Vitamin
Vitamin C
Also known as: Ascorbic acid, L-ascorbic acid, Ascorbate, Sodium ascorbate
A
Evidence
Vitamin C is an essential water-soluble antioxidant required for collagen synthesis, immune function, and iron absorption. Calcium ascorbate is a buffered form that reduces gastric irritation.
Primary uses
- Immune support
- Antioxidant
- Collagen synthesis
- Iron absorption
- Enhanced immune support
- High-dose C therapy
- Antioxidant protection
- Cortisol reduction
- Exercise recovery
- Adrenal support
- Cortisol production
- Stress resilience
How it works
- Collagen hydroxylation cofactor
- Electron donor antioxidant
- Immune cell support
- Enhances iron absorption
Dosage
- Typical range
- 500-2000mg daily
- Timing
- Divided doses
- With food
- Optional
- Duration
- Safe long-term
- Special populations
- Higher needs when sick
Forms
- Ascorbic acid powder
- Sodium ascorbate
- Liposomal
- Liquid gel
- Capsules
- Ascorbic acid
- Buffered/Ester-C
- Buffered C
- Liposomal C
- Buffered
- Liposomal vitamin C
- Ester-C
- Powder
- Buffered (sodium ascorbate)
- Calcium ascorbate· 70/100
Safety
Common side effects
- GI upset at high doses
- Diarrhea
Contraindications
- Hemochromatosis
- G6PD deficiency (IV)
Known interactions
Evidence notes
Essential vitamin with extensive research
Grade A: Multiple well-designed human trials support the main claims.
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