If you’re thinking of a supplement to boost your immune system, any product containing vitamin C should be top of mind. But knowing that vitamin C can support your immune system is just one piece of the puzzle.
To choose a vitamin C supplement that’s right for you, look out for great-tasting products that contain extra vitamins and minerals, such as Emergen-C Immune+ 1000-Milligram Vitamin C Powder.
Vitamin C comes in different forms, such as pure vitamin C and the ascorbate form. Pure vitamin C is also known as ascorbic acid, and it is the most bioavailable form of vitamin C because it's readily absorbed by the body.
For some people, pure ascorbic acid might be too acidic, and in those cases, the ascorbate form comes to the rescue. Some popular ascorbate forms include sodium ascorbate and calcium ascorbate. There are also vitamin C formulations that include bioflavonoids, which some manufacturers claim are more beneficial than taking vitamin C alone.
For adults, the recommended daily amount of vitamin C is 75 milligrams for women and 90 milligrams for men. If you’re pregnant or breastfeeding, 120 milligrams daily is recommended. Children, on the other hand, require a lower amount of vitamin C, ranging from 25-75 milligrams daily. While there are high-dose formulations ranging from 500-1,500 milligrams, it's advised that you don’t take more than 2,000 milligrams of vitamin C per day. If you’re specifically looking for a high-dose vitamin C product, you can go for concentrated vitamin C supplements.
One way to evaluate the quality of the vitamin C you intend to buy is to look out for third-party test labels that indicate the product has been tested for quality, purity and potency. If you're on a special diet or you want a product that is made using organic ingredients, look for labels such as USDA Organic and Certified Vegan indicating third-party certifications. It’s also good to avoid products that use preservatives, fillers, binders or other artificial ingredients.
Taking more than 2,000 milligrams of vitamin C can cause digestive symptoms like nausea and vomiting. Taking vitamin C in high doses may also cause kidney stones. Vitamin C supplements are generally safe, but if you experience any of the aforementioned side effects, cut back on your intake.
Taking a high dose of vitamin C and eating iron-rich foods, especially those from plant sources, can lead to iron overload in the system. If you have a condition that may increase your risk of iron overload, you should be cautious with vitamin C supplements. When taken with aspirin or non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, vitamin C absorption can be reduced, because these drugs can cause more of the vitamin C to be lost in the urine.
Depending on the size of the packet, you can expect to pay $10-$30 for this type of vitamin C supplement. Some options include boxes containing small packets, while others come as big packets that allow you to scoop the quantity of vitamin C powder you need.
A. When you take too much vitamin C, it can increase the amount of oxalate in your kidneys, which can lead to kidney stones. To prevent this, don’t exceed the tolerable limit of vitamin C per day: 2,000 milligrams for adults and 650-1,200 milligrams for children, depending on age.
A. Some supplements contain vitamin C and bioflavonoids together, and they're often touted as a more effective combination compared to taking vitamin C alone.
Emergen-C Immune+ 1000-Milligram Vitamin C Powder
What you need to know: This orange-flavored vitamin C supplement comes in 30 single-serving packets, and it's formulated to provide you with daily immune support.
What you’ll love: It's caffeine-free and dissolves quickly in water, and it's made with natural fruit flavor. It contains vitamin D and zinc for an added boost to your immune system.
What you should consider: Some users mentioned that the taste wasn’t great.
Where to buy: Sold by Amazon
BulkSupplements.com Ascorbic Acid Vitamin C Powder
What you need to know: You can choose from options containing between 3.5 ounces and 11 pounds of pure vitamin C, and it's designed to support your immune system and fight off inflammation.
What you’ll love: It's third-party tested and free of synthetic binders, artificial flavors and sweeteners. It's also vegan-friendly. Add it to your smoothies, mix with juice or water or even use it to make your own capsules.
What you should consider: This supplement is derived from corn.
Where to buy: Sold by Amazon
What you need to know: This food-grade, tart-tasting vitamin C powder includes a resealable zipper to ensure maximum shelf life.
What you’ll love: This versatile vitamin C supplement can be added to your smoothies, dissolved in your skin lotion or added to bread dough to give it a better rise.
What you should consider: It has a sharp taste that some users found unpleasant.
Where to buy: Sold by Amazon
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Ayotola Ogunsipe writes for BestReviews. BestReviews has helped millions of consumers simplify their purchasing decisions, saving them time and money.
