Overview

SCIENTIFIC SCORE
Possibly Effective
Based on 21 Researches
7.6
USERS' SCORE
Good
Based on 3 Reviews
8.3
Supplement Facts
Serving Size:  1 Lozenge
Amount Per Serving
%DV
Calories
<5
 
Total Carbohydrate
<1 g
<1%**
Total Sugars
0 g
Includes 0 g Added Sugars
 
0%**
Xylitol
<1 g
Vitamin C (as Ascorbic Acid)
100 mg
111%
Zinc (elemental) (from 15 mg Zinc Bisglycinate) (TRAACS™)
3 mg
27%
Elderberry (10:1 Concentrate)(Sambucus nigra) (Fruit)
150 mg

Top Medical Research Studies

We evaluated how vitamin C, also known as ascorbic acid, can help protect the liver during procedures that temporarily cut off blood flow—a process known as ischaemia followed by reperfusion. In this study, we used thirty-six male Wistar rats, split into control groups and experimental ones. Each group received the same total dose of vitamin C, administered at different times: either before the ischaemia, before the reperfusion, or both.

Our findings showed that the animals given vitamin C before both the ischaemia and reperfusion had improved outcomes. They had lower levels of liver enzymes, indicating less liver damage, and showed reduced inflammation. Additionally, their portal blood flow was better when compared to the other groups. Overall, our results suggest that administering vitamin C at specific times can significantly reduce liver injury associated with ischaemia-reperfusion.

This study highlights the potential of vitamin C as a protective agent in situations where liver damage is a concern during surgeries or treatments involving blood flow disruption.
Read More
9
L-AP mitigates liver injury
This study investigated how L-ascorbic acid 6-palmitate (L-AP), a derivative of vitamin C, could affect liver injury during sepsis. We focused on understanding its potential to alleviate liver damage caused by an overactive immune response. Through a series of experiments, including the cecal ligation and puncture method in mice, we observed that L-AP significantly increased the survival rates of these animals.

We found that L-AP treatment also reduced liver inflammation, which was evidenced by improved liver tissue health, less liver cell death, and lower levels of liver enzymes in the blood. Interestingly, the effects of L-AP were similar to the results seen in mice that lacked the NLRP3 inflammasome, a key player in inflammation.

Moreover, L-AP appeared to dampen the hyper-inflammatory response characteristic of sepsis. In both the liver tissues and cultured macrophages, we noted a decrease in inflammatory markers linked to the NLRP3 inflammasome pathway. This included lower expression levels of specific inflammatory proteins and less macrophage activation, promoting a more anti-inflammatory response instead.

Overall, our findings reveal that L-AP may help protect the liver during severe bacterial infections by mitigating the harmful effects of macrophage activation and the resultant inflammation. While this study points toward the possible benefits of an ascorbic acid derivative in treating septic liver damage, further investigation is necessary to fully unravel its mechanisms and potential therapeutic applications.
Read More
9
Zinc's Role in Liver Health
We focused on the connection between zinc and liver health, particularly how it may influence conditions like non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) and metabolic issues, including type II diabetes (T2D). Our analysis of data from a large genetics cohort revealed a significant finding: rare genetic variants that reduce the function of the zinc transporter SLC39A5 were linked to better metabolic profiles and lower T2D risk.

To delve deeper into these results, we used both laboratory and animal models. We developed mice that completely lacked SLC39A5 and observed promising outcomes. These mice showcased improved liver function and lower blood sugar levels after being subjected to obesity challenges, whether congenital or diet-induced.

Notably, this improvement seemed to be associated with increased levels of zinc in the liver, which activated key signaling pathways involved in metabolism, such as AMPK and AKT. Furthermore, these mice exhibited less liver inflammation and fibrosis in models of diet-induced non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH).

Together, these findings position SLC39A5 as a potentially valuable target for treating liver-related metabolic disorders, emphasizing zinc's crucial role in managing liver health and blood sugar regulation.
Read More

Most Useful Reviews

9
Effective cold prevention
They taste great and, importantly, they work! During the autumn and winter months, these saved our family from colds and illnesses.
Read More
7.5
Prevents illness progression
1 people found this helpful
A fantastic product from NOW for immunity! I tested it on my husband, who had a temperature for several days. A negative COVID test later showed antibodies. I'm confident this product prevented the illness from worsening.
Read More
6
Faster recovery noted
The right supplement during viral diseases helps to recover more quickly.
Read More

Medical Researches

SCIENTIFIC SCORE
Possibly Effective
Based on 21 Researches
7.6
  • All Researches
9.5
Vitamin C enhances liver cancer treatment
We observed an intriguing case involving a 68-year-old male patient diagnosed with unresectable hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). This case focused on the potential benefits of incorporating high-dose intravenous vitamin C into the treatment regimen alongside atezolizumab and bevacizumab.

Initially, the patient underwent the combination therapy, but while the imaging showed stable disease, there was only a modest decline in alpha-fetoprotein (AFP) levels. Unfortunately, the patient's condition further declined. In response, a dose of 30 grams of intravenous vitamin C was added to the treatment plan.

Remarkably, this adjustment led to a swift and noteworthy reduction in AFP levels, normalization of liver function tests, and substantial improvement in overall symptoms. Four months later, imaging indicated significant tumor shrinkage and necrosis.

As of 30 months post-diagnosis, the patient benefits from the combined regimen, showing normal liver function and a dramatically reduced AFP level, all while maintaining an active lifestyle. This case demonstrates the potential synergistic effects of high-dose vitamin C in treating unresectable HCC alongside standard therapies, warranting further investigation into such combination approaches.
Read More
We evaluated how vitamin C, also known as ascorbic acid, can help protect the liver during procedures that temporarily cut off blood flow—a process known as ischaemia followed by reperfusion. In this study, we used thirty-six male Wistar rats, split into control groups and experimental ones. Each group received the same total dose of vitamin C, administered at different times: either before the ischaemia, before the reperfusion, or both.

Our findings showed that the animals given vitamin C before both the ischaemia and reperfusion had improved outcomes. They had lower levels of liver enzymes, indicating less liver damage, and showed reduced inflammation. Additionally, their portal blood flow was better when compared to the other groups. Overall, our results suggest that administering vitamin C at specific times can significantly reduce liver injury associated with ischaemia-reperfusion.

This study highlights the potential of vitamin C as a protective agent in situations where liver damage is a concern during surgeries or treatments involving blood flow disruption.
Read More
9
L-AP mitigates liver injury
This study investigated how L-ascorbic acid 6-palmitate (L-AP), a derivative of vitamin C, could affect liver injury during sepsis. We focused on understanding its potential to alleviate liver damage caused by an overactive immune response. Through a series of experiments, including the cecal ligation and puncture method in mice, we observed that L-AP significantly increased the survival rates of these animals.

We found that L-AP treatment also reduced liver inflammation, which was evidenced by improved liver tissue health, less liver cell death, and lower levels of liver enzymes in the blood. Interestingly, the effects of L-AP were similar to the results seen in mice that lacked the NLRP3 inflammasome, a key player in inflammation.

Moreover, L-AP appeared to dampen the hyper-inflammatory response characteristic of sepsis. In both the liver tissues and cultured macrophages, we noted a decrease in inflammatory markers linked to the NLRP3 inflammasome pathway. This included lower expression levels of specific inflammatory proteins and less macrophage activation, promoting a more anti-inflammatory response instead.

Overall, our findings reveal that L-AP may help protect the liver during severe bacterial infections by mitigating the harmful effects of macrophage activation and the resultant inflammation. While this study points toward the possible benefits of an ascorbic acid derivative in treating septic liver damage, further investigation is necessary to fully unravel its mechanisms and potential therapeutic applications.
Read More
9
Zinc's Role in Liver Health
We focused on the connection between zinc and liver health, particularly how it may influence conditions like non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) and metabolic issues, including type II diabetes (T2D). Our analysis of data from a large genetics cohort revealed a significant finding: rare genetic variants that reduce the function of the zinc transporter SLC39A5 were linked to better metabolic profiles and lower T2D risk.

To delve deeper into these results, we used both laboratory and animal models. We developed mice that completely lacked SLC39A5 and observed promising outcomes. These mice showcased improved liver function and lower blood sugar levels after being subjected to obesity challenges, whether congenital or diet-induced.

Notably, this improvement seemed to be associated with increased levels of zinc in the liver, which activated key signaling pathways involved in metabolism, such as AMPK and AKT. Furthermore, these mice exhibited less liver inflammation and fibrosis in models of diet-induced non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH).

Together, these findings position SLC39A5 as a potentially valuable target for treating liver-related metabolic disorders, emphasizing zinc's crucial role in managing liver health and blood sugar regulation.
Read More
9
Zinc supplementation and liver health
We explored how zinc supplementation could help manage cholestatic liver disease, a condition that currently lacks effective treatment options. Our study involved both mice and human participants, revealing interesting changes in gut microbiome dynamics when zinc was introduced. Specifically, we noted that zinc boosts levels of a beneficial bacterium called Blautia producta, which in turn helps produce p-coumaric acid.

The fascinating part is that higher p-coumaric acid levels were linked to reduced liver injury in patients with cholestatic liver disease. In experiments with mice, we found that the protective effects of zinc were partly due to the ability of p-coumaric acid to limit harmful reactive oxygen species in liver cells. This suggests that p-coumaric acid directly supports liver health by preventing cell death and damage.

However, the benefits of zinc were less pronounced when we manipulated the production of p-coumaric acid. This implies that the relationship between zinc, gut bacteria, and liver health is quite intricate. Overall, our findings suggest that zinc may provide valuable support for individuals suffering from cholestatic liver disease, primarily through its influence on the gut microbiome and subsequent metabolic processes.
Read More

User Reviews

USERS' SCORE
Good
Based on 3 Reviews
8.3
  • All Reviews
  • Positive Reviews
  • Negative Reviews
9
Effective cold prevention
They taste great and, importantly, they work! During the autumn and winter months, these saved our family from colds and illnesses.
Read More
7.5
Prevents illness progression
1 people found this helpful
A fantastic product from NOW for immunity! I tested it on my husband, who had a temperature for several days. A negative COVID test later showed antibodies. I'm confident this product prevented the illness from worsening.
Read More
6
Faster recovery noted
The right supplement during viral diseases helps to recover more quickly.
Read More

Frequently Asked Questions

9
Effective cold prevention
They taste great and, importantly, they work! During the autumn and winter months, these saved our family from colds and illnesses.
7.5
Prevents illness progression
1 people found this helpful
A fantastic product from NOW for immunity! I tested it on my husband, who had a temperature for several days. A negative COVID test later showed antibodies. I'm confident this product prevented the illness from worsening.
6
Faster recovery noted
The right supplement during viral diseases helps to recover more quickly.
7
Vitamin C impacts pediatric liver health
We examined how a poor vitamin C status might influence the progression of a specific type of liver disease known as metabolic dysfunction-associated steatohepatitis (MASH) in juvenile guinea pigs. This model is important because children and teenagers often experience unique forms of MASH, yet there is a lack of studies and animal models to fully understand it.

In our study, we conditioned sixty-two young guinea pigs with a high-fat diet for 16 weeks, simulating a scenario that can occur in children. We observed that these young guinea pigs demonstrated liver damage typical of pediatric MASH, including inflammation and fibrosis, but their steatosis levels were noticeably lower compared to adults.

Remarkably, guinea pigs with vitamin C deprivation not only had reduced body weight but also showed elevated levels of inflammatory gene expressions in their livers. This suggests that a deficiency in vitamin C could play a vital role in altering gene expressions linked to liver disease.

While our results indicate a connection between poor vitamin C levels and the progression of pediatric MASH, the study’s limitations prevent us from making direct conclusions about the effectiveness of vitamin C as a standalone treatment. It remains critical to explore the combined effects of nutritional deficiencies, like low vitamin C, on the advancement of liver disease.
8
Dietary antioxidants and liver health
In our exploration of the connection between dietary antioxidants and liver health, we analyzed data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) from 2013 to 2020. A key focus was on the composite dietary antioxidant index (CDAI), which includes essential nutrients like vitamin C.

We found that higher CDAI scores were associated with a lower likelihood of developing metabolic dysfunction-associated fatty liver disease (MAFLD). For those in the highest quartile of CDAI, there was a noted 27% reduction in the chance of having MAFLD compared to those in the lowest quartile.

Importantly, changes in vitamin C intake were found to be linked to MAFLD, suggesting that this vitamin may play a role in liver health. Our subgroup analysis particularly highlighted those engaging in moderate-intensity physical activity, reinforcing the idea that a diet rich in antioxidants, including vitamin C, could be beneficial for liver function.

This study opens the door to exploring dietary interventions that potentially reduce the incidence of MAFLD, highlighting the importance of getting enough vitamin C in our diets.
7
Vitamin C aids liver protection
We investigated the effects of vitamin C on liver health, particularly how it might help mitigate liver damage caused by methotrexate, a common chemotherapy drug. In our study, we observed Swiss albino mice divided into five groups, with one group receiving vitamin C along with omega-3 fatty acids.

The results were promising; pretreatment with both vitamin C and omega-3 showed a noteworthy ability to lessen liver damage. After assessing the levels of certain enzymes and antioxidants in the blood, we found that the combination treatment significantly reduced oxidative stress markers compared to those that received methotrexate alone.

While each treatment alone played a role, it was the combination that truly stood out. Our findings suggest that vitamin C, especially when paired with omega-3, could offer protective benefits against liver toxicity induced by medications like methotrexate. This adds a dimension to the conversation on managing liver health during such treatments.
We evaluated how vitamin C, also known as ascorbic acid, can help protect the liver during procedures that temporarily cut off blood flow—a process known as ischaemia followed by reperfusion. In this study, we used thirty-six male Wistar rats, split into control groups and experimental ones. Each group received the same total dose of vitamin C, administered at different times: either before the ischaemia, before the reperfusion, or both.

Our findings showed that the animals given vitamin C before both the ischaemia and reperfusion had improved outcomes. They had lower levels of liver enzymes, indicating less liver damage, and showed reduced inflammation. Additionally, their portal blood flow was better when compared to the other groups. Overall, our results suggest that administering vitamin C at specific times can significantly reduce liver injury associated with ischaemia-reperfusion.

This study highlights the potential of vitamin C as a protective agent in situations where liver damage is a concern during surgeries or treatments involving blood flow disruption.

References

  1. Pedersen K, Poojari A, Colberg SF, Mechernsee SM, Iversen JF, et al. A Guinea Pig Model of Pediatric Metabolic Dysfunction-Associated Steatohepatitis: Poor Vitamin C Status May Advance Disease. Nutrients. 2025;17. doi:10.3390/nu17020291
  2. Dong JX, Jiang LL, Liu YP, Zheng AX. Association between composite dietary antioxidant index and metabolic dysfunction-associated fatty liver disease: a cross-sectional study from NHANES. BMC Gastroenterol. 2024;24:465. doi:10.1186/s12876-024-03556-6
  3. Demyashkin G, Parshenkov M, Koryakin S, Skovorodko P, Shchekin V, et al. Targeting Oxidative Stress: The Potential of Vitamin C in Protecting against Liver Damage after Electron Beam Therapy. Biomedicines. 2024;12. doi:10.3390/biomedicines12102195
  4. Mohammed D, Al-Gareeb AM. Evaluation the effects of Omega-3 and vitamin C alone or in combination on Methotrexate-Induced hepatotoxicity (in mice). J Pak Med Assoc. 2024;74:S414. doi:10.47391/JPMA-BAGH-16-94
  5. Kian W, Remilah AA, Shatat C, Spector M, Roisman LC, et al. Case report: The efficacy of adding high doses of intravenous vitamin C to the combination therapy of atezolizumab and bevacizumab in unresectable HCC. Front Med (Lausanne). 2024;11:1461127. doi:10.3389/fmed.2024.1461127
  6. Thadeus MS, Susantiningsih T, Muktamiroh H, Fauziah C, Citrawati M, et al. fruit extract as a potential antioxidant against liver injury by 2-Nitropropane induction in obese male mice model: pre-clinical study. F1000Res. 2023;12:300. doi:10.12688/f1000research.121695.2
  7. Ximenes JLS, Rocha-Filho JA, Galvão FHF, Lanchotte C, Kubrusly MS, et al. The Effect of Ascorbic Acid on Hepatic Ischaemia-Reperfusion Injury in Wistar Rats: An Experimental Study. Int J Mol Sci. 2024;25. doi:10.3390/ijms25168833
  8. Chen HK, Lan QW, Li YJ, Xin Q, Luo RQ, et al. Association between Dietary Potassium Intake and Nonalcoholic Fatty Liver Disease and Advanced Hepatic Fibrosis in U.S. Adults. Int J Endocrinol. 2024;2024:5588104. doi:10.1155/2024/5588104
  9. Jaffey JA, Chamberlin T, Hu J. Acute manganese toxicosis related to joint health supplement ingestion in two dogs. Top Companion Anim Med. 2024;61:100877. doi:10.1016/j.tcam.2024.100877
  10. Liu XH, Chen HK, Luo J, He XP, Zhang WL, et al. Potassium affects the association between dietary intake of vitamin C and NAFLD among adults in the United States. PLoS One. 2024;19:e0295986. doi:10.1371/journal.pone.0295986
  11. Liu L, Lin L, Wang Y, Yan X, Li R, et al. L-AP Alleviates Liver Injury in Septic Mice by Inhibiting Macrophage Activation via Suppressing NF-κB and NLRP3 Inflammasome/Caspase-1 Signal Pathways. J Agric Food Chem. 2024;72:8460. doi:10.1021/acs.jafc.3c02781
  12. Semeya AA, Elgamal R, Othman AAA. Correlation of Serum Zinc Levels with Hepatic Encephalopathy Severity in Patients with Decompensated Liver Cirrhosis: A Prospective Observational Study from Egypt. Biol Trace Elem Res. 2025. doi:10.1007/s12011-025-04544-x
  13. Afşar E, Kantar D. How does zinc chelation affect liver sphingolipid metabolism in an Alzheimer's-like model?. J Trace Elem Med Biol. 2025;87:127589. doi:10.1016/j.jtemb.2025.127589
  14. Amooyi L, Alizadeh L, Sarbakhsh P, Shojaei-Zarghani S, Gharekhani A. The Effects of Adding Probiotic, Alone and in Combination With Zinc, to Routine Treatment on Recurrence of Hepatic Encephalopathy, Quality of Life, and Sleep Quality in Patients With Cirrhosis: An Open-Label Randomized Controlled Trial. Food Sci Nutr. 2025;13:e4636. doi:10.1002/fsn3.4636
  15. El-Haggar SM, Attalla DS, Elhelbawy M, El-Afify DR. A randomized clinical study to evaluate the possible antifibrotic effect of zinc sulfate in chronic HCV patient receiving direct-acting anti-viral therapy. Inflammopharmacology. 2025;33:329. doi:10.1007/s10787-024-01628-3
  16. Chim SM, Howell K, Dronzek J, Wu W, Van Hout C, et al. Genetic inactivation of zinc transporter SLC39A5 improves liver function and hyperglycemia in obesogenic settings. Elife. 2024;12. doi:10.7554/eLife.90419
  17. La Rosa A, Covone AE, Coviello D, Arrigo S, Ferro J, et al. Early Onset of Wilson's Disease and Possible Role of Disease-Modifying Genes: A Case Report and Literature Review. Case Reports Hepatol. 2024;2024:3815089. doi:10.1155/crhe/3815089
  18. Li D, Wan M, Xue L, Zhang Z, Qiu Y, et al. Zinc promotes microbial p-coumaric acid production that protects against cholestatic liver injury. Cell Host Microbe. 2024;32:2195. doi:10.1016/j.chom.2024.11.002
  19. Millar CL, Norris GH, Jiang C, Kry J, Vitols A, et al. Long-Term Supplementation of Black Elderberries Promotes Hyperlipidemia, but Reduces Liver Inflammation and Improves HDL Function and Atherosclerotic Plaque Stability in Apolipoprotein E-Knockout Mice. Mol Nutr Food Res. 2018;62:e1800404. doi:10.1002/mnfr.201800404
  20. Farrell NJ, Norris GH, Ryan J, Porter CM, Jiang C, et al. Black elderberry extract attenuates inflammation and metabolic dysfunction in diet-induced obese mice. Br J Nutr. 2015;114:1123. doi:10.1017/S0007114515002962
  21. Dubey P, Jayasooriya AP, Cheema SK. Fish oil induced hyperlipidemia and oxidative stress in BioF1B hamsters is attenuated by elderberry extract. Appl Physiol Nutr Metab. 2012;37:472. doi:10.1139/h2012-030
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