7 Best Natural Vitamin C Supplements 2023
Vitamin C is an essential nutrient which cannot be produced by humans (Nutrients. 2017). Because your body doesn't produce or store it, you need daily vitamin C for continued health. Vitamin C may be one of the most well-known immune nutrients that protect against immune deficiencies and which supports the prevention and recovery from the common cold and upper-respiratory issues, and also protects your cardiovascular system, eyes, skin, and other parts of your body.
Vitamin C is a particularly unique nutrient because it also functions as an antioxidant that protects your cells against potential damage.
Where is Natural Vitamin C Found?
Fruits and vegetables are the best sources of vitamin C. Citrus fruits, tomatoes and tomato juice, and potatoes are major contributors of vitamin C to the American diet. Other good food sources include red and green peppers, kiwifruit, broccoli, strawberries, Brussels sprouts, and cantaloupe. Although vitamin C is not naturally present in grains, it is added to some fortified breakfast cereals. The vitamin C content of food may be reduced by prolonged storage and by cooking because ascorbic acid is water soluble and is destroyed by heat. Steaming or microwaving may lessen cooking losses. Fortunately, many of the best food sources of vitamin C, such as fruits and vegetables, are usually consumed raw. Consuming five varied servings of fruits and vegetables a day can provide more than 200 mg of vitamin C.
Sources of Vitamin C - Dietary supplements and Different Forms of Vitamin C
Supplements typically contain vitamin C in the form of ascorbic acid, which has equivalent bioavailability to that of naturally occurring ascorbic acid in foods, such as orange juice and broccoli. Other forms of vitamin C supplements include sodium ascorbate; calcium ascorbate; other mineral ascorbates; ascorbic acid with bioflavonoids; and combination products, such as Ester-C®, which contains calcium ascorbate, dehydroascorbate, calcium threonate, xylonate and lyxonate.
A few studies in humans have examined whether bioavailability differs among the various forms of vitamin C. In one study, Ester-C® and ascorbic acid produced the same vitamin C plasma concentrations, but Ester-C® produced significantly higher vitamin C concentrations in leukocytes 24 hours after ingestion. Another study found no differences in plasma vitamin C levels or urinary excretion of vitamin C among three different vitamin C sources: ascorbic acid, Ester-C®, and ascorbic acid with bioflavonoids.
In contrast, all steady state comparative bioavailability studies in humans have shown no differences between synthetic and natural vitamin C, regardless of the subject population, study design or intervention used.
Best Natural Vitamin C Supplements 2022
1. Smarter Raw Whole Food Vitamin C
- Vegan, Real Immune Support
- 60 Vegan Capsules
- 100% Made with 11 Premium Raw & Natural Whole Food Berries such as Acai, Acerola, Amla, Cranberry, Goji, Jabuticaba, Mangosteen, Maqui, Pomegranate, Strawberry, & Schisandra.
- Lack of Vitamin C can cause Collagen loss leading to wrinkles, aging, weakened arteries, and immune system. Stress can cause Vitamin C deficiencies too.
- Not a synthetic Vitamin C supplement
- Natural Full Spectrum Citrus Bioflavonoids, Polyphenols & Antioxidants.
- Made in the USA
- No Fillers, Magnesium Stearate, Dioxides, Silica, Maltodextrin, Carrageenan, Soy, Milk, Egg, Corn, Tree Nuts, Artificial Colors, or Preservatives.
This product is exactly what I was looking for! I'm a Certified Health Coach and the source of vitamins and what's in them (read the ingredient list) are both of the utmost importance to me. Finding a Non-GMO Whole Food Vitamin C that didn't contain harmful chemicals such as magnesium stearate, silica, dioxides, maltodextrin, soy, carrageenan was SO IMPORTANT. Because of the purity of this brand, I will definitely recommend these Vitamin C supplements to clients. Supplementing with Vitamin C is crucial, but especially when our immunity may be at risk of being compromised, like during the cold and flu season. Additionally, these provide antioxidants, substances found in certain plants and fruits, that help stop free radicals from causing cell damage in your body. I'm loving this Non-GMO Whole Food Vitamin C!!
4.7 out of 5 - 2,285 global ratings
2. Nutricost Natural Vitamin C - Acerola Cherry Powder
Nutricost's Natural Vitamin C - Acerola Cherry Powder is derived from Acerola cherries, one of nature's highest sources of Vitamin C. Vitamin C is an essential vitamin and is an important factor in many of the body's various life-giving and life-maintaining functions. Unfortunately, Vitamin C is not naturally produced by our bodies. This means that although it is an essential vitamin, it must be replenished every day in order for good health to be maintained. Vitamin C also has a host of other general uses.
It contains 500 MG of potent, high-quality Natural Vitamin C Acerola Cherry per serving. The powder is non-GMO, vegetarian-friendly, soy-free, and gluten-free.
- Gluten Free & Non-GMO
- No Fillers, Additives, or Artificial Flavors
- High Potency Extract
- Vegan Friendly
- Vitamin C from a natural source
- Made in a GMP Compliant Facility
- Easy to Serve Scoop Included
- Available in 8oz (1/2lb) and 1 LB Bottles
Been a few years since I have purchased an acerola chrrry product. Went looking and chose this. My first test was this latest coming off this latest flu ( not Covid-19) . Scratchy throat, nasal congestion coming on, sneezing starting. I took several scoops, not the label instructions. Therapeutic levels, for those in the know, can be several thousand of milligrams. Make use of these levels for treatment but not long term. My concern it that experienced by a friend who was using high levels and subsequently developed kidney stones. He related to me urologists practically gave each other high fives knowing that money would soon be flowing into their back pockets. He suffered that fate as a likely result. Back to me. All symptoms gone in the morning. Would not have otherwise played out that way. If you have the right natural form of C , or any other vitamin, it will outperform all the synthetic ones. It also has a treasure trove of phytonutrients, mineral complexes, and or amino acids that complement the bodies ability to metabolize what you are taking. In other words a little carries a much greater throwweight. Worth trying.
4.4 out of 5 - 86 global ratings
3. Pure Synergy Pure Radiance C
Pure Radiance C unites our organic camu camu and organic acerola cherries with 7 antioxidant-rich organic berries and fruits to yield a 100% natural form of vitamin C.
Famed for its vitamin C content, the acerola berry also contains free-radical busting anthocyanins and many other valuable phytonutrients. Together, these compounds help fight oxidation both inside and out, keeping your cells and whole body flourishing. Skin cells reap the rewards too, with potential benefits for healthy collagen production and skin tone.
Food Matrix
Our vitamins and minerals are made with organic vegetables, fruits, and other natural food sources. This creates vitamins that are naturally bound in a synergy of beneficial cofactors and whole-food compounds.
Bioavailable
Activated with enzymes and fermented with probiotics, our vitamins and minerals are easy to absorb and gentle enough to be taken on an empty stomach.
Testing
We then test for things that we don't want in our capsules, like heavy metals, microbes, solvent residues, gluten, dairy, and GMOs. We also test for what we do want like vitamins, minerals, phytonutrients, and active compounds.
Phytonutrient Rich
The next challenge is to keep the phytonutrients intact through proper packaging and storage. Our vitamins are hermetically sealed without oxygen in light-impermeable amber glass bottles to ensure continued nutrient retention.
- 90 Capsules
- Made with Organic Ingredients
- 100% Natural Vitamin C with Organic Camu Camu Extract, Acerola and Amla
- NO added synthetic ascorbic acid
- Helps bolster your healthy immune system; provides protective antioxidant activity; offers extra support during cold, flu and allergy season
- Non-GMO, Vegan, Gluten-Free, Dairy-Free, Corn-Free
I absolutely love this product. I'm a repeat buyer. I am a researcher and really take my time to vet products (especially the ones that say they are natural or organic). To get Vitamin C from real sources rather than the man-made synthetic stuff is worth a (slightly) higher price then other brands when it comes to getting a real-source product. We consume so many things from companys that take shortcuts in order to make a bigger profit (stevia, agave, cage-free) that it is worth the price to know we are getting a truly healthy, pure way to keep our bodies and minds healthy.
4.8 out of 5 - 3,182 global ratings
4. Viva Naturals Vitamin C
- Non-GMO Vitamin C Supplements with Citrus Bioflavonoids & Rose Hips for Immune Support & Antioxidant Protection
Features Non GMO Vitamin C
Our C vitamin contains premium Quali-C from Scotland, made by one of the world’s leading providers of this essential nutrient. Each batch is third-party tested for quality, providing 1000mg of vit C per serving.
Vitamin C With Bioflavonoids & Rose Hips
Protect yourself all season long with our specially formulated vitamin C 1000mg vegetarian capsules.* Complementing fruit extracts like citrus bioflavonoids and rose hips provide natural sources of vitamin C and work synergistically to support a healthy immune system.
Supports Collagen For Hair, Skin, Nails & Joints
Often going under the radar, vit C is an essential nutrient for collagen synthesis.* Collagen is the holy grail of beauty and joint support, and adding a high quality ascorbic acid like Vit C 1000mg to your wellness routine can help your body make more of it.
Non GMO Vitamin C 1000 & Veggie-Friendly
Our vitamin C capsules are non GMO and vegetarian friendly, making them an easy addition to any wellness practice or dietary lifestyle. Not to mention they’re manufactured without artificial dyes, salt, soy or dairy, so you can feel confident that you’re getting the most out of your vitamin C pills!
As a diabetic of 43 years, I've done pretty well. I can still see and pee and have all my feet and toes. I recently learned how high dose vitamin C can get rid of those age spots that mar our complexion as we get older. I had a big dark spot on my face go away and today I looked down at my feet and one of two scars was gone and the other was going. They had been there for several years. and They say diabetics don't heal well. Our bodies need Vitamin C to make collagen and to keep our skin healthy we all need more than the RDA, but Diabetics even more so. Diabetics use up our vitamin C quicker than most other people and it is a strong anti-oxidant. Even though I am doing fairly well, I did have a heart attack 10 years ago. My arteries were brittle and since I wasn't taken vitamin C at that time, my body didn't have the materials to repair and keep my arteries flexible. I take this C and I also take another Liposomal Vitamin C 1:1. I have taken up to 40,000 mg in a day spread out throughout the course of the day. Like 2,000 and hour. No ill effects and with some pleasant surprises such as I described.
4.7 out of 5 - 7,786 global ratings
5. Dacha Natural Liposomal Vitamin C
DACHA’s liposomal vitamin c formula contains 200 capsules to ensure that you can enjoy health benefits for a long time. Also, a strong potency of 1500mg of liposomal vitamin c per serving will ensure the boost to your immune system, overall health and wellbeing.
Our formula utilizes phospholipid sunflower lecithin to create liposomes, helping our body absorb vitamin c. The non-gmo phosphatidylcholine in our formula is crucial to liposome formation, and helps ensure bioavailability in the body. Our blend combines ascorbic acid & palmitic acid to create ester ascorbyl palmitate, a fat-soluble form of vitamin c. When combined with sunflower lecithin, a liposomal environment can be created.
Dacha liposomal vitamin c might not just help boost your t-cell productions but also help with producing collagen for healthier skin and with promoting healthy gums and blood pressure.
- 200 Capsules, 1500mg
- Immune System & Collagen Booster, High Absorption Fat Soluble VIT C, Buffered
- Anti Aging Skin Vitamins, Anti Inflammatory, Sunflower Lecithin
- Made in the USA
- Combines 100% natural ingredients
- No after taste
I purchased this product three weeks ago to help give my immune system a boost because I had a very bad sinus/ear infection and suffered a ruptured ear drum. I started to take this about three days after begining treatment with antibiotics and immediately started to feel improvements. To be specific, inflamation in my sinuses started to decrease and the icky stuff that was causing horrible congestion in my head started to drain. This has been a particularly nasty infection and there have been a few times that I felt like I was begining to relapse. At those times, I would take an extra dose of this vitamin C and get a little extra sleep. A few days ago, my doctor reported that there is no sign of infection, that my ear drum is healing nicely, that my hearing test results were good and that my hearing should be back to 100% in about three more weeks. I've been very pleased with this product in regards to what I purchased it for- getting over a bad infection quickly and not having to take more than one course of antibiotics to do so. But what I'm really amazed by is the way that my skin looks and feels since I've been taking it! It's pretty rare to emerge from a bout of illness feeling rosy, soft and glowing! It's a bonus that I did not expect but I'm very pleased with.
4.7 out of 5 - 14,737 global ratings
6. Peak Performance Raw Whole Food Vitamin C
- Vitamin C Capsules from Acerola Cherry for Max Absorption
- Vegan USA Sourced Vitamin C Supplement
- 90 Pills / 500 mg Serving or 2 Servings 1000mg
- Vegan Friendly, Free of Gluten, GMOs, Additives, Preservatives, Artificial Colours, Soy, and Dairy
- Manufactured Under The Highest Quality GMP Regulations and USA Standards.
At Peak Performance our ingredients are sourced entirely from the USA and derived from Real Raw Whole Food Acerola Cherry for maximum absorption and effectiveness.
Our Vitamin C is sourced from Acerola Cherry - a whole-food ingredient well-known for being extremely rich in vitamin C and designed specifically to support your immune system. It also contains an organic vegetable and fruit blend of over 25 Real organic whole foods which retain important enzymes and aids in the digestion and assimilation process.
We STRIVE TO MAKE A DIFFERENCE
- 1-For-1 Donation with the Nonprofit Vitamin Angels
- For every unit sold, we supply a child at risk of malnutrition with vitamins
- We have supplied vitamins to over 200,000+ children at risk of malnutrition
What I like best about this product is that these are veggie capsules only containing the vitamins and necessary nutrients. The Peak Performance Raw Whole Food Vitamin C capsules are different and better than others out there because it is ethically sourced, made in the USA, containing vegetarian ingredients to help absorb the Vitamin C. Peak Performance is a good brand choice because it is based out of the USA and the products are all made with quality ingredients.
4.7 out of 5 - 383 global ratings
7. Nutra Champs Vitamin C
NutraChamps’ naturally sourced, vegan, non-GMO Vitamin C supplement comes in convenient, easy to swallow capsules so that you don’t need to guzzle down sugar-rich juices to get your dose of this essential nutrient.
NutraChamps’ premium formula didn’t just include L-Ascorbic Acid, the naturally occurring form of Vitamin C. Loaded with Elderberry, Citrus Bioflavonoids & Rose Hips, NutraChamps also delivers key antioxidant essentials to ensure you get more out of every dose.
Furthermore, Collagen is vital in ensuring the health of our hair, skin, nails, joints and connective tissue — but without the right amount of Vitamin C, the body can’t actually produce or store collagen. This makes taking the right dose SO important. With NutraChamps, you’ll get the doctor recommended dose and exactly what your body needs to thrive.
- Vitamin C 1000mg with Elderberry, Citrus Bioflavonoids & Rose Hips
- 120 Capsules
- Vegan, Non-GMO
- Antioxidant Supplement for Immune Health & Collagen Production
- Powerful antioxidant : Not only is Vitamin C an important antioxidant by itself, but it has also been shown to regenerate other antioxidants within the body. Add Elderberry, Citrus Bioflavonoids and Rose Hips to the picture and you’ve got an immune support boosting, antioxidant powerhouse!
I like everything about this new Nutra Champs supplement - the right dose, the right combination of complementary ingredients, vegan, non-GMO, easy swallow capsule, all aspects are excellent.
I like splitting my supplements morning and afternoon. I think it gives better, more even protection. The 500 mg capsules provide that and are a bit easier to swallow.
Besides the L-Ascorbic Acid, each capsule includes Elderberry, Citrus Bioflavonoids and Rose Hips. Good complements without sweeteners and flavor enhancers like you might get with tablets.
I'm on a plant based diet so finding high quality vegan supplements requires a capsule without gelatin. Nutra Champs always provide that for me. Ingredients are also not genetically modified.
This is a great way to get your vitamin C!!
4.7 out of 5 - 2,102 global ratings
How to choose
Selecting the right vitamin C supplement depends on a variety of factors, including the form, quality, dose, and price. There are many forms of vitamin C available (ascorbic acid, sodium ascorbate, calcium ascorbate, liposomal vitamin C etc.) but there is not much evidence that one form is much better than another.
The ascorbate forms may be easier on your stomach, but you will still run a risk of developing loose stools at too high a dose.
You can also start by considering how you’ll be using the supplement. For instance, if you prefer to take a pill, you’ll want to check out encapsulated vitamin C supplements.
If you don’t like swallowing pills or want to mix it into beverages, your best bet is to consider liquid or powdered supplements.
Next, you want to check the supplement’s quality. Evaluate whether a brand is reputable by exploring their ingredient sourcing and manufacturing standards. A good product will also be tested by third-party organizations, such as USP, Consumer Labs, or NSF International.
Take a look at added ingredients, too. If you’re trying to limit your intake of added sugars, you want to opt for a supplement that doesn’t contain sugar.
Generally, high doses of vitamin C are unnecessary and could contribute to harmful side effects. Only consume high doses if your healthcare provider recommends doing so.
Finally, you want to consider your budget. Some professional-grade brands can be expensive, but keep in mind that a higher price doesn’t necessarily mean a better product. There are plenty of high quality options available at various price points.
You can also start by considering how you’ll be using the supplement. For instance, if you prefer to take a pill, you’ll want to check out encapsulated vitamin C supplements.
If you don’t like swallowing pills or want to mix it into beverages, your best bet is to consider liquid or powdered supplements.
Next, you want to check the supplement’s quality. Evaluate whether a brand is reputable by exploring their ingredient sourcing and manufacturing standards. A good product will also be tested by third-party organizations, such as USP, Consumer Labs, or NSF International.
Take a look at added ingredients, too. If you’re trying to limit your intake of added sugars, you want to opt for a supplement that doesn’t contain sugar.
Another factor to consider is the dosage. The recommended daily amount of vitamin C for adults is 90 mg for men, 75 mg for women, and up to 120 mg for women who are pregnant or breastfeeding. However, certain medical conditions may require that you take much higher doses (NIH).
Children have lower vitamin C requirements, which range from 25–75mg per day, depending on their age. However, it’s not generally advised to give children a vitamin C supplement unless their pediatrician has recommended it.Note that the Tolerable Upper Intake Level (UL) for vitamin C for men, as well as women ages 19 and above, is 2,000 mg. Meanwhile, the UL for children ranges from 400–1,800 mg, depending on age. Daily intakes at or below these amounts are unlikely to result in any adverse health effects (NIH).
Vitamin C supplements come in a wide range of dosage options. If you’re looking for a high dose, it may be more economical and convenient to find a concentrated supplement. This way you won’t be stuck consuming multiple servings of a lower dose option.Generally, high doses of vitamin C are unnecessary and could contribute to harmful side effects. Only consume high doses if your healthcare provider recommends doing so.
Finally, you want to consider your budget. Some professional-grade brands can be expensive, but keep in mind that a higher price doesn’t necessarily mean a better product. There are plenty of high quality options available at various price points.
Can Vitamin C prevent Coronavirus?
A review, published December 7, 2020, in the journal Nutrients, recommended the use of vitamin C as an additional therapy for respiratory infections, sepsis and COVID-19.
In December 16, 2020, Rob Verkerk, Ph.D., founder and scientific director of the Alliance for Natural Health, announced the launch of an international vitamin C campaign in response to the Nutrients review, which "puts all the arguments and science in one, neat place."
In December 16, 2020, Rob Verkerk, Ph.D., founder and scientific director of the Alliance for Natural Health, announced the launch of an international vitamin C campaign in response to the Nutrients review, which "puts all the arguments and science in one, neat place."
However, large controlled studies demonstrating vitamin C's effectiveness in COVID-19 are still lacking. There are many such studies underway and you can review the status of these trials on clinicaltrials.gov. As of January 2021, more than 50 studies have been launched to investigate the benefits of vitamin C against COVID-19.
Vitamin C may help shorten the duration and severity of colds caused by other viruses, but this is no guarantee that it will have the same effect on the coronavirus that causes COVID-19.
Additionally, vitamin C is a water-soluble vitamin. It dissolves in water, meaning that excess amounts aren’t stored in your body but instead eliminated through your urine. Taking more vitamin C does not mean that your body is absorbing more (nih).
High dose vitamin C supplements may even cause diarrhea, as they can signal your body to pull water out of the cells and into your digestive tract (NIH).
Moreover, although high dose vitamin C appears promising for COVID-19 treatment, these doses were exceptionally high and given via IV — not taken orally. Additionally, it was only given in cases severe enough to require hospitalization.
Possible side effects
Although vitamin C is a natural compound, getting too much of it can cause uncomfortable and potentially serious side effects.Some of the most common reported side effects include headaches, flushed skin, nausea, and vomiting (NIH). Consuming high doses of vitamin C for prolonged periods may also increase your risk of kidney stones (NIH).
Always consult your healthcare provider prior to adding any nutritional supplement to your routine.
Conclusion
Vitamin C is an essential nutrient that plays a diverse role in keeping your body healthy. Although vitamin C deficiency is rare in developed countries, it can cause serious health problems that, if left untreated, could be fatal.If you have trouble getting enough vitamin C from your diet, supplements are a great option. They come in a variety of physical forms, dosages, and price points.
That said, many vitamin C supplements in the market are above the US RDA. It’s important to seek a doctor’s advice if you intend to take high dose vitamin C on a long term basis. To be on the safe side, you may also request for your kidney functions to be monitored.
Always consult your doctor prior to adding any new supplements to your health and wellness regimen.
This article was adapted from Healthline: https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/best-vitamin-c-supplement
This article was adapted from Healthline: https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/best-vitamin-c-supplement
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