Comfort for hyperacidic sufferers
they are unable to take acidic supplements such as vitamin C. One
company thinks it has found a radical solution to this problem in
the form of Comfort C.
With a pH of 4.2, vitamin C is very acidic. Until now, people suffering from hyeracidic conditions such as dyspepsia or heartburn, either avoided the vitamin or took an "acid neutralized" vitamin C that used calcium ascorbate to raise the pH.
California-based Scientific Food Solutions told NutraIngredientsUSA.com that it believes it has come up with a radical new solution to this problem with Comfort C.
Harold Archibald, CEO of Scientific Food Solutions, said that Comfort C "will reduce the pH by twice as much as our competitors' products."
The product uses acid redux, a hydrogen technology that buffers acidic secretions.
Archibald added that the product is just as bio-available as standard forms of vitamin C. It is considerably more expensive, but he noted that it was less expensive than other acidic lowering alternatives. He added that in general buffered products are 20-25 percent more expensive than standard ones.
The product is being supplied by E.T. Horn and is currently being sold through various catalogues and in several retail outlets. Because of stability issues, Comfort C can not be put into drinks and will remain in pill form.
Archibald noted that although people of all ages suffer from hyperacidic conditions, such problems are more prevalent among the elderly. Hence, an ageing population means a growing market for this product. The demographics of Asia therefore make it stand out as a market with huge potential for Comfort C.
Scientific Food Solution is also looking to apply the acid redux technology to other applications. The company has already added it successfully to garlic and is in the process of adding it to a clear colorless liquid that will eventually be sold as a sports drink to reduce the effects of lactic acid.
The latter product is due to appear on the market next year and will be targeted at "weekend warriors" - those who do little exercise and then suddenly set off on a 10 mile hike - those who workout regularly and serious sportspeople in training for a specific event.
It will be sold as a clear, tasteless liquid and flavored with tastes such as peach and raspberry.
"We have tried to avoid citrus fruit flavors as most sports drinks have a pH of 3.1-3.5, our drink has a pH of 7.5-8.5 and water is around 6.5," said Archibald, adding that the company had already carried out several in vitro studies for the product and had recently been awarded a grant for some in vivo tests.
