Research published in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition has found that vitamin C from Zespri Gold kiwifruit is more effectively absorbed into the body than a supplement.
Scientists at the University of Otago in NZ found that mice absorbed vitamin C from Gold five times more effectively than from an artificial vitamin C supplement. Vitamin C-deficient mice were fed a known quantity of vitamin C over a month, either Gold kiwifruit or as an equivalent of artificial vitamin C supplement.
Lead researcher, associate professor Margreet Vissers said:
“The results were astounding - the mice that were fed the Gold kiwifruit absorbed vitamin C much more effectively than those given the purified supplement form, and they also retained it in their organs and tissues for longer.”
This research is the first of its kind to demonstrate the effectiveness of a food source of vitamin C in achieving and maintaining optimal vitamin C levels compared to one of the most commonly consumed vitamin supplements. It showed the vitamin was more than five times better absorbed from the fruit than from the supplement.
This study is one of the phases in Zespri’s health science programme in which it works with international researchers to demonstrate the role kiwifruit can play in boosting health.
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