Best Vitamin C Supplements Reviewed and Rated
Disclosure: We use affiliate links and may receive a small commission on purchases.
Vitamin C is not a newly discovered vitamin, but many people don’t realize the numerous vitamin C benefits provided. Growing up, you were likely told how important it was to get enough of it in your diet. But did you listen? And more importantly, did you understand why it was so beneficial? This vitamin, also known as ascorbic acid, has a wide range of benefits that your body needs to remain healthy.
The body cannot naturally produce vitamin C, meaning you have to obtain it from other sources such as food or supplements. In order to ensure you get enough of this vitamin in your diet, it is easiest to take a supplement in addition to any vitamin C that you get from your diet. It is commonly found in fruits and some vegetables, which should already be a part of your diet, but even so, you may not be getting enough each day.
Our Top 3 Picks
- Now Foods Vitamin C
-
Our rating - 2.250mg of C
- Price: See Here
- California Vitamin C
-
Our rating - 60 Caps
- Price: See Here
- LypriCel
-
Our rating - 30 Packets
- Price: See Here
If you eat plenty of fruits and vegetables you are surely getting vitamin C, but research shows that to get the true benefits of this vitamin, you likely need to be taking a supplement in addition to eating right in order to get higher amounts of it. As always, you should consult with your doctor before taking a new supplement. However, it is widely accepted that vitamin C is one of the safest supplements that you can take with no real danger of serious side effects.
As a general recommendation, you should strive to take around 500mg of vitamin C each day. This can vary, of course, but in terms of getting all of the benefits, you should be taking amounts that are around this range.
As for the benefits, what probably comes to mind first is that it helps you when you are sick. If you catch a cold, the first thing people tend to recommend is drinking a lot of orange juice. Vitamin C is the reason why! Vitamin C can help to cure you of common ailments such as a cold, and it also works to boost your immune system to fight sickness, but also to hopefully prevent you from getting sick in the first place.
Preventing colds is just the first of many benefits, however! It is also helpful for lowering hypertension, healing wounds, managing asthma symptoms, lessening skin wrinkles, improving eye health, and even helping reduce the risk for cancer. With such a wide range of benefits, everyone can and should be taking a vitamin C supplement in order to stay healthy.
10 Best Vitamin C Supplements
1. Now Foods Crystals
Count: Approx. 101
Price point: Inexpensive
Now Foods makes our choice for the best vitamin C supplement because of their price and the huge amount of vitamin C present in each serving. This is also a supplement in the form of a powder instead of a capsule.
- Large amount of vitamin C per tablet
- A pure product
- Potent formula
- Suitable for vegetarians and vegans
None
2. California Gold Nutrition Quali-C
Count: 60 veggie caps
Price point: Inexpensive
This supplement from California Gold Nutrition is one of the best on this list for its quality of ingredients and for the price. This is one of the cheapest supplements, making it a great option for anyone.
- Pure vitamin C
- Non-GMO
- Suitable for vegetarians and vegans
- None
3. LypriCel Liposomal
Count: 30 packets
Price point: Expensive
This is one of the most expensive supplements on our list, but it is worth the money for its increased absorption. This makes it into the top three on our list because of the way this product is developed and its advanced liposomal delivery system.
- Enters the blood stream more quickly and efficiently
- High absorption rate
- Non-GMO
- Some may prefer tablets instead of powder
4. Solgar B-Complex
Count: 250 tablets
Price point: Fairly inexpensive
Solgar produces this next vitamin C supplement, which is complete with B Complex vitamins in addition to vitamin C. The presence of the B Complex vitamins helps aid in the metabolism of carbohydrates and proteins, which will more easily turn those foods into energy.
- Free of artificial flavors
- Free of preservatives
- Inexpensive
- Only 500 mg per tablet
5. Emergen-C
Count: 30 packets
Price point: Fairly inexpensive
This next product on our list is different from all the others so far in that it is not a capsule or tablet, but instead is in powdered form and is consumed by mixing with water and drinking it.
- Contains multiple vitamins
- Orange flavor
- Quality product
- Contains fructose
6. Nature's Way With Rose Hips
Count: 250 capsules
Price point: Inexpensive
Vitamin C combines with rose hips in this supplement from Nature’s Way. Rose hips are also a fantastic source of vitamin C, and this supplement is providing you with a strong dose of just that.
- Only 1 capsule per day
- No artificial ingredients
- No preservatives
- May cause cramps
7. Natural Factors Time Release
Count: 180 tablets
Price point: Inexpensive
If you are looking for a time release supplement, this product from Natural Factors is for you. Vitamin C combines with bioflavonoids, which will help with the absorption of it.
- Non-GMO
- Suitable for vegetarians and vegans
- No artificial ingredients
- None
8. Garden of Life Vitamin Code
Count: 120 vegan capsules
Price point: Relatively inexpensive
This next supplement from Garden of Life is slightly more expensive than others on this list, but it is packed with 500 mg of raw vitamin C, 720 mg of 23 organically grown fruits and vegetables, and 60 mg of probiotics and enzymes.
- Support for the digestive system
- Non-GMO
- Suitable for vegetarians and vegans
- May not be suitable for everyone, it may cause allergies
9. Country Life Buffered
Count: 250 tablets
Price point: Fairly inexpensive
In contrast to the previous supplement on our list, this supplement from Country Life has one of the highest concentrations of vitamin C. If you are looking for a high daily dosage, this will be the best supplement for you.
- 1000 mg of vitamin C per tablet
- Contains calcium
- Contains magnesium
- No artificial ingredients
- Those who are sensitive to Maltodextrin and Stearic Acid should use it with caution
10. Nature's Bounty Cranberry
Count: 250 rapid release softgels
Price point: Fairly inexpensive
First on our list is a supplement from Nature’s Bounty that contains cranberry concentrate and vitamin E in addition to vitamin C. The addition of the cranberry helps to boost and support your urinary health, so if this is something that you know you have had problems with, this will be a very good option for you.
- Eliminates free radicals
- Good for heart related issues
- Non-GMO
- No artificial ingredients
- Lower amount of vitamin C
Benefits
Vitamin C (L-ascorbic acid) is a vitamin that is water soluble, meaning that the body does not store it. It performs its essential functions in the body and is then excreted outside. This vitamin is naturally found in some foods and is also available as a dietary supplement. It’s is one of those essential vitamins that bring with it a host of benefits for the body. A lack of this essential vitamin presents itself in the form of “Scurvy” which is something one definitely wants to avoid.
Skin Benefits
It aids in the production of collagen in the body. Collagen is an important part of connective tissue, tendons, ligaments and blood vessels in the body. Not only that, good levels of collagen promote good skin elasticity that overall gives beautiful, healthy looking skin. Apart from that, the presence of Vitamin C promotes wound healing, and maintenance of bones and teeth.
Treatment of Common Cold
Although highly controversial in that whether vitamin C helps with common cold or not, studies have shown that the usage of this vitamin before or with a cold has reduced the duration that the cold lasts i.e. taking supplements when one has pre-cold like symptoms and when cold starts helps to shorten the duration of cold.
Most Beneficial for Athletes and Body Builders
Even though not commonly known, vitamin C supplements are some of the most beneficial vitamins for athletes and body builders. It is during strenuous sessions of training and exercise that the connective tissue of these athletes experiences damage. Regular intake of vitamin C supplements within the recommended limit promotes the healing of these connective tissue.
Vitamin C has also illustrated immune system boosting effects. It is essential for body builders and athletes who put extreme physical demands on their bodies which makes them susceptible for getting sick. By taking vitamin C supplements, they boost their immune system and reduce their chances of falling sick often.
Athletes and body builder’s cells also suffer from “oxidative damage” which interferes with the cells ability to function normally. Since vitamin C itself acts as an antioxidant which reverses the effects of the oxidative damage by free radicals, it ends up improving health conditions like aging process and heart disease.
Protection Against Heart Disease
In a day and age where heart disease is one of the most common disease people suffer from, having natural supplements that provide protection against such an ailment are a blessing in disguise. Vitamin C has demonstrated effects against heart disease by lowering “bad” cholesterol (LDL) and triglyceride levels. Supplements of this vitamin are also recommended for people with high blood pressure because of its antioxidant properties.
Usage Recommendations
This is probably the most important aspect of starting vitamin C supplements. Since it is a water-soluble vitamin, taking the right recommended dosage will ensure the proper benefits of the supplement in the body. Dosage recommendations vary according to age, gender and need basis. Adult males above the age of 19 require a minimum of 90mg dose daily while women of the same age need a minimum of 75mg daily. Male teenagers between the ages 9-13 years are recommended a minimum of 45mg which is interestingly the same dose recommended for females of the same age.
Women between the ages of 14-18years are recommended a minimum of 65mg while males of the same age are recommended 75mg for minimal body needs. The upper limits of how much vitamin C one must take also vary according to age however for adults no more than 2000mg per day should be exceeded.
The best time to take vitamin C is in the morning with your breakfast as they provide the right boost of energy to begin the day. For those starting on it for the first time, it is a good idea to start after consulting a doctor and discussing the right dose for you.
Some Precautions and General Information
Precautions
As with any product, it is possible for people to be allergic to vitamin C. Before starting a full-fledged regimen, it is a good idea to start with a tester dose or also consulting a pharmacist or doctor. Although safe in regular amounts, people have been known to suffer from side effects. Some of the commonly seen side effects consist of cramps in the abdomen or even pain, pain in the chest area, diarrhea, feeling dizzy, feeling hot flashes, headache or heartburn. If you experience any of these side effects, it is advised to stop taking vitamin C and visit a doctor as early as possible.
Those suffering from diabetes or low blood sugar levels are advised caution while using vitamin C supplements as they effect blood sugar levels. If vitamin C is required, monitoring blood sugar levels while taking a supplement may help. Lastly, it is also possible to over dose on it so sticking to recommended dosage as per the instruction of the manufacturer is always beneficial.
General Information
There are lots of brands in the market that sell all types of Vitamin C supplements. Picking the right brand for you is very important. Comprehensive study on the type of vitamin C forms (gummies, chewable tablets), Non-GMO, certified by the right authorities or even vegan or non-vegan manufacturing should be taken into consideration when purchasing supplements. Also, vitamin C is available in combination with other vitamins or minerals as well. Supplements are available in a variety of forms, some of the most common versions are vitamin c powder, capsules,vitamin c tablets, soft gels, chewable tablets and even gummies.
In inclusion, it is always recommended to try and incorporate as many natural vitamin C sources as possible in ones diet. Foods rich in citric acid carry the highest levels of vitamin C naturally. Some of these foods are orange juice, grapefruit juice, kiwifruit, green pepper, fresh strawberries, Broccoli, tomato juice and cantaloupe. Vitamin C is also added to some breakfast cereals so adding those your breakfast options gives a good boost of itas well.
Criteria for Evaluation
When starting a new regimen of any sort of vitamins, minerals or other supplements, it is a good idea to do some research into the product. What do the ingredients consist of? Where was it made? What are the side effects? Then, there are websites that give you recommendations of products to try and the same goes with them. It is a good idea to see what the blog or website considered before recommending these products? What was their evaluation criteria?
Product Testing
Like any proper presentation, a product must always be tested before being recommended to others. It is through these experiments that one can see how effective the product was and how meticulously it displayed the effects that the brand claimed. For example, with the LypriCel Liposomal Vitamin C, the claim is that it enters the blood stream more quickly and efficiently. Hence, during the testing phase, claims like these were kept in mind.
User Reviews and Ratings
This is possibly the most critical part of narrowing down products for the recommendation list. It is commonly known that everybody reacts to any product differently. So, to understand the actual effects of it on people, a larger group of people must be studied. It is due to this characteristic that extensive research over user reviews and ratings must be done. With the hundreds of products available online and in the market, it is a hefty job to narrow down to the 10 best products on the market.
So, to see whether various products actually delivered the claims they made, we set about studying the various user reviews and ratings. It is because of these reviews that we were able to make a clear, concise, and brief pros and cons list that made judging different products very easy. The list was broken down into “Suitable for a wide range of dietary needs and requirements, Non-GMO and completely natural, added orange flavor” etc. against points like “contains fructose, small dose” are just some of the samples of how our evaluation techniques work.
Potential for Side Effects
Even though most supplements are considered safe, it is possible for there to be a margin of side effects that the body may experience. This is always consequential on the basis of how one’s body reacts to certain supplements, as mentioned earlier. Our research helped us narrow down to the products that not only had the fewest side effects but also the least harmful ones. Some of the minor side effects noticed from vitamin C supplements consist of acrams in the abdome and possibly chest, feeling dizzy, diarrhea, tiredness, feeling too hot, headache or heartburn. If you do start to take vitamin C and experience that these side effects get worse, it is advised to stop using the supplements and visit the doctor.
Manufacturers Reputation
Another important factor that goes into products making the short list of recommendations is how a manufacturer or brand is presented. It is of utmost priority to make sure that brands that have the best market reputation as well as the best products are included in the lists. Brands like Now Foods, California Gold Nutrition, LypriCel, Solgar, Emergen-C, Nature’s Way, Natural Factors, Garden of Life, Country Life, Nature’s Bounty are some of the reputable and fine quality products which have hence been included in this list.
Safety of the Supplement
Even though dietary supplements are some of the safest products for human consumptions, there is always a possibility of a body reacting differently than anticipated. All the products mentioned in this list are safe to use since they come from reputable manufacturers who produce them in certified conditions.
Brands like Natural Factors are GMO free which ensures the safety of the user. Unless you have any allergies or dietary restrictions, these products should fit you well. However, as a precautionary measure, it is always best to consult a doctor or your trainer before starting a new regimen.
Ingredients and their Effectiveness
Vitamin C supplements quite often come in combination with other ingredients. May it be flavors or other types of vitamins added into the same mix. In addition to these non-harmful ingredients, which are eagerly sought after (who doesn’t want orange flavored vitamin C?), the products also consist of non-harmful binding agents that are necessary part of the ingredient list. If you are curious, it is easy to see at a glance the ingredients in each product which are clearly part of the product label. For those with dietary restrictions, it is always a good idea to refer to this ingredient list before you begin taking them.
One of the stark differences between various brands available is the combination it comes with. For example, Vitamin C with Cranberry is available while Vitamin C with rose hip is also available. Dose remains within the healthy limits of 500mg to 1000mg which fall under the healthy limit. Some like Nature’s Bounty Cranberry with Vitamin C are even as low as 40mg so to see any effect with that, one must take multiple doses a day. Those people that are only looking to take vitamin C to improve deficient levels within their body may see benefits from any brand that carries the recommended levels, however, those that are severely deficient may consult a doctor to recommend how much they should be taking.
Furthermore, the effectiveness of this vitamin is dependent on the way it is taken. The best time to take water soluble vitamins is in the morning with your first meal because they may disrupt one’s ability to fall asleep quickly if taken at night.
Lastly, reviews of the recommended products are proof of their effectiveness. For those people who are looking to purchase their vitamin C supplements, it is a good idea to study the benefits of taking them and read about how other people have responded to these supplements. Our particular list of products consists of vitamin C supplements that have proven to be most effective for users!
FAQs
Q) What is Vitamin C?
Vitamin C, also known as L-ascorbic acid, is a water-soluble vitamin that has a multitude of benefits for the body. It is naturally produced by the body however, it is an important requirement of the body.
Q) In what forms is the supplement available?
These are available in many forms. It Is available as tablets, capsules, soft gels, powders, chewable tablets and even gummies. The most commonly used form of vitamin C is either the tablet or the powder, due to the convenience of taking it.
Q) Who should take these supplements?
Since vitamin C is an important part of various bodily functions, it is important for everyone to ingest it. If you are someone who is not getting adequate amounts via naturally sources like different foods, it is a good idea to start a Vitamin C supplement. Those with dietary restrictions may also benefit from taking Vitamin C. Athletes and body builders are also people who require it as part of their intake due to the high stress that they put their body through. People who are looking to see skin benefits or suffering from the common cold may see improvement after using vitamin C (see benefits for complete information.) People suffering from high blood pressure, heart disease or even uncontrolled cholesterol levels see great benefits by using these supplements.
Q) Where can I naturally get Vitamin C from?
It is found naturally in various fruits and vegetables in different levels. The main products containing citric acid are usually rich in vitamin C. Fruits and vegetables like orange juice, grapefruit juice, kiwifruit, green pepper, fresh strawberries, Broccoli, tomato juice and cantaloupe carry significant levels of vitamin C. It is also added in various breakfast cereals as an extra benefit.
Q) What are the side effects of using Vitamin C supplements?
Although a relatively safe supplement, one must always keep in mind that excess use of anything can be harmful. A certain number of people have also been known to suffer from side effects of vitamin C. Some of the commonly seen side effects consist of abdominal cramps or pain, chest pain, dizziness, diarrhea, faintness, fatigue, flushing, headache or heartburn. If you experience any of these side effects, it is advised to stop taking vitamin C and visit a doctor as early as possible.
Q) How do I choose between the various products available?
The easiest way to choose from the hundreds of products available is to make a list of the things you are looking for in your product. A thorough study of the ingredients and the actual quantity per serving will give you a good idea of what exactly it is that you are looking for. Looking out for specific formulations for vegans or vegetarians as well as steering away from products that have allergens is a good idea. For people who have gluten allergies, looking for products that offer gluten free production may be beneficial. There are also vitamin C products available that have combinations of other products in them too. If you are looking for products that contain multiple vitamins, that may be an option too.
For a comprehensive guide as well as a pre-formed pros and cons list, please look at our recommendations above. Some of the brands covered in this list are: Now Foods Vitamin C Crystals, California Gold Nutrition Vitamin C European Quali-C, LypriCel Liposomal Vitamin C, Solgar B-Complex with Vitamin C Stress Formula, Emergen-C 1,mg Vitamin C, Nature’s Way Vitamin C-With Rose Hips, Natural Factors Vitamin C Time Release, Garden of Life Vitamin Code Raw Vitamin C, Country Life Buffered Vitamin C, Nature’s Bounty Cranberry With Vitamin C.
Q) When and how to take these supplements?
The best time to take vitamin C is in the morning with your breakfast as they provide the right boost of energy to begin the day. For those starting on vitamin C for the first time, it is a good idea to start after consulting a doctor and discussing the right dose for you. The general recommended minimum dose for adult males is 90mg while for adult females it is 75mg daily. The upper limits for this dose is no more than 2000mg a day which is why you will see majority of the products in the market carrying dose size of 1000mg which may be taken once a day at the start of the day.
Q) Where can I purchase Vitamin C supplements?
The easiest way would be to order online. Stores like Amazon usually offer great deals. Large grocery stores are also known to have supplement aisles where multiple brands are available for you to choose from.
Q) What are the benefits of taking these supplements?
With the hosts of benefits that vitamin C has, it is hard not to want to take it. This vitamin assists in the production of collagen which is not only good for skin elasticity but also helps connective tissue, tendons, ligaments and blood vessels in the body. Vitamin C also has shown benefits in shortening the duration of the common cold. It also has amazing antioxidant effects which improves overall health conditions. This vitamin has also shown benefits for people suffering from heart disease, hypertension and even cholesterol.
Q) What can Vitamin C supplements do for athletes and body builders?
It is during strenuous sessions of training and exercise that the connective tissue of these athlete’s experiences damage. Regular intake of vitamin C supplements within the recommended limit promotes the healing of these connective tissue.
Vitamin C has also illustrated immune system boosting effects. It is essential for body builders and athletes who put extreme physical demands on their bodies which makes them susceptible for getting sick. By taking these supplements, they boost their immune system and reduce their chances of falling sick often.
Decision Time
There you have it! The ten best Vitamin C supplement products on the market today. All will provide you with more Vitamin C than you likely consume from your daily diet, giving you increased benefits. When it comes to selecting the right supplement for you, you should consider the combination of ingredients you want, as well as the amount of it you wish to consume daily. As mentioned earlier, it is best to speak with your doctor to help determine what the right amount will be for you. Finally, if you prefer to take it in the form of a powder, you can choose between Emergen-C, LypriCel, or Now Foods.
