Vitamin C

Vitamin C, also known as ascorbic acid, is a water-soluble vitamin found naturally in fruits and vegetables, particularly citrus fruit, kiwi, berries, peppers, and leafy greens. As the body cannot synthesise or store significant quantities of vitamin C, a regular dietary intake is required. Vitamin C supplements are available in a wide range of forms to suit different preferences and tolerances. Standard ascorbic acid is the most widely used form, available in tablets and capsules at strengths from 250mg to 1000mg, including time-release and low-acid formulations. Buffered vitamin C combines ascorbic acid with mineral salts such as calcium, magnesium, and potassium ascorbate to produce a gentler, neutral-pH product suitable for those who are sensitive to acidic supplements. Ester-C is a patented non-acidic form of calcium ascorbate. Food state and wholefood vitamin C products provide ascorbic acid naturally bound within a food matrix or derived from botanical sources such as amla, camu camu, acerola, and rosehips. Liposomal vitamin C uses a phospholipid delivery system to encapsulate the vitamin, and is available in liquid, sachet, and capsule formats from brands including Altrient, Lipolife, Designs for Health, Pure Encapsulations, Igennus, Nutrivital, and Good Health Naturally. Vitamin C powder is also available for those who prefer to add it to drinks. For Vitamin C combined with bioflavonoids, see our Vitamin C Complex collection.