The Core Components of Amway's Vitamin C Supplements
Amway’s Nutrilite Vitamin C Extended Release tablets contain two primary sources of vitamin C: a natural component derived from acerola cherries and a synthetic form known as ascorbic acid. The combination is designed to provide a steady, prolonged release of the nutrient over eight hours. This dual-source approach ensures a high-potency product while incorporating plant-based ingredients.
Acerola Cherry Concentrate
The acerola cherry is a key ingredient in Nutrilite's formula and is considered one of nature's most concentrated sources of vitamin C. Nutrilite grows these cherries on its own certified organic farms, including Fazenda Amway Nutrilite do Brasil, one of the world's largest acerola cherry farms. The cherries are harvested when green because research has shown this is when they contain the highest concentration of nutrients. The harvested fruit is then quickly processed to create a concentrate, which is added to the vitamin C tablets. This emphasis on vertically integrated farming allows Amway to control the quality of a significant portion of its ingredients from seed to supplement.
Ascorbic Acid
Alongside the acerola cherry concentrate, Nutrilite supplements also include ascorbic acid, which is the chemical name for vitamin C. This ingredient bolsters the overall vitamin C content, ensuring the product meets its stated potency. The inclusion of both a natural concentrate and synthetic ascorbic acid allows for a cost-effective and powerful formulation.
Citrus Bioflavonoids Complex
To further enhance the formula, Nutrilite adds a citrus bioflavonoids complex. This complex is derived from whole fruits and peels of grapefruit, mandarins, and lemons. Bioflavonoids are powerful phytonutrients that offer antioxidant protection and are believed to improve the body's utilization of vitamin C. This complements the vitamin C content, providing additional antioxidant support against free radicals.
Comparison: Amway's Nutrilite vs. Standard Ascorbic Acid
| Feature | Amway's Nutrilite Vitamin C | Generic Ascorbic Acid Supplement |
|---|---|---|
| Primary Source | Blend of acerola cherries, citrus bioflavonoids, and synthetic ascorbic acid. | Typically 100% synthetic ascorbic acid. |
| Sourcing Transparency | High traceability, with acerola cherries from certified organic Nutrilite farms. | Often sourced from large-scale chemical suppliers, with less information on origin. |
| Extended Release | Uses a proprietary extended-release technology for 8-hour absorption. | Usually an instant-release formula, which may lead to some nutrient wastage. |
| Phytonutrient Content | Contains phytonutrients from acerola cherries and citrus bioflavonoids. | Lacks additional phytonutrients unless specifically formulated otherwise. |
| Certifications | NSF Content Certified, Halal, and Kosher. | May or may not have third-party certifications. |
The Role of Traceability and Certifications
Nutrilite emphasizes a high degree of traceability for its plant-based ingredients. This means Amway can track the entire process from the planting of the seed to the final product. The company's commitment to quality is further supported by third-party certifications. For example, the Nutrilite Vitamin C Extended Release is NSF Content Certified, which provides consumer confidence that the product contains what its label says it does. The product also carries Halal and Kosher certifications. For more information on their farming practices and commitment to transparency, you can visit the Nutrilite Traceability website.
Conclusion: A Blend of Nature and Science
Amway's vitamin C is not made from a single source but is a carefully formulated combination of natural and synthetic ingredients. The use of acerola cherries from their own organic farms and the inclusion of citrus bioflavonoids highlights their focus on plant-based nutrients and controlled sourcing. This is combined with synthetic ascorbic acid to ensure a potent and reliable dose, all delivered through an extended-release mechanism for sustained benefit. This blend of natural concentrates and scientific delivery methods is what distinguishes Nutrilite's approach to supplementation.
