Vitamin C is an essential water-soluble vitamin involved in more then 300 biochemical pathways in the body and is necessary for normal growth and development. Vitamin C cannot be synthesised by the human body and needs to be obtained from dietary sources. It plays a very complex role in the body, one of its most important functions is as a powerful antioxidant, it prevents the oxidation of vitamins A and E and protects body tissue against damage from free radicals. Vitamin C helps to facilitate the absorption of iron and calcium and is essential for the utilisation of folic acid. It is necessary for the formation of the connective tissue collagen, an important protein used to form healthy blood vessels, skin, cartilage, ligaments and tendons. Vitamin C also plays an important role in immune function, tissue growth and repair and may support the healthy maintenance of bones, gums and teeth. More than ten thousand scientific papers have been written about the beneficial aspects of vitamin C, and since it’s discovery the vitamin has been considered a universal panacea by some people. Smoking depletes the body’s level of vitamin C.

Flavonoids are also commonly referred to as bioflavonoids, they are an amazing array of over four thousand colourful water-soluble antioxidants found in virtually all plants. They are responsible for many of the plant pigments that dazzle us with their brilliant shades of yellow, orange and red. Flavonoids are polyphenolic compounds, and according to their chemical structure, they are categorised as anthocyanidins, catechins, chalcones, flavanones, flavones, flavonols and isoflavones. Some of the common flavonoids used in food supplements include citrus fl avonoids, hesperidin, rutin and quercetin. Flavonoids have a powerful antioxidant activity and enhance the body’s absorption and utilisation of vitamin C. Their actions are similar to vitamin C and are particularly important in maintaining the integrity of blood vessels.

Rose Hips are the fruit of a rose that develop after the petals have fallen. During World War II when imports of citrus products were limited, rose hips became especially popular in Great Britain to ensure vitamin C intake. Rose hips are one of the richest natural sources of bioflavonoids and vitamin C, having a much higher content than citrus fruits.