Best Vitamin C Supplements of 2023
Those who consistently eat plenty of vegetables and fresh fruit no doubt get enough vitamin C. The rest of us however – those of us who skip meals and are prone to indulging in junk food – could probably use a good vitamin C supplement.
Among other things vitamin C is important to maintaining a robust immune system, fighting free radicals, reducing stress and generating healthy skin.
Below are the 10 best vitamin C supplements for 2023.
3. NOW Vitamin C-1000 Sustained Release
NOW has made a name for themselves producing a variety of high-quality supplements and with their Vitamin C-1000 Sustained Release they’ve hit it out of the park yet again. Each capsule contains bioflavonoids and rutin to protect from free radicals and rose hips (1), which are a rich source of phenols, ellagic acid and vitamin E. Protect your cells from damage and help ward off heart disease and other maladies with NOW Vitamin C-1000.
1. Source Naturals Vitamin C
Source Naturals Vitamin C is formulated in such a way that it won’t upset your digestive tract. The vitamin C here is in the form of sodium ascorbate which is known to promote absorption so that you get the full benefit of the supplement. As such it does a better than average job in helping to boost the immune system, synthesize hormones and facilitate the utilization of nutrients including iron and folic acid.
2. Nature Made Chewable Vitamin C 500 mg
Most 500 mg capsules are big, bulky things that can be a chore to swallow. Nature Made addresses that unfortunate reality with their chewable 500 mg vitamin C supplement. It’s not only easy to ingest it also has a delightful fruity flavor everyone will love. In addition, each chewable tablet contains ascorbic acid to enhance absorption.
3. NOW Vitamin C-1000 Sustained Release
NOW has made a name for themselves producing a variety of high-quality supplements and with their Vitamin C-1000 Sustained Release they’ve hit it out of the park yet again. Each capsule contains bioflavonoids and rutin to protect from free radicals and rose hips (1), which are a rich source of phenols, ellagic acid and vitamin E. Protect your cells from damage and help ward off heart disease and other maladies with NOW Vitamin C-1000.
4. Doctor’s Best Vitamin C with Quali-C
Like many of the best vitamin C supplements Doctor’s Best Vitamin C with Quali-C is a brand of ascorbic acid that is absorbed easily by the body. It gets right to work bolstering your immune system, aiding the circulatory system, protecting you from free radicals and boosting collagen production. In addition it’s 100% gluten and soy free, contains 1000 mg of the vitamin C you need and is safe for vegans.
5. Solaray Timed Release C 1000 mg
Solaray is a trusted brand producing an array of dietary supplements for people of all ages. Their C 1000 releases 500 mg of vitamin C shortly after ingestion and then slows things down to release the other 500 mg over the course of the following 12 hours. This way you obtain around the clock vitamin C protection for your immune system and those free radicals never get a chance to take root.
6. Nature’s Way Vitamin C 1000
Nature’s Way Vitamin C 1000 is packed with antioxidants that promote the generation of healthy skin by fighting free radicals and boosting collagen production. In addition you get the usual benefits of improved cardiovascular health and a more effective, responsive immune system. If you’re looking for a vitamin C supplement with optimal anti-aging benefits Nature’s Way 1000 with bioflavonoids is the way to go.
7. Puritan’s Pride Premium C-1000
Puritan’s Pride Premium C-1000 contains bioflavonoid antioxidants along with rose hips – which are an excellent source of vitamin E – carotenoids, phenols and essential fatty acids. Rose hips also help facilitate vitamin C’s ability to strengthen bone structure and ward off arthritis symptoms. Premium C-1000 are rapid release capsules that deliver the needed vitamin C without delay.
8. Dr. Mercola Liposomal Vitamin C 1,000mg
Dr. Mercola’s Liposomal Vitamin C 1000 mg capsules are not dependent on GI function for absorption. Instead the good doctor’s supplement is water soluble and jam packed with antioxidants that undermine free radicals and promote a higher level of cardiovascular health. There’s also vitamin E which helps to promote the production of healthy cells. In addition, they’re easier on the digestive system than some other vitamin C supplements.
9. Garden of Life Raw Vitamin C
Garden of Life Raw Vitamin C is gleaned from organic fruits and vegetables and contains beneficial probiotics and enzymes necessary for effective absorption. This high-quality Vitamin C supplement is teeming with anti-aging bioflavonoids and is completely gluten free and vegan safe. This is a serious supplement for those wary of the excessive processing that can sometimes undermine the effectiveness of a supplement.
10. Olympian Lab Vitamin C-1000 with Rose Hips
Nature’s Bounty Vitamin C Plus Rose Hips is a top-quality dietary supplement that provides essential immune support. With 1000mg of vitamin C in each caplet, it promotes healthy white blood cell functioning to boost the immune system . Additionally, vitamin C is a potent antioxidant that combats free radicals, which can cause oxidative stress and premature cell aging.
Nature’s Bounty is committed to providing safe, high-quality supplements, and their Vitamin C Plus Rose Hips caplets are non-GMO, gluten-free, sugar-free, and free from artificial colors and sweeteners. Nature’s Bounty is a trusted wellness expert that has dedicated over 50 years to researching and producing superior vitamins and supplements. Choose Nature’s Bounty Vitamin C Plus Rose Hips for reliable and effective immune support.
FAQs
What are the benefits of taking vitamin C?
There’s no overstating how important vitamin C is to a health body. It plays a key role in maintaining a healthy immune system, promoting stronger bones, facilitating the healing of wounds, fighting off free radicals and more. Here’s a closer look at some of the many benefits of vitamin C.
- It bolsters the immune system – Vitamin C bolsters the immune system by providing a natural defense against some pathogens. Contrary to popular belief this doesn’t mean it will prevent the common cold but it will enhance your body’s ability to fight off infection and perhaps reduce flu symptoms.
- It boosts collagen production – As we age collagen production naturally slows down and when it does our skin appears drier and is more susceptible to wrinkles and fine lines. Vitamin C boosts collagen production that helps our skin preserve its youthful glow.
- It helps fight free radicals – Vitamin C is rich in antioxidants which are the foot soldiers in your body’s war against free radicals. Free radicals attack healthy cells causing tissue degradation and leaving the body susceptible to a range of health issues.
- It helps reduce stress – Recent clinical research suggests that vitamin C plays an important role in reducing stress (2). In addition, evidence suggests those taking vitamin C supplements may also experience a reduction in blood pressure during stressful moments.
- It helps with mineral absorption – While a lot of dietary focus is on vitamins, minerals play an equally important role in our overall health (3). Vitamin C is known to help the body absorb a range of minerals including, most notably, iron.
- It promotes faster healing – Vitamin C can be a rich source of antioxidants and antioxidants have been shown to promote faster, more effective healing of wounds (4). If you’re contemplating any type of cosmetic surgery make sure you load up on the vitamin C.
What are the different forms of vitamin C?
People tend to think vitamin C is vitamin C and that’s that. But actually there are several different types of vitamin C.
- Ascorbic acid – Ascorbic acid is an effective source of vitamin C. However, because of its acidic nature ascorbic acid vitamin C is typically combined with sodium or another mineral, perhaps calcium, to provide a buffer to protect your stomach. Ascorbic acid vitamin C is easily absorbed by the body which is one reason it is such a popular type of vitamin C.
- Ester C – Esterified vitamin C (5) is created via chemical reaction when vitamin C is combined with metabolites and other compounds. The new esterified vitamin C compound is then more easily absorbed by the body so you are able to optimize the benefits of your supplement.
- Liposomal – Liposomal vitamin C is a liquid form of the vitamin. The great advantage of liposomal vitamin C is that it is not dependent on the gastrointestinal system to break it down and is absorbed quickly and effectively right through the cell membrane. Because digestive juices are not able to break down liposomal vitamin C you get a bigger vitamin C bang for your buck.
Why are bioflavonoids and vitamin C often combined?
Many vitamin C supplements today include bioflavonoids. This is because bioflavonoids have been shown to enhance the effectiveness of vitamin C. Quercetin, rutin and hesperidin are 3 types of bioflavonoids. Bioflavonoids are also known to promote better circulation and are another rich source of free-radical fighting antioxidants (6).
Why is it important that vitamin C boost collagen production?
Collagen is essential when it comes to the production of new tissue, including skin. When a person is not producing adequate amounts of collagen their skin gets rougher, looks drier and is more susceptible to pathogens. Collagen also plays an important role in maintaining healthy bones and teeth as well as strong muscles. In short collagen is a foundational protein and anything that aids in its production is a good thing from a physiological perspective.
Are antioxidants really all that important?
That depends. If a person doesn’t care how they look and feel then no. But if you want to look and feel younger then, yes. Absolutely. That’s because antioxidants are also anti free radicals and it’s free radicals that lay siege to our cells, undermining their integrity and leaving us susceptible to a host of physical maladies. Free radicals even have the ability to indirectly damage DNA, the very building blocks of life itself.
Does supplemental vitamin C really make you healthier?
A number of studies have been published that prove beyond a reasonable doubt that vitamin C, while it may not be a cure for the common cold, nonetheless helps boost the immune system and that taking supplemental vitamin C can result in better overall health (7).
What are common symptoms of vitamin C deficiency?
Early signs of a vitamin C deficiency include fatigue, joint and muscle pain and the appearance of tiny red spots on the skin. Signs of a more severe deficiency include dry skin, swelling of the gums, tooth loss, weight loss, poor healing, joint pain and difficulty warding off infections. If you have these symptoms you should consult your physician.
What factors contribute to Vitamin C deficiency?
There are several ways a person can wind up vitamin C deficient. If they eat an unbalanced diet that’s heavy on fast food it is likely they will wind up needing to take supplemental vitamin C. If a person has an intestinal blockage it may lead to insufficient absorption and a vitamin C deficiency. Likewise if a person’s organs are malfunctioning in some significant way a vitamin C deficiency may result.
What foods are a good source of vitamin C?
There are a number of foods that are rich in vitamin C including broccoli, spinach, tomatoes, potatoes, pineapple, mango, watermelon, cantaloupe, strawberries and more. Most people don’t get enough of these important foods in their diet and therefore need to take supplemental vitamin C.
Is it possible to overdose on vitamin C?
Possible? Yes. Likely? No. That said some of the symptoms of a vitamin C overdose include jaundice, back pain, dizziness, headaches, nausea, fever, itchy skin and facial flushing. Again however the chances of actually overdosing on vitamin C are just not very likely.
The Bottom Line
It can be difficult to appreciate all the ways vitamin C is important to the smooth functioning of our bodies and our overall health. In order to stave off the myriad health problems that can and do arise from vitamin C deficiency, and to keep at least some of the ravages of aging at bay, take one of the above supplements every day. It’s an inexpensive and thoroughly effective way to always look and feel your very best.
