Bio C for Pets

  
     Rx Vitamins for Pets Bio C for Dogs and Cats 

Pure Sodium Ascorbate with Bioflavonoids

Bio-C is a palatable, easy-to-administer powdered source of supplemental vitamin C combined with bioflavonoids. Sodium ascorbate has a saltier, less sour taste than ascorbic acid and is a potent, water soluble antioxidant. This form of vitamin C is naturally buffered and thus reduces gastric distress commonly associated with high doses of straight ascorbic acid. Bioflavonoids increase the absorption and utilization of vitamin C.

Hypo-allergenic

Formulated By Robert J. Silver, D.v.m., M.s.

One Scoop contains:

Vitamin C (as sodium ascorbate) 500 mg

Lemon Bioflavonoids (24% flavonones) 20 mg

Recommended Usage

1/2 scoop per 2.5 kg (10 lb) of body weight twice daily. Powder can be sprinkled directly on food. Please consult with your veterinarian regarding your pet's individual dosing schedule.

Do not use if tamper-evident seal is broken or missing.

KEEP OUT OF THE REACH OF CHILDREN

Store at room temperature out of direct sunlight.

Every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of the Rx Vitamins BIO-C information published above. However, it remains the responsibility of the readers to familiarize themselves with the product information contained on the Rx Vitamins BIO-C product label or package insert.

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USES:
To provide a palatable, easy to administer powdered source of supplemental vitamin C combined with added bioflavonoids to be used as a potent water-soluble anti-oxidant for all species of animal.
THERAPEUTIC STRATEGY of this FORMULA:
1) Anti-oxidant properties protect from aqueous-base free radical species
2) Immune system benefits
3) Address chronic diseases that are caused by or worsened by conditions of oxidative stress (Diabetes, cataracts, arthritis, cancer, allergies, asthma and other respiratory diseases, immune system problems)
INGREDIENT LIST (1 level scoop [1/8th tsp] contains):
1. Vitamin C (as sodium ascorbate).................................................................500 mg.
2. Lemon bioflavonoid complex (24% flavones).....................................................20 mg.
INGREDIENT BACKGROUND:
Vitamin C as Sodium Ascorbate:
Sodium ascorbate is the sodium ester of ascorbic acid. Most companion animals find it palatable when added to their meals. It has a saltier, less sour taste than ascorbic acid, and a less bitter taste than calcium ascorbate and other mineral ascorbates. It is less likely to cause the bowel distress commonly associated with high doses of ascorbic acid.
Vitamin C was first isolated from bovine adrenal cortex in 1928 by the Hungarian biochemist, Albert Szent-Gyorgyi, and was later found, in 1932 in lemon juice. As a result of this extract's ability to counteract the effects of scurvy, which is the deficiency syndrome of vitamin C, it was initially named the "antiscorbutic factor" or hexuronic acid, based on the fact that chemically it is a hexose derivative. (16)
Vitamin C deficiency results in the symptom-complex deficiency disease called "scurvy", whose symptom picture includes: Inflamed and bleeding gums, petechiae, ecchymoses, follicular hyperkeratosis, perifollicular hemorrhages, impaired wound healing, dry eyes and mouth (Sjogren's syndrome), arthralgia, joint effusions, muscle weakness, myalgia, fatigue, depression, frequent infections, anemia, anorexia, diarrhea, and pulmonary and kidney problems than can lead to coma and death. (17)
In the 73 years since its discovery, research into the effects of vitamin C has discovered quite a number of biological activities for this valuable vitamin: They include the following:
1. Co-factor in the carnitine biosynthetic pathway (13)
2. Modulates iron absorption, transport and storage (13)
3. Involved in the biosynthesis of corticosteroids, aldosterone, the conversion of cholesterol to bile acids (13)
4. Functions as a reducing agent for mixed-function oxidases (reactive oxygen and nitrogen species) (13)
5. Involved in the biosynthesis of collagen, elastin, fibronectin, proteoglycans, bone matrix, and elastin-associated fibrillin (13)
6. Plays a role in collagen gene expression and cellular procollagen secretion (13)
7. Anti-oxidant properties: Ascorbate spares and regenerates the major lipid anti-oxidant d alpha-tocopherol (vitamin E) from the alpha tocopheroxyl radical form. Vitamin c also preserves intracellular reduced glutathione concentrations. (13)
8. Plays a role in the prevention of cancer by assisting in the detoxification of carcinogens, as well as blocking the carcinogenic process via its antioxidant properties (7)
9. Anti-hypertensive activity and role in the prevention of coronary heart disease, has been demonstrated by increasing the synthesis of prostaglandin PGE1 and other eicosanoids that also possess anti-thrombotic and vasodilatory activity, also helps to maintain nitric oxide levels by preserving intracellular glutathione levels, and spares nitric oxide by its scavenging of superoxide radicals. Nitric oxide also exerts a vasodilatory effect. (21)
10. Immunomodulatory activity due to enhancement of neutrophils chemotaxis, and an anti-histaminic effect. It also can enhance lymphocyte proliferation secondary to mitogen stimulation and natural killer cell activity. (12)
11. Reduces age-related lens opacification or cataracts due to oxidative stress. (20)
12. Benefits respiratory mucosa against irritants, allergens, viral infection and asthma, due, in part to its anti-oxidant effects. (9)
13. Heavy metal toxicity and chemical toxicity effects are reduced due to vitamin C's anti-oxidant and chelating activity. (19)
Vitamin C is important in the formation and maintenance of collagen and other tissues. It is needed for the fibrin matrix formation and wound healing. Mature cartilage and connective tissue cells do not contain significant amounts of vitamin C, however, they are the first cells to be affected by vitamin C deficiencies and disease. Dogs with hepatic dysfunction have lowered plasma concentrations of ascorbic acid. (22)
Vitamin C is a part of the glutathione peroxidase pathway for repairing oxidative damage to the lipid cell membrane. Most animals (except the guinea pig and a few others) produce their own vitamin C by synthesizing it form glucose in the liver. However, when the immune system is in a weakened state it will not produce enough vitamin C to maintain homeostasis. Supplementation with exogenous vitamin C can help the animal stay in balance.
Clinical Indications for Vitamin C: (Wright-Gaby Nutrition Institute, 1994)(14)
1. Promotes tissue healing
2. Promotes tissue integrity
3. Enhances immune function
4. Antihistaminic effect
a. Asthma and other allergic conditions
5. Antiviral
a. 500 mg TID up to bowel tolerance - for humans
b. IV for acute viral infections-up to 50g/day for humans
6. Antibacterial
a. UTI (E. coli) 4-10 g/day divided TID-QID
b. Active against Staph aureus
c. Potentiation of antibiotics against Pseudomonas aerugenosa
7. Spinal Disc degeneration (1-3 g/day-human dosage)
8. Prevention or treatment of cancer
9. Gout-vitamin C lowers serum uric acid levels-introduce to patient gradually to avoid side-effects
10. Glaucoma
11. Detoxification of lead and other heavy metals
12. Drug Interactions:
a. Depleted by aspirin and tobacco smoke
13. Nutrient Interactions:
a. Iron absorption enhanced by vitamin C
14. Toxicity:
a. Minimal
b. Vitamin C probably does not cause kidney stones, although rare individuals with a genetic defect in oxalate metabolism may be high risk from high doses
c. Sudden discontinuation of high doses very rarely causes "rebound scurvy"
d. Large vitamin C doses can interfere with occult blood tests of stool
e. Large doses may affect (lower) serum copper levels
f. Large doses may affect (raise) serum iron levels (14)
Lemon Bioflavonoids (standardized to 24% flavones)
Bioflavonoids have anti-oxidant properties. (3) They are found to be present along with vitamin C in citrus fruit, localized in highest concentrations in the white portion of the peel of the fruit.
These bioflavonoid preparations contain, rutin, hesperidin and quercitrin.
In a controlled study, researchers found that 35% more vitamin C was absorbed when it was given with a citrus bioflavonoid extract than when vitamin C was given alone. (3)
The majority of studies into the effects of bioflavonoids were carried out on a standardized mixture of rutin, known as hydroxyethylrutosides (HER). Substantial clinical benefit was observed in the treatment of capillary fragility, easy bruising, hemorrhoids and varicose veins with HER. (2) Lemon bioflavonoids posses similar but not as potent effects as HER. (21)
Bioflavonoid Properties:
Increase absorption of vitamin C (3)
Help in the formation of collagen cross-linkages (14)
Anti-microbial effect due to influence on cell permeability (6)
Lower cholesterol (11)
Anti-inflammatory activity (5)
Anti-cataract activity due to inhibition of cataract-forming enzyme (5)
Anti-histaminic effect due to inhibition of mast cell histamine release (12)
Bioflavonoids work synergistically with vitamin C, based upon the work of the discoverer of vitamin C, Albert Szent-Gyorgyi, who isolated these compounds from citrus fruits and Hungarian paprika. Szent-Gyorgyi believed that the bioflavonoids work together with vitamin C to maintain blood capillary health, and in the prevention of capillary fragility. (8) They have been shown in studies to protect the vascular endothelium from free radical damage. (4).
One in vitro study demonstrated the synergistic interaction between vitamin C and the flavonoid quercitin in protecting cutaneous skin cells from the oxidative damage induced by a glutathione deficiency. (18)
Clinical Indications for Bioflavonoids: (Wright-Gaby Nutrition Institute, 1994)
1. Bruising
2. Capillary fragility conditions
3. Hemorrhoids
4. Strengthens ligaments
CLINICAL APPLICATIONS:
BIO-C FORMULA for Dogs and Cats is a nutritionally supportive supplement that can convey the benefits that have been researched and associated with vitamin C and citrus bioflavonoids:
* Vitamin C and bioflavonoid dietary supplement
* Anti-oxidant, for general or directed therapies
* Cataract prevention
* Capillary fragility, bruising
* Immunomodulation
* Infections, bacterial and viral
* Autoimmune Disease
* Asthma
* Respiratory diseases
* Arthritis
* Sports Injuries
* Cancer
RECOMMENDED DOSAGES:
DOGS:
1/2 scoop per 10 pounds of body weight twice daily
CATS:
1/2 scoop per 10 pounds of body weight twice daily
CITATIONS:
1. Agents and Actions 12:3 (1982): 298-302.
2. Agolini G and Cavallini GM, Treatment of long-term retinal vasculopathies with high oral dosage of O-(beta-hydroxyethyl)-rutinosides. Clin Ther 120, 101-110, 1987.
3. American Journal of Clinical Nutrition 48 (September 1988): 601-604.
4. Beretz, A and Cazanave, J. Eds.Plant Flavonoids in Biology and Medicine II: Biochemical, Cellular and Medicinal Properties; The effect of flavonoids on blood vessel wall interactions. New York, 1988.
5. Biochemical Pharmacology 32:13 (1983):1995-1998.
6. Biochemical Pharmacology 32:7 (1983):67-72.
7. Block, G., Vitamin C and cancer prevention: The epidemiological evidence. Am J Clin Nutr 53, 270S-282S, 1991.
8. Farmaco Edicione Scientifica 38:11 (1983):67-72.
9. Hatch GE, Asthma, inhaled oxidants, and dietary antioxidants. Am J Clin Nutr 61, (Suppl.) 625S-630S, 1995.
10. Havsteen B, Flavonoids, a class of natural products of high pharmacological potency. Biochem Pharmacol 32, 1131-1148, 1983.
11. Indian Journal of Experimental Biology 19 (August 1981): 787-789.
12. Johnston CS, Martin, LJ, and Cai, X, Antihistamine effect of supplemental ascorbic acid and neutrophil chemotaxis. J Am Coll Nutr 11, 172-176, 1992.
13. Levine, M, New concepts in the biology and biochemistry of ascorbic acid. New Engl J Med, 314, 892-902. 1986.
14. Wright, Jonathan MD & Gaby, Alan, MD. Major and Minor Nutrients: A Brief Review.; The Wright-Gaby Nutrition Institutes publication, Kent, WA. 1994.
15. Middleton, E and Drzeweiki, G. Naturally occurring flavonoids and human basophil histamine release. Int Arch Allergy Appl Immunol 77, 155-157, 1985.
16. Murray, M. Encyclopedia of Nutritional Supplements. Vitamin C. 59-79 Prima Publishing, 1996
17. PDR for Nutritional Supplements First Edition Medical Economics Company, Montvale, NJ 2001, page 486.
18. Petrakis PL, Kallianos AG, Wender, SH, et al., Metabolic studies of quercitin labeled with C14. Arch Biochem Biophys 85, 264-271, 1959..
19. Pierkle JL, Schwartz J, Landis, JR, and Harlan, WR. The relationship between blood lead levels and blood pressure and its cardiovascular risk implications. Am J Epid 121, 246-258, 1985
20. Ringvold A, Johnsen H, and Blika S, Senile cataract and ascorbic acid loading. Acta Ophthalmol 63, 277-280, 1985
21. Simon JA, Vitamin C and cardiovascular disease: A Review. J Am Coll Nutr 11, 107-125. 1992.
22. Strombeck, DR, et al., Plasma amino acid, glucagons, and insulin concentrations in dogs with nitrosamine-induced hepatic disease. American Journal of Veterinary Research. 44:2028; 1983.