Best Supplements for Vitamin C | Frequently Asked Questions

If you’re looking for the best supplements for vitamin C, you’ve come to the right place.

Vitamin C is a water soluble vitamin that is essential for human health. It plays a role in many different processes in the body, including immune function, collagen synthesis, and energy production.

In this blog post, we will discuss the benefits of taking vitamin C supplements and list some of our favorite options.

Please keep in mind supplements are lightly regulated by the FDA. Their stated claims have no guarantee. They aren’t cures or treatments for any diseases.

Food is your best source of nutrition, especially for vitamin C! Please check with your doctor before starting any supplement program.

Please note we include items that we trust will be useful to our visitors. If you click one of the links on our site, we may get a commission.

With all that out of the way, let’s dive into the …

Best Vitamin C Supplements

1. Best for Pure Ascorbic Acid Powder – Bulk Supplements
2. Best for Vitamin C with Rose Hips – Nutricost
3. Best Vitamin C Blend – Emergen-C
4. Best Vitamin C with Whole Foods – Mega Food
5. Best for Delayed Release – Botanic Choice
6. Best for Synergy – Life Extension

1 – Best for Pure Ascorbic Acid Powder – Bulk Supplements

• Price = $11.96
• # of Servings = 300
• Price per Serving = $0.03
• Product Reviews = 4.8/5 (4,692 reviews)
• Serving Size = 1 little scoop (750 mg)
• Taste / Absorption = Unflavored powder
• Labeled Effect = Fortify the immune system
• Food Allergens = None
• Pros = Pure, high quality ascorbic acid
• Cons = No other vitamins, minerals or herbs

About Ascorbic Acid Vitamin C

Ascorbic acid is naturally sour and frequently used in candy to provide a sour taste.

However, ascorbic acid is far more important than candy!

Ascorbic acid, also known as Vitamin C, is a highly important vitamin that has a long list of health advantages.

It’s been shown to benefit the immune system, but it also aids in the maintenance of healthy tissue and cartilage, as well as healthy bones and teeth.

If you’re looking to boost your immune system with a simple powder you quickly add to drinks, Ascorbic Acid Vitamin C made by Bulk Supplements is a great choice.

Made By Bulk Supplements

Bulk Supplements started in 2011 and is based in Nevada. Its main manufacturing facility is FDA registered. They keep costs low by producing their dietary supplements in bulk without fancy packaging. According to ReviewMeta.com, Bulk Supplement’s average adjusted rating is 4.4/5 from 39,370 verified reviews.

• Start = 2011
• Revenue = $10 million
• Employees = 50
• Mission = 
• Third Party Certifications = NSF, cGMP
• Third Party Reviews = 4.4/5 from 39,370 reviews

2 – Best for Vitamin C with Rose Hips – Nutricost

• Price = $17.06
• # of Servings = 240
• Price per Serving = $0.07
• Product Reviews = 4.7/5 (18,574 reviews)
• Serving Size = 1 capsule
• Taste / Absorption = Rose hips
• Labeled Effect = Support in producing vitamin c in body
• Food Allergens = None
• Pros = High quality product with rosehip powder and Vitamin C
• Cons = Similar to other products on the market

About Nutricost Vitamin C with Rose Hips

Nutricost Vitamin C with Rose Hip contains 1025mg of Vitamin C, which is 1000% your daily requirement of Vitamin C.

Why is Vitamin C so essential, then? It plays an important role in a number of vital bodily processes, including wound healing and your immune system.

Unfortunately, our bodies do not create Vitamin C on their own, which means that we must consume food and supplements to maintain adequate levels.

Also, Rose Hips are known to be the flower with the highest Vitamin C concentrations, so if you’re looking for a high quality Vitamin C supplement this is a great choice.

However, like many of the supplements on this list, they are fairly similar to each other.

Made By Nutricost:

Strives for high quality ingredients, sourcing with simple formulations. According to ReviewMeta.com, Nutricost gets 4.1/5 average adjusted rating from 4,670 verified reviews.

• Revenue = less than $5 million
• Employees = 25
• Mission = Nutri cost makes it our mission to provide you with clear choices to support health for every body.
• Third Party Certifications = NSF, cGMP
• Third Party Reviews = 4.1/5 with 4,670 verified reviews

3 – Best Vitamin C Blend – Emergen-C

• Price = $9.99
• # of Servings = 30
• Price per Serving = $0.33
• Product Reviews = 4.8/5 (57,498 reviews)
• Serving Size = 1 packet
• Taste / Absorption = Orange flavored powder
• Labeled Effect = Immune support delivers important antioxidants plus B Vitamins and electrolytes
• Food Allergens = None
• Pros = Easy to dissolve, high quality blend of ingredients, 1000% Vitamin C

About Emergen-C

For individuals searching for an easy and simple approach to obtain their daily Vitamin C intake, Emergen-C is ideal. Simply combine with water to drink.

With it’s orange flavor, Emergen-C can be used to start your day or enjoy as a hydrating afternoon beverage.

It contains B vitamins, electrolytes, and anti-oxidants.

If you’re looking for a high quality Vitamin C blend, this is a great choice.

Made By Emergen-C:

According to ReviewMeta.com, Emergen-C has an average adjusted rating of 4.2/5 with 6,422 verified reviews .

• Start = 2012
• Revenue = $5 million
• Employees = 25
• Mission = Quality has always been a goal to aim for at EmergenC
• Third Party Certifications = GMP approval 2013
• Third Party Reviews = 4.2/5.0 with 6,422 verified reviews

4 – Best Vitamin C with Whole Foods – Mega Food

• Price = $37.47
• # of Servings = 60
• Price per Serving = $0.62
• Product Reviews = 5/5 (16 reviews)
• Serving Size = 1 tablet
• Taste / Absorption = Unflavored
• Labeled Effect = Provides strong support for a healthy immune system
• Food Allergens = None
• Pros = Whole food and herb blend with Vitamin C, competitive pricing
• Cons = Not as many reviews

About Ultra C-400

Ultra C-400 delivers 400 mg of vitamin C with a fruit and food blend.

The supplement’s “Fruit Phenolic Blend” is made up of organic oranges, blueberries, and cranberries for added nutrients which can help with vitamin C absorption.

Organically produced brown rice, broccoli, parsley leaf, carrots, and beetroot are included in their “Nourishing Food & Herb Blend.”

Finally, you can take this supplement anytime of day, even on an empty stomach.

If you’re looking for whole food blends to go along with your Vitamin C intake, this is a great choice.

Made by MegaFood :

MegaFood started in 1973 and is a verified B-Corporation, which means they meet higher standards for quality, transparency and sustainability. MegaFood provides tons of science, gives back to the community, and is transparent about their supply chain. According to MetaCritic, MegaFood has a 4.3/5 average rating based on 7,100 reviews.

• Start = 1973
• Revenue = $67 million
• Employees = 200
• Mission = working toward a world where everyone is truly nourished
• Third Party Certifications = B Certification, USDA Organic Certification, Non-GMO Project Verified, Vegan, Certified Kosher, 125+ Pesticide Free, Certified Gluten-Free
• Third Party Reviews = 4.3/5 with 7,100 reviews 

5 – Best for Delayed Release – Botanic Choice

• Price = $13.99
• # of Servings = 30
• Price per Serving = $0.46
• Product Reviews = 4.9/5 (22 reviews)
• Serving Size = 3 tablets
• Taste / Absorption = Unflavored
• Labeled Effect = Offers superior immune system protection
• Food Allergens = None
• Pros = 3000% Vitamin C with rose hips
• Cons = Unclear how their delayed release works, similar to other products

About Delayed Release Vitamin C with Rose Hips

Delayed Release Vitamin C with Rose Hips slowly releases vitamin C throughout the day.

The steady release of vitamin C throughout the day provides your body with a dependable supply of this critical nutrient.

However, it’s not clear how the delayed release works.

Without the delayed release, this supplement is very similar to other Vitamin C + Rosehip supplements listed above!

Made By Botanic Choice:

Botanic Choice started in 1910, over 100 years ago. The company is family owned and has millions of customers worldwide. They are one of the oldest supplement companies still around today. According to MetaCritic, Botanic Choice has a 3.8/5 rating with 1,496 reviews.

• Start = 112 years old, founded in 1910
• Revenue = $18 million
• Employees = 107
• Mission = dedicated to making effective natural health solutions available to all
• Third Party Certifications = GMP

6 – Best for Synergy – Life Extension

• Price = $22.50
• # of Servings = 250
• Price per Serving = $0.09
• Product Reviews = 4.9/5 (323 reviews)
• Serving Size = 1 vegetarian tablet
• Taste / Absorption = Unflavored
• Labeled Effect = supports immune health, collagen production, a healthy cardiovascular system and more
• Food Allergens = None
• Pros = Clinical research supports pairing Vitamin C with Quertin
• Cons = No other vitamins, minerals or herbs

About Vitamin C and Bio-Quercetin Phytosome

Vitamin C and Bio-Quercetin Phytosome pairs vitamin C with Bio-Quercetin.

There is some limited research that shows these two ingredients work “synergistically” to help boost immune systems (see 2020 study).

Vitamin C is an antioxidant that aids in the fight against free radicals and supports the health of the immune system.

Bio-Quercetin is a powerful anti-inflammatory that has been shown to encourage collagen production and iron absorption.

If you’re looking to get your Vitamin C in a uniquely synergistic way, this is a great choice.

Made By Life Extension:

Life Extension began in 1980 and is still going 40 years later. In 2021 ConsumerLab.com voted Life Extension as #1 Rated Catalog/Internet Merchant. According to ReviewMeta.com, Life Extension’s average adjusted rating of 4.1/5 from 24,224 verified reviews. 

• Start = 1980
• Revenue = $168 million
• Employees = 500
• Mission = Achieve your goals with the best nutritional products that science can offer
• Third Party Certifications = GMP, Non-GMO
• Third Party Reviews = average adjusted rating of 4.1/5 from 24,224 reviews

What factors do we use to rank supplements?

1 – Price: What’s the price of the supplement? What’s the cost per serving?

• At Eating Enlightenment we value quality over price. However, all else being equal, then price comes into consideration. 

2 – Reviews: How many reviews for each product? What’s the average rating? How many third party reviews?

• We strongly believe in third party reviews. Many supplement companies list positive reviews on their website, but third party reviews include negative comments. We always go with third party reviews.

3 – Reputation: How reputable is the brand behind the supplement? How long has the brand been around? What’s their mission? 

• We believe that a company’s intention is highly important and should be one of your top purchasing decision factors.

4 – Taste / Absorption = What’s the taste? How quickly does your body absorb the supplement? Do reviews mention any negative side effects like an upset stomach?

5 – Perceived Therapeutic Effect = What beneficial effects or feelings does this supplement promote?

6 – Food Allergens = Does the company provide allergen info?

7 – Science / Certifications: Does the company list transparent scientific studies on their website? Do third party certifications test the company’s supplement for quality control? How many certifications does the company have?

8 – Pros/Cons: What are the pros and cons of each supplement? How is the supplement unique? For what situations is this supplement best?

Who benefits most from supplements for vitamin C?

Vitamin C is an important nutrient that has many health benefits with very little risk.

Anybody who is at risk for low levels of vitamin C can benefit. This includes:

• Smokers
• People with chronic lung disease
• People exposed to secondhand smoke
• Pregnant women
• Breastfeeding women
• Elderly people
• People with certain medical conditions, such as cancer, HIV/AIDS, or an inflammatory bowel who might not get enough vitamin C
• People who have had weight-loss surgery
• People with certain genetic disorders that affect how the body absorbs or uses vitamin C
• Alcoholics
• People who abuse drugs
• People with chronic stress or anxiety.

Blood tests for Vitamin C

If you suspect you are vitamin C deficient then you can confirm with an online blood test or going to your doctor.

A vitamin C deficiency is not as common (in the states) because many foods and juices have this essential nutrient added.

Learn more about a vitamin deficiency online blood test here.

Who may not benefit from vitamin C supplements?

While many people already get enough vitamin C from their diet alone and do not need vitamin C supplementation.

• People who drink orange juice or other juices with 100% vitamin C each day
• People who eat a lot of foods with vitamin C, such as broccoli, brussels sprouts, kale, peppers, and strawberries
• Pregnant women or breastfeeding mothers who take more than the recommended amount of vitamin C (65-85 mg/day) from food and supplements

Vitamin C dosages

The upper limit for vitamin C is 2000 mg per day. However, it’s difficult to get too much Vitamin C because it’s water soluble and doesn’t stay in your system.

Risks, side effects and other precautions?

Taking 2000 mg vitamin C for many days on end, you might experience diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, heartburn, bloating or cramps.

Vitamin C supplements can also interact with:

• Chemotherapy drugs
• Estrogen pills
• Protease inhibitors

When should I take supplements to boost vitamin C?

The best time to take a supplement is with a meal since vitamin C is absorbed best when taken with food. You might need to take more than one dose per day to get the desired amount.

Foods with vitamin C

Foods with vitamin C include:

• Citrus fruits, such as oranges, grapefruits and lemons
• Red and green bell peppers, tomatoes and tomato juice
• Strawberries, raspberries, blueberries and cranberries
• Broccoli, brussel sprouts and kale

How soon after taking supplements for vitamin C will my immune system get better?

You might experience some effects of taking vitamin C supplements within hours, such as lessened fatigue or increased alertness. However, it can take up to two weeks for your body to build up enough stores of the vitamin for more significant effects, such as reduced risk of infection.

Best Supplement Vitamin C – Conclusion

Vitamin C is an important nutrient with many benefits.

Most people can get enough vitamin C from their diet. However, if you’re at risk for vitamin C deficiency or are experiencing symptoms, then speak with your doctor or take an at-home blood test.

Your best bet is eating more foods that are high in vitamin C. However, you may want to try a vitamin C supplement too.

If you are a total beginner to supplements, see our ultimate beginner’s guide here, and if you want to see more comprehensive supplement reviews search here.