If you’ve been reading my columns you know I recommend high doses of vitamin C
and lysine for heart health, joint health, teeth, gums, wound healing, and more.
Why? The key is collagen. Vitamin C is required to manufacture healthy collagen,
the glue that holds cells together, just like mortar is needed for bricks. Lysine, like
steel rods in cement, makes collagen stronger. A lack of vitamin C and lysine results
in poor collagen and weak arteries.
Coronary arteries are under more pressure than any other artery in the body. The heart beats 100,000 times every 24 hours and 2.2 billion times if you live to 70 years of age. Without sufficient vitamin C and lysine this constant pounding causes minute cracks in collagen, resulting in atherosclerosis, blood clots, or rupturing of a weakened artery, resulting in a stroke.
Collagen keeps gums and cartilage healthy too – reducing tooth loss and painful joints. And if that doesn’t convince you, all the beauty experts will also tell you collagen helps keep skin looking youthful.
To maintain optimal health, I recommend Medi-C Plus™ with high dose vitamin C and lysine – just mix with your morning juice or smoothie. It’s now available in two formulas – Calcium or Magnesium, both of which act as buffers to aid vitamin C absorption.
I started taking Medi-C Plus after my heart attack 20 years ago: I still enjoy travelling, writing my columns and I also rappelled down Toronto City Hall for charity last year. Not bad for 94!
Calcium vs. Magnesium Formula
Medi-C Plus is available in calcium and magnesium formulas, both of which act as buffers for the vitamin C. Buffers allow high doses of vitamin C to be more slowly absorbed into the body, leading to better absorption and longer lasting benefits with fewer gastrointestinal upsets.
The calcium formula supports bone and teeth health and is suitable for those not getting enough calcium in their diet. Magnesium, a lesser known mineral, regulates heart rate and supports immune health, muscles, and neurological systems. Most people only consume 40% of the recommended daily allowance of magnesium and as we age, magnesium absorption decreases. The magnesium formula is suitable for adults who may be magnesium deficient.
Whether you choose the Calcium or Magnesium Formulas – both provide effective support for heart health and more.
The Scoop on the Dosage
One dose of Medi-C Plus contains 2,000 mg of vitamin C and 1,300 mg of lysine.
The amounts are based on research supporting these dosages for cardiovascular
benefits, cold and flus, viral infections, proper muscle function, teeth and gums, as
well as many others. The recommended dosage for Medi-C Plus is 2 scoops per
day. Those at greater risk should take one flat scoop three times a day.
Vitamin C in high doses can cause diarrhea. If this happens, decrease the dose of
Medi-C Plus to bowel tolerance. Please note however, there is no known toxic level
to vitamin C or lysine.
A Little More on Lysine
In addition to collagen benefits, the essential amino acid lysine is probably best
known for reducing the occurrence and healing of herpes simplex infections like
cold sores. Combined with vitamin C it also provides support for those suffering
from shingles. Several other benefits have also been ascribed to lysine, including
favourable effects on blood pressure and stroke prevention, plus a positive
influence on mood and anxiety.