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Vitamin

Vitamin C

Last reviewed September 28, 20261 sources
In short

Vitamin C (ascorbic acid) is a water-soluble vitamin needed to make collagen and certain neurotransmitters, and it acts as an antioxidant. Supplements are sold as ascorbic acid or as mineral ascorbates such as sodium or calcium ascorbate.

Research in progress. This ingredient page doesn’t yet meet SuppScout’s bar for a complete reference (sourced evidence summary, considerations and sufficient detail), so search engines are asked not to index it. The information shown is sourced where cited.

Quick facts

Adult RDA
75 mg/day (women), 90 mg/day (men); smokers need 35 mg more[1]
Upper limit
2,000 mg/day for adults[1]

Common vitamin c supplement forms

  • Ascorbic acid
  • Sodium ascorbate
  • Calcium ascorbate
  • Ascorbic acid with bioflavonoids

Detailed form pages for Vitamin C are being researched.

What researchers have studied it for

Common cold

Mixed evidence

Regular supplementation has been associated with a modestly shorter duration of colds in some trials, while taking it after symptoms start appears to have little effect in most research.[1]

Evidence labels summarize the overall body of published research for each topic; they are not a recommendation and do not mean a supplement is appropriate for you. Published research

Typical amounts in supplements

Supplements commonly provide 250–1,000 mg per serving. Absorption becomes less efficient at higher single doses.

[1]

These describe what supplements commonly contain and published reference values — not a recommendation for you.

Food sources

  • Citrus fruits
  • Red and green peppers
  • Kiwifruit
  • Broccoli
  • Strawberries

Potential considerations

  • Amounts above the upper limit can cause diarrhea, nausea and abdominal cramps.

Products containing vitamin c

No products listed yet

SuppScout hasn’t added vitamin c products yet.

Sources & references

  1. Vitamin C: Fact Sheet for Health Professionals. NIH Office of Dietary Supplements. ods.od.nih.govGovernment

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This page is educational and is not medical advice. Talk to a healthcare professional before starting a supplement, especially if you have a medical condition, take medications, or are pregnant or breastfeeding. Medical disclaimer.