting-edge nutritional supplements available, and has supplied products to physicians and healthcare practitioners around the world.

The Allergy Research Group Advisory Board

Allergy Research Group's Scientific Advisory board adds a wealth of traditional medical knowledge and sophistication to supplementation development. Headed by founder Dr. Stephen Levine, this board has been instrumental in both product development and legislative issues which impact the Nutritional Supplement market globally.

Hypoallergenic Defined

According to Taber’s Medical Dictionary, “hypoallergenic” is defined as: “Diminished potential for causing an allergic reaction.” Allergy Research Group defines hypoallergenic as “free of all common allergens,” specifically, wheat, corn, soy, gluten, yeast, dairy, and eggs. Many very sensitive individuals who react to supplements in general are able to tolerate Allergy Research Group products. Since our inception in 1979 we have been using only the purest, and whenever possible, the lowest allergy potential natural ingredients. While many of the nutrients in our formulas are synthesized from natural substances (plant sources) which as a whole may contain antigens, the synthesizing process removes the molecules of the desired nutrient from the original substance, and in the processing, a great percentage of the antigens and allergens are left behind. The final material then has extremely low allergy potential.*

This is not to say that no one will react to any of our hypoallergenic formulas, as some extremely sensitive people may. However, the potential for an allergic reaction is low, and the feedback from many of our extremely allergic and sensitive customers is that Allergy Research Group supplements are often the only products they are able to tolerate.

New Allergen Labeling Regulations
As a result of the Food Allergen Labeling and Consumer Protection Act of 2004, effective January 1, 2006, the FDA is requiring manufacturers to identify the presence of eight major food allergens on all product labels. The term “major food allergen” means any of the following: milk, egg, fish, Crustacean shellfish, tree nuts, peanuts, wheat, and soybeans, as well as any ingredient derived from those foods. It is important to understand that while an ingredient may have been derived from a common allergen, we are required by law to list that allergen on the label as a source of the ingredient, even if it does not contain any of the actual substance. For example, 100%-pure glucosamine sulfate does not contain any actual shellfish, but we are required to indicate the source material (shrimp, crab, lobster) on the label.

Full Disclosure Labeling
Allergy Research Group fully discloses all ingredients, both active and inactive on every product label, so you can make fully informed choices.

Vegetarian Capsules
Allergy Research Group is currently in the process of converting most of our existing products to vegetarian capsules, and all new products are being made with vegetarian capsules.

Inactive Ingredients

The following is a list of the most common inactive ingredients used in our products. These may be called fillers and/or excipients as defined by the Food Chemical Codex. These are nutrient compounds which are utilized for their physical properties to aid in the supplement production process. They are derived from edible sources and are generally free of common allergens. To determine which natural additives are included in a specific product, please refer to the supplement facts panel.

Cellulose Powder is derived from fibrous plant material, is insoluble in water and is used as a filler. In addition to being used as a filler, cellulose powder is sold as an individual supplement as a pure insoluble fiber, and is extremely well tolerated.

Silicon Dioxide, or silica, is one of the most common chemical compounds. Silica plays an important role in biological processes. Most rocks and minerals are made of silicon dioxide and other minerals. Silica is insoluble in water and is used for its drying properties.

Stearic Acid is an 18 carbon, naturally occurring saturated fatty acid. It is a component of membrane structure and is utilized for its lubricating properties.

Magnesium Stearate contains stearic acid and magnesium palmitate, the magnesium salt of a 16 carbon saturated fatty acid, also common in membrane structure. It is also utilized for its lubricating properties.

Dicalcium phosphate (calcium phosphate, dibasic) is a white, odorless, tasteless powder that is stable in air. It is practically insoluble in water, but is readily soluble in hydrochloric acid.

L-leucine is an essential branched-chain amino acid, found in almost all animal and vegetable proteins. As an excipient in our formulas, pharmaceutical grade L-leucine is presented in minute amounts and is used as a lubricant.

Superior Quality Control

A History of Quality
Since 1979, Allergy Research Group has used only the purest raw materials available, and has implemented strict quality control procedures in every stage of production including inspection of raw materials, manufacturing, packaging and storing. For many years we have used the same manufacturers to produce our capsules and tablets to ensure consistency. In our facility in Alameda, California we bottle, label and ship our finished products. Allergy Research Group is currently licensed by the California Department of Health Services, Food and Drug Branch. Our registration number is 0021150.

GMP Standards
Allergy Research Group products are manufactured under the recognized principals of current Good Manufacturing Practice (cGMP) proposed by the FDA. The GMP standards are applied to a wide variety of procedures associated with the manufacturing of dietary supplements, including approval of raw materials, production and process controls, laboratory testing, and product packaging, labeling and distribution.

Independent Third Party Laboratories
In addition to our in-house quality control department, Allergy Research Group uses independent analytical laboratories to test raw materials as well as finished products. They are assayed for identity, purity and potency. Allergy Research Group products are confirmed to contain not less than 100% of the contents listed on every label. Microbial and heavy metals analysis are also conducted on all applicable products.

Procedures of Analysis
Allergy Research Group utilizes a number of advanced methods of analysis, including high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC), IR and UV-VIS spectroscopy, capillary electrophoresis (CE), inductively coupled plasma-mass spectrometry (ICP-MS), and atomic absorption (AA), along with biochemistry and wet chemistry techniques.

Interview With Stephen Levine, Ph.D., Summer 2006

Stephen Levine, Ph.D. is the founder of Allergy Research Group, one of the original hypoallergenic supplement companies.

Below is an interview with Dr. Levine as he discusses why he founded Allergy Research Group, how he came to pioneer so many key nutritional supplements over the last 30 years, and how he continues to do so.

Since 1979, Allergy Research Group, founded and lead by Stephen Levine, Ph.D., has become well known for its innovation, quality and purity. Over the last twenty-seven years, and since its inception, Allergy Research Group has set the record with consistently ground breaking products. One need only take a brief look into the scientifically adventurous life of Stephen Levine to understand why.

What is your educational background?
My undergraduate work was at Buffalo State University, after which I did a full fellowship at UC Berkeley in the genetics department, where I received a Ph.D. in 1976, with an emphasis on genetics and molecular biology.

How did you come to found Allergy Research Group?
It became obvious that I had chemical sensitivity and environmental illness when I was working as a lab director after graduation. That started my passionate entry into the field of alternative/environmental medicine. My recovery from chemical sensitivities with selenium was memorialized in numerous lay and technical articles, including Prevention magazine, and finally, the writing of a textbook, Antioxidant Adaptation (co-authored by Parris Kidd, Ph.D.). This book straddled both academic science in free radical biochemistry and alternative medicine and became the “new testament” providing an organizing principal for understanding the action of the best known and best selling supplements of the day. These were, of course, vitamins C, E, beta carotene, and selenium. These were fundamentally antioxidants, i.e. redox-active. My insight into the contribution of redox activities redefined the understanding as to the underlying energetic nature of biological processes, stress and illness for thousands of doctors. From this work, two of Allergy Research Group’s first products were developed: Sodium Selenite and Buffered Vitamin C.

Sodium Selenite, a rather simple solution, is still a favorite form of selenium for many patients. In some patients it produced immediate benefits for chemical sensitivity and in others it allowed patients to recover chemical tolerance over an extended period of weeks and months. Confirming work has been done by Dr. Michael Rosenbaum, M.D., and Alfred Zamm, M.D.

Buffered Vitamin C was developed from some of the initial research in the early 50’s of Theon Randolph, M.D., who was the founder and leader of the environmental medicine movement.

Both products were widely embraced by the environmental medicine community, and used by leaders, Drs. Randolph and Rea, as well as hundreds of doctors from the Clinical Ecology Society. They were also used by many patients and lead to relief and hope for thousands. So it was these first two products, Buffered Vitamin C and Sodium Selenite Solution, from which Allergy Research Group was born.

Buffered Vitamin C Study at Haight Ashbury Free Clinic
Buffered Vitamin C (BVC) was so effective for food allergies, I was convinced it would work for addictive cravings. So in 1985, an informal study was conducted at the Haight Ashbury Free Clinic in San Francisco, in which BVC was used by outpatients recovering from addictions. The results were remarkable and BVC reduced withdrawal symptoms and cravings in 90% of the participants.

Why are you able to introduce leading products and see leading trends consistently before others?
It partially comes down to looking at underlying principles. You can’t get more fundamental than electrons and protons and I knew that the energetic principles would have an impact on clinical manifestation of illness. Recently, my theory on free radical and chemical hypersensitivities received considerable support by the monumental research of Dr. Martin Pall, Ph.D., Professor at Washington State University. Also, I have had the tremendous good fortune of being involved with a large and dynamic group of friends and colleagues - a network of leading doctors and scientists with whom I am always exchanging ideas. These personal connections have led to the birth of many groundbreaking products, and will continue to do so for years to come.

What makes the formulas different?
They are different from the start - we don’t generally follow the pack. We work with leading doctors in our industry as a brain trust to bring in what is most interesting and most needed at that time. A small list of the prestigious, or accomplished doctors that we have worked with include: Leo Galland, M.D. (twice awarded with Practitioner of the Year), Jonathan Wright, M.D., Dana Flavin, M.D., Dr. Ba Hoang, M.D., Ph.D., and many others...

You are considered a pioneer in the field of nutritional supplements. What are some of the products you introduced to the marketplace and how did you discover them?
We were the first to introduce many nutritional supplements to the market, two of which I have already discussed, Sodium Selenium Solution and Buffered Vitamin C, but here I will list some of the other key products and the stories behind their inception:

Melatonin
By the mid 80’s, a large body of literature existed on melatonin. I was also attracted to it because of some of the esoteric associations with this sleep hormone, which affected dreams, was inhibited by light, and was associated with the third eye (intuition). I tried it in '87 or '88, with a friend of mine, and it had sleep-inducing and hypnotic effects. Subsequently, at Dr. Rae’s meeting in Texas I met melatonin researchers Russel Reiter, George Maestroni, and others who where thrilled that I had melatonin available commercially. Reiter read my text and then began testing melatonin for its antioxidant activities. His subsequent research has been responsible for the mass acceptance of melatonin and the very important scientific understanding of its role as an antioxidant. It also appears to be intimately involved in cell protection. Reiter’s book on melatonin and his findings of its profound antioxidant capacity came out just as JAMA and NEJM had seriously embraced antioxidants as key cell protectors. Reiter has commented, “melatonin is such a potent antioxidant that its gradual loss could explain why aging accelerates over time. My colleagues and I have suggested that melatonin replacement could result in a significant increase in human lifespan.” I initially put out two potencies: 1.6 mg and 20 mg. Since then, 25 mg has been studied and found to profoundly affect cell growth and to be life-supporting for some patients, with numerous studies to support this.*

Lactoferrin
In 1998, a close friend of mine, Earl Etienne, Ph.D., the youngest professor to ever teach at Harvard, was intrigued by the pregnancy phenomena - how lactoferrin was so low during pregnancy to protect the fetus from immune system attack, and how high the levels of lactoferrin would become in breast milk after pregnancy in order to further the development of the newborn’s immune system.* We introduced the first lactoferrin product to the market in the late 80’s. Soon after, the popular press picked up interest in the lactoferrin story, further spreading the word.

Artemisinin
I was working with my colleagues Leo Galland, M.D. and Herman Bueno, M.D. who were the prominent researchers in the area of GI immunity and parasites. Galland and Bueno introduced me to the idea of working with Artemisia annua as a broad spectrum microbial balancer. The use of pure artemisinin was being studied at NYU Medical Center. At the time, artemisinin was only made in Vietnam so we connected with a missionary who was able to get some for us. Shortly after this, in 1986 or '87, artemisinin finally became available. We introduced it in two products: as pure artemisinin, and as part of our Tricycline product, which contained other herbs for GI support. These products have functioned well for many doctors and patients for many years.*

Full Spectrum Antioxidants
Creating a full spectrum antioxidant formula was simply a logical extension of my work on my textbook Antioxidant Adaptation. Antiox, Improved Antiox and Ocudyne are combination antioxidants, the first of their kind, with biological activities in areas of immunity, and cellular protection at a very profound level. As predicted, these had a major impact on patients and then on the marketplace, then and now. They still represent some of the most sophisticated products of this category.*

Nattokinase
We summarized all the research that was available from Japan - mostly from Dr. Hiroyuki Sumi, M.D., the discoverer of nattokinase. We also connected with Dr. Martin Milner, N.D., a cardiovascular specialist, and Dr. Ralph Holsworth, D.O., who later became the leading nattokinase researcher in the U.S. Jonathan Wright, M.D. noted that patients were responding very quickly and powerfully to the product.* Once again, this was perfect timing for the needs and awareness level of the doctors and their clinical practice. We were the first to introduce nattokinase to the U.S. market in 2002. We use only the NSK-SD form of nattokinase, which is the only form of nattokinase approved by Dr. Sumi and Dr. Holsworth.

Organic Germanium (Germanium Sesquioxide)
In 1985, while I was working on my antioxidant book, the importance of oxygen became clear to me. I came to understand the importance of the role of hypoxia, so I sought to find an effective agent for cellular oxygenation. I found the work of Dr. Kazuhiko Asai, the original Japanese developer of germanium sesquioxide. We then worked with a Berkeley chemist to develop a testing protocol to confirm the purity of germanium sesquioxide. The past twenty years have only deepened my conviction that germanium is a nutrient of enormous value. Presently, we are working with an oncology group in Arizona on a double-blind study of germanium’s impact on energy status in cancer patients.*

What are some of the other unique products first introduced by Allergy Research Group?
There are many more products that were first introduced by Allergy Research Group. Ocudyne was the first full spectrum eye care formula, developed in collaboration with Drs. Alan Gaby, M.D. and Jonathan Wright, M.D. Ocudyne was recently improved in 2005, and we believe it to be the most comprehensive eye care formula available.*

Pycnogenol is a pine bark extract with powerful antioxidant properties. Mastica (mastic gum), is a resin from the Pistacia lentiscus tree from the island of Chios in Greece. It has remarkable microbial balancing properties (data published in NEJM) in the upper GI, and has been a major breakthrough in GI health. Mastic gum was obtained as a result of a collaboration with Dr. Leo Galland, M.D. Stabilium 200 is a very unique extract of Garum amoricum, a large, cold water blue fish found only in the deep ocean waters off the coast of the Armorican Peninsula of France. Garum was originally used by the ancient Celts as a food supplement to improve resilience to physical and emotional stress.*

Oralmat (rye grass extract), is a patented extract of young rye grass Secale cereale from Australia that supports healthy breathing and immunity. In 2004, we introduced Mucolyxir, a very unique product for lung support and mucous regulation that is made from microdose DNA, utilizing the innovative concept of “signal therapy” originally developed by Dr. Allan Lieberman, M.D. and John McMichael, Ph.D.*

What does the future hold for Allergy Research Group?
The past 27 years have been an incredibly rewarding scientific and personal adventure. I look forward to many more years of investigation of science and healing as tools to support, enhance and inspire as many people as possible through new, innovative Allergy Research Group products.

We’ve got some really exciting new products coming, many of which are equally, if not more exciting than what we’ve done in the past. We will be gradually introducing these products over the next few months.