Mount Healthy, Ohio, takes Vitamin C Challenge

Last winter, residents of Mt. Healthy, Ohio, participated in a survey of a unique form of vitamin C, known as Ester-C®, and at the conclusion of the 50-day trial, the majority of participants reported no symptoms commonly associated with colds.
Hundreds of residents opened their arms to a product that could benefit their health, as policemen, teachers, the local florist, the bakery owners, the operators of a day care center and even the mayor signed up to put Ester-C® to the test. The 50-day trial began February 9 during a very chilly cold and flu season, with temperatures hovering in the single digits. Many residents were already feeling the effects of freezing temperatures and persistent rain and snow. In fact, at the outset of the survey, several private and public schools had closed due to student absences and teacher illnesses.
With healthy hopes, residents signed up and began supplementing their diets with 500mg of Ester-C twice daily. The project culminated in a celebration during Mt. Healthy’s Heritage Days Festival, an annual event that draws residents from several surrounding communities. The survey results were tallied and announced – Mt. Healthy was indeed healthier! And the residents happier, knowing that their participation in the survey will help direct future research on a product sold worldwide.
Nearly 500 residents agreed to supplement their normal diets with 500 milligrams of Ester-C® twice daily for 50 days and complete multiple in-depth questionnaires.
Ester-C® is a natural, branded form of non-acidic vitamin C, manufactured exclusively by Zila Nutraceuticals Inc. of Prescott, Ariz. During the 50-day survey period, residents reported the following statistics:
•74 percent of participants reported no symptoms commonly associated with colds
• 62 percent reported feeling healthy and vital
• 43 percent reported an increased level in energy
• 40 percent reported feeling more comfort when walking, running, sitting and standing
• 66 percent reported their desire to continue taking Ester-C at the end of the trial
“In our many visits to Mt. Healthy, we heard dozens of accounts from residents who felt more energetic and had an overall sense of better health and vitality,” said Ron Fugate, vice president and general manager for Zila.
“I have believed in the positive benefits of Ester-C® but it is very rewarding to see a renewed interest among a number of the residents of this small town in maintaining their health after the survey,” Fugate said.