I had never heard this before. My thyroid forum talking about ascorbic acid is not really vit C and is actually bad for you. So I googled it and it shocked me. This includes Emergen-C

So, there goes another supplement. Now to find one that IS healthy.

The supplement world is scary sometimes.

Just FYI for anyone here who might not have realized this.

Added a link:

http://www.thehealthyhomeeconomist.c...cid-synthetic/

http://www.naturalnews.com/040147_vi..._vitamins.html

http://www.thedoctorwithin.com/vitam...not-vitamin-c/

Ok and this article is scary as it talks about ALL synthetic vitimins such as benfotiamine and others:

FAKE VITAMIN B

In one experiment, synthetic vitamin B (thiamine) was shown to render 100% of a group of pigs sterile! 100% would be considered a significant finding. (Dr. Barnett Sure, Journ Natr 1939) Perhaps the fact that synthetic vitamin B comes from coal tar, maybe that has something to do with it, you think? Then there’s vitamin B12, which comes from activated sewage sludge. (Frost p 60) Been shooting blanks since you started on those multi’s?

For the licensed dieticians and clinical nutritionists reading this in disbelief because it is too “unscientific,” consider the way Theron Randolph MD delineated between natural and synthetic:

“A synthetically derived substance may cause a reaction in a chemically susceptible person when the same material of natural origin is tolerated, despite the two substances having identical chemical structures. The point is illustrated by the frequency of clinical reactions to synthetic vitamins – especially vitamin B1 and C – when the [same] naturally occurring vitamins are tolerated.”
- See more at: http://www.thedoctorwithin.com/vitam....HjYzfEyR.dpuf

http://www.thedoctorwithin.com/vitam...not-vitamin-c/

Another site concerning it:

https://umm.edu/health/medical/altme...-ascorbic-acid

They have used high dose ascorbic acid (Vitamin C) in many trials concerning CMT. Ascorbic Acid is synthetic Vitamin C. Another site concerning it:

http://www.livestrong.com/article/36...d-bad-for-you/

It occurs naturally in high concentrations in some fruits and vegetables.

I do not use any supplements; my choice.

Well I understood that high doses are controversial...however, I did NOT realize the controversy of REAL vit C vs chemical synthetic ascorbic acid.

I am looking for the real stuff now instead of synthetic.

And the one article above even talks about synthetic benfotiamine vs real thiamine.

benfotiamine works for some that thiamine does not. one of the arguments of the "natural" promoters is that it is the coexisting chemicals/substances that may be effective, but that puts sooo many variables in the equation it becomes hard to research.

Hi Stacy,
The article you read is correct. I don't use supplements in my diet any longer. I just use organic fruits and veggies as much as possible. You can get your daily intake of nutrients both macro and micro through juicing and smoothies. I feel great when I do it. That is just my opinion of course. Juicing fresh squeezed OJ every morning and not using processed taste good too. My body always responds positively when I incorporate this in my diet.

These are not "fake"... The body activates most things when consumed.

ALA has both isomers too... and only one is active.
Cyanocobalamin is inactive and activated in the body
folic acid is inactive and activated in the body

Vitamin C: Linus Pauling Institute
http://lpi.oregonstate.edu/infocente.../vitCform.html
and:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Vitamin_C
Thiamine is inactive during transport and activated in the body.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Thiamine

These properties are not "secret" or fake... they are common
knowledge.

There are studies quoted in the Linus Pauling article demonstrating Vit C synthetic works.

People on TPN... total parenteral nutrition...do not develop scurvy from the Vit C included in their IVs, which is synthetic.

It is best to keep away from these fringey internet sites.
Linus Pauling Institute is one of the best sources of information
for supplements. It gives the bibliography of the studies done
on each one you search there. Opinion sites or sites that heavily rewrite or use other sources, tend to get off the factual tract.

It is very confusing.

Both sides say they use facts, Linus Pauling is a site I read a lot however both sides can sound compelling.

I guess each person has to make personal choices when deciding. It may not be such an easy decision for the average "lay" person when reading through some difficult material.

I will try to use "whole" supplements when possible and continue to try and study. For now, it is easy enough to use whole vit C vs synthetic.

But gosh, I think prayer is my best action.

As for juicing...well not always an option when you watch carb intake. A few strawberries are great as a desert for me, but no way can I get enough to meet dietary needs.

Keep in mind, that Vit C (as well as folate) from foods, declines with picking, transporting and storage. It is very delicate, and may have left or declined in some foods before you consume them.

It is affected by air, light, moisture and temperature. It is easily oxidized away.

In the supplement state, it is also delicate, and may turn brown with age. The color change signifies deterioration.

My understanding is that this is the same with most or all nutrients in food--the levels begin to decline after picking. That's one of the reasons it's best eat local produce, or better yet to have your own garden. With your own garden, you can start eating a few minutes after picking, control what chemicals you use, what soil you use, etc.
Ron