Amway's line of Nutrilite vitamin C supplements, such as the Extended Release and Bio C Plus formulas, combines synthetic ascorbic acid with natural plant-based ingredients to deliver a consistent dose of the essential vitamin. The primary active ingredients are a blend of ascorbic acid and acerola cherry concentrate, sourced from Nutrilite's own certified organic farms.
Core active ingredients
The most prominent active ingredients across the different Nutrilite vitamin C formulas are a combination of natural and synthetic sources to maximize the vitamin's effects.
- Ascorbic Acid: This is a form of vitamin C used in the tablets. Ascorbic acid is a water-soluble vitamin vital for immune function, collagen production, and antioxidant protection.
- Acerola Cherry Concentrate: Considered one of nature's richest sources of vitamin C, the concentrate is derived from acerola cherries grown on Nutrilite's certified organic farms. This ingredient provides additional natural vitamin C and phytonutrients.
- Citrus Bioflavonoids: These are plant compounds found in citrus fruits like lemons, oranges, and grapefruit. They are included to work synergistically with vitamin C, potentially enhancing its absorption and antioxidant benefits.
The role of non-medicinal components
Beyond the active ingredients, Amway vitamin C tablets contain several inactive or non-medicinal ingredients. These components are crucial for the product's structure, stability, and slow-release mechanism.
- Microcrystalline Cellulose: This is a common plant-based binding agent that provides the tablet's bulk and structure.
- Hydroxypropyl Methylcellulose and Methylcellulose: These are stabilizers and thickening agents used to control the release process, potentially ensuring the vitamin C is released slowly over several hours.
- Magnesium Stearate and Silicon Dioxide: Anti-caking agents that prevent the ingredients from clumping together during manufacturing.
- Maltodextrin: A diluent or bulking agent.
- Glycerin and Carnauba Wax: Glazing and humectant agents that coat the tablet, aiding in a smooth swallow and the time-release functionality.
Comparison of Nutrilite vitamin C products
While the core ingredients are similar, different Nutrilite vitamin C products may have variations. A comparison helps highlight these differences.
| Feature | Nutrilite™ Vitamin C Extended Release | Nutrilite™ Bio C Plus All Day Formula | Nutrilite™ Kids Chewable Acerola C |
|---|---|---|---|
| Target Audience | Adults and adolescents over 12/14 | Adults | Children over 5 years old |
| Main Sources | Ascorbic Acid, Acerola Powder, Citrus Bioflavonoids | Ascorbic Acid, Acerola Concentrate, Citrus Bioflavonoids | Acerola Concentrate |
| Key Feature | Release of vitamin C over several hours | Support designed for all-day use, intended to be gentle on the stomach | Naturally flavored and easy-to-chew |
| Artificial Additives | No artificial colors, flavors, preservatives, or sweeteners | No artificial colorants, flavors or preservatives added | No artificial color, flavor or preservatives |
| Special Inclusions | Citrus complex with grapefruit, oranges, and lemons | Uses acerola and citrus bioflavonoids | Flavored for children |
Sourcing and quality control
Amway emphasizes its unique approach to sourcing ingredients, particularly the acerola cherries, which are cultivated on their certified organic farms. For other components, Nutrilite follows the NUTRICERT program for partner farms, potentially ensuring high standards of sustainable, organic farming. This commitment to quality is further bolstered by certifications, including NSF certification for many of its products. This certification verifies that what's listed on the label is in the product, potentially confirming purity and quality. Amway's tracing tool allows consumers to potentially track the journey of their supplements, providing insight into the entire creation process from farm to finished product.
Conclusion
Understanding what are the ingredients in Amway vitamin C provides clarity into its composition and nutritional value. The supplement's formulation is a blend of synthetic and plant-derived compounds, with acerola cherry concentrate and citrus bioflavonoids potentially playing a crucial role alongside ascorbic acid. The inclusion of these phytonutrients, along with the commitment to using organic farming methods and maintaining certifications like NSF, distinguishes Amway's Nutrilite vitamin C offerings. The release technology in some products is designed to ensure a sustained delivery of vitamin C, potentially maximizing absorption and minimizing waste throughout the day. Consumers can make informed choices by examining the specific ingredient profile for different product variants, from adult-targeted formulas to kids' chewables. For more information on the potential benefits of Nutrilite supplements, consumers can visit Amway's official website.
