7 Best Vitamin C Supplements

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Vitamin C supplements can be important for some due to dietary restrictions or a medical condition. There are many options available.
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Vitamin C, or ascorbic acid, is a water-soluble vitamin and antioxidant essential for health. It helps the immune system, skin, and bones function, and it counteracts damage from free radicals, which are molecules that can adversely affect the body.
Vitamin C
antioxidant
This article looks at who may benefit from taking vitamin C, how much people need to consume per day, and some of the best vitamin C supplements available on the market.
A quick look at 7 of the best vitamin C supplements
Best for vegans: Care/of Vitamin C
Care/of Vitamin C
Best for a multivitamin: Ritual Postnatal
Ritual Postnatal
Best for a liquid vitamin: Pure Encapsulations Liposomal Vitamin C Liquid
Pure Encapsulations Liposomal Vitamin C Liquid
Best for a chewable vitamin: NOW Supplements Orange Chewable Vitamin C-500
NOW Supplements Orange Chewable Vitamin C-500
Best for a gummy: Nordic Naturals Vitamin C Gummies
Nordic Naturals Vitamin C Gummies
Best for a spray: Garden of Life mykind Organics Vitamin C Organic Spray
Garden of Life mykind Organics Vitamin C Organic Spray
Best affordable option: Nature’s Bounty Vitamin C
Nature’s Bounty Vitamin C
Types of vitamin C supplements
Vitamin C supplements come in different forms, including:
gummies
hard and chewable tablets
powder
liquid
Some supplements may include other vitamins or minerals alongside vitamin C. They may contain high amounts of these ingredients, so individuals should consider how the supplement will fit into their current diet to ensure they do not have too much of a particular vitamin or mineral.
How we chose
Medical News Today chooses products that meet the following criteria:
Ingredients: MNT chooses products containing safe and high-quality ingredients that are clearly labeled. They should also confirm they are free from pesticides, heavy metals, and mold.
Dosage: MNT chooses products that must clearly state the supplement dosage.
Serving size: MNT selects products in which manufacturers recommend a safe dosage.
Third-party testing: MNT chooses products that must undergo third-party testing for contaminants by an ISO 17025-compliant laboratory.
ISO 17025-compliant
Available certificate of analysis: MNT chooses companies that demonstrate transparency and share a product’s certificate of analysis (COA) following receipt of its third-party lab results.
7 vitamin C supplements
There are many vitamin products on the market, and because they are not FDA-regulated before they go on sale, they may vary significantly in purity, ingredients, and dose.
People should always buy vitamin C from a reputable company, which means the company follows current Good Manufacturing Practices (CGMPs), and the products undergo third-party testing.
Good Manufacturing Practices (CGMPs)
The products below contain safe doses of vitamin C for adults and have undergone independent testing for quality.
Please note that the writer of this article has not tried these products. All information presented is purely research-based and correct at the time of publication.
Medical News Today follows a strict product selection and vetting process. Learn more here.
Learn more here
Care/of Vitamin C
Amount of vitamin C per serving: 250 mg
Form of vitamin: capsules
Count: 30 capsules
Price: $7 for a 30-day supply
Care/of is a vitamin subscription service that creates personalized plans for individuals based on their health needs.
The brand’s vitamin C supplement undergoes multiple rounds of testing to ensure safety, and the brand also sources its ingredients from trusted suppliers.
The supplement is vegan, gluten-free, and genetically modified organism (GMO)-free, and contains 250 mg of fermented vitamin C per serving.
The company recommends taking 1 capsule per day with breakfast or lunch.
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vegan capsules
gluten- and GMO-free
small monthly cost
subscription is necessary
the supplement provides well over the recommended daily amount of vitamin C
Ritual Postnatal
Amount of vitamin C per serving: 12 mg
Form of vitamin: capsules
Count: 60 capsules
Price: $39 for 30 servings
Ritual is another multivitamin subscription service. The brand includes vitamin C in its postnatal multivitamin, among other supplements.
Each serving contains 12 mg of vitamin C and several other nutritional supplements, including choline, omega-3 fatty acids, vitamin D, and biotin.
Ritual claims that its ingredients are traceable and that customers can use the website to track the exact origin of the ingredients in the products.
The company recommends taking 2 capsules per day.
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also contains vitamin D3, iron, and folate
it may be especially suitable for the postnatal period
traceable ingredients
vegan capsules
subscription required
more expensive monthly cost
may not have the right balance of vitamins for those outside the postnatal period
Pure Encapsulations Liposomal Vitamin C Liquid
Amount of vitamin C per serving: 1,000 mg per teaspoon
Form of vitamin: liquid
Count: 120 milliliters, or 24 servings
Price: around $38.50 for 24 servings
The Pure Encapsulations Liposomal Vitamin C Liquid provides 1,000 mg of vitamin C in 1 teaspoon and has a citrus flavor.
According to the company, it contains non-GMO ingredients and is suitable for vegans and vegetarians.
This is a liposomal vitamin C product, meaning tiny bubbles of oil contain the product’s vitamin C.
According to one 2020 study, the gut absorbs this form of vitamin C easier. However, the company may have factored this into the product’s price, which is higher than that of other products by other brands.
2020 study
The company is National Sanitation Foundation (NSF) and Good Manufacturing Practice (GMP) certified, and its ingredients are tested for contaminants.
company
Pure Encapsulations recommends taking 4 drops (1 teaspoon) per day.
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liposomal vitamin C can make absorption easier
suitable for vegans and vegetarians
NSF certified
non-GMO
a more expensive option
provides over 1,000% of a person’s daily vitamin C
suitable only for people over 18 years of age
some of the research the company’s health claims are based on is around 10 years old
NOW Supplements Orange Chewable Vitamin C-500
Amount of vitamin C per serving: 500 mg
Form of vitamin: chewable tablet
Count: 100 tablets
Price: around $11.85
People who do not like swallowing tablets may prefer a chewable vitamin. This product delivers 500 mg of vitamin C per chewable tablet.
The product is free from common allergens and suitable for vegans. It does contain some sugar and natural sweeteners, though this only totals 1 gram per dose. The tablets have a natural orange flavor.
According to the website, NOW exceeds GMP standards and tests all raw ingredients for safety and purity.
website
The company recommends taking one tablet 1–2 times per day.
An advantage of this product is that it is chewable. Some people may find it easier to take a chewable vitamin than swallowing a capsule. Additionally, NOW tests all ingredients to ensure their safety.
However, this product does contain sugar and natural sweeteners. Although the number of sugars in this product is low, some people may prefer to purchase a vitamin that does not contain any sugar.
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chewable
the company tests all of its ingredients
an affordable product
a high number of tablets in each bottle
contains sugar and natural sweeteners
provides over 500% of a person’s daily vitamin C
it does not use a third-party lab to test its products
Nordic Naturals Vitamin C Gummies
Amount of vitamin C per serving: 250 mg
Form of vitamin: gummies
Count: 60 gummies
Price: around $12.70
Each serving of two gummies contains 250 mg of vitamin C. The gummies are suitable for vegans and free from gluten and GMOs.
Additionally, the company states it uses a third party to test the vitamins.
The company recommends this product for people over the age of 4 years and suggests taking 2 gummies daily with food.
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uses a third party to test the product
suitable for people from the age of 4
chewable
affordable
higher in calories than other chewable options
provides over 200% of an adult’s daily vitamin C, which is too much for children
contains sugar and sodium
Garden of Life mykind Organics Vitamin C Organic Spray
Amount of vitamin C per serving: approximately 60 mg
Form of vitamin: spray
Count: 2 fluid ounces, or 27 servings
Price: $14.99 for 27 servings
This orange-tangerine flavored spray requires a person to spray the supplement directly into their mouth five times. This provides approximately 60 mg of vitamin C per dose, which equates to 67% of a person’s daily intake.
It may be ideal for individuals who do not wish to swallow or chew tablets.
The organic food blend which makes up the formula includes Amla berry extract and a selection of fruits and vegetables rich in vitamin C.
This product is certified vegan, non-GMO, gluten-free, and USDA organic. It also does not contain dairy or soy.
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uses USDA-certified organic ingredients
suitable for vegans
free from allergens such as dairy and soy
it contains a lower dose of vitamin C, which is less likely to cause side effects
fewer servings than other products
does not provide 100% of a person’s daily vitamin C
no customer reviews online
Nature’s Bounty Vitamin C
Amount of vitamin C per serving: 500 mg
Form of vitamin: capsules
Count: 100 capsules
Price: $6.06 for 100 capsules
Nature’s Bounty vitamin C capsules provide 556% of a person’s daily vitamin C. The capsules contain gelatin, meaning they are unsuitable for vegans. However, they are free from a range of major allergens, including soy, milk, lactose, gluten, and wheat.
The vitamins are also free of artificial colors, flavors, and sweeteners.
The company writes that these capsules release vitamin C slowly, and a person can take 1 capsule a day.
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very affordable
provides 100 capsules
free from allergens such as dairy, soy, and gluten
does not contain artificial ingredients
contains gelatin
contains a high dose of vitamin C
no online reviews
Comparison chart
Below is a table comparing all of the vitamin C supplements in this article.
Care/of
Ritual
Pure Encapsulations
NOW Supplements
Nordic Naturals
Garden of Life
Nature’s Bounty Vitamin C
Benefits of vitamin C
Vitamin C has many benefits. According to the National Institutes of Health (NIH), the body uses vitamin C to make collagen, which is an essential part of connective tissues and plays a role in wound healing. Vitamin C also aids the formation of L-carnitine, a chemical in the brain that turns fat into energy.
National Institutes of Health (NIH)
collagen
wound healing
L-carnitine
Furthermore, vitamin C is involved in protein metabolism and helps the body absorb iron in plant foods. The NIH also mentions vitamin C’s antioxidant activity and its important role in the immune system. A 2018 study suggests that this antioxidant activity may offer protection against pollution damage, which may cause lung cancer, asthma, or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).
protein
helps
iron
2018 study
lung cancer
asthma
chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)
There is a wide range of scientific research into the benefits of vitamin C for certain health conditions. For instance, the authors behind a 2021 study suggest that people with type 2 diabetes may benefit from vitamin C supplementation as it may help improve their blood pressure and glycemic control.
2021 study
The NIH suggests that vitamin C may help reduce a person’s chance of developing heart conditions, as it helps widen blood vessels and increase nitric oxide production, but more research is needed.
NIH suggests
Another 2021 study suggests that high dose intravenous (IV) vitamin C may reduce some of the side effects of cancer therapy. Other work found that high dose vitamin C may also have anticancer properties through its ability to inhibit the migration and metastasis of breast cancer cells.
2021 study
anticancer properties
breast cancer
However, people should speak with a doctor before taking high doses of vitamin C.
Who needs a vitamin C supplement? 
According to the National Institutes of Health (NIH), vitamin C deficiency is rare in the United States.
National Institutes of Health (NIH)
However, although most people can get enough vitamin C from fruits and vegetables, others may have difficulty getting enough vitamin C from their diet.
Those who may be at risk of vitamin C deficiency include:
older adults
people with alcohol use disorder
alcohol use disorder
people with an eating disorder
eating disorder
people who smoke, as cigarette smoke increases the damage that free radicals cause, resulting in a higher need for vitamin C
increases the damage
people who eat restricted diets for medical reasons
people with certain medical conditions, such as kidney disease that requires hemodialysis, conditions that cause malabsorption, and some types of cancer
kidney disease
cancer
infants who drink boiled cow’s milk — the heat destroys the small amount of vitamin C it contains
cow’s milk
Anyone concerned that they have a deficiency can ask a doctor for blood tests to determine which nutrients they need. A long-term vitamin C deficiency can lead to scurvy.
scurvy
For more in-depth resources about vitamins, minerals, and supplements, visit our dedicated hub.
dedicated hub
How much vitamin C do people need?
According to the NIH, a person should consume the following amounts of vitamin C per day:
NIH
Additionally, people who are pregnant or lactating will require more vitamin C:
Typically, the small intestine absorbs up to 100 mg of vitamin C from food per day. Once the cells have become saturated with vitamin C, they cannot absorb more.
100 mg
However, some believe that taking very large doses of vitamin C, or “megadosing,” is beneficial. This may stem from a 1976 paper indicating that high dose vitamin C could prolong the lives of people with terminal cancer.
1976 paper
However, more recent studies have yet to repeat this result.
Vitamin C doses of over 2,000 mg per day may cause side effects, such as:
2,000 mg
diarrhea
diarrhea
nausea
nausea
abdominal cramps
abdominal cramps
People with particular health conditions and those who take certain medications may also need to avoid vitamin C supplements. These conditions include hemochromatosis, which causes the body to store too much iron, and kidney stones.
hemochromatosis
kidney stones
Vitamin C may also interact with chemotherapy treatment.
chemotherapy
The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) cannot approve or regulate vitamin C products before they go on sale. For this reason, people need to discuss taking any new supplement with a doctor and choose products carefully.
cannot approve or regulate
How to choose a vitamin C supplement 
There are several forms of vitamin C. In supplements, vitamin C usually comes in the form of ascorbic acid. However, some supplements contain other forms, such as sodium ascorbate, calcium ascorbate, or ascorbic acid with bioflavonoids.
There are various ways people can take vitamin C, including:
capsules
chewable gummies
effervescent tablets
powders
liquids
sprays
Some people may prefer the convenience of swallowing tablets, while others may prefer a powder to mix into drinks.
People with problems absorbing nutrients may prefer a sublingual supplement, which a person places under the tongue, as the body absorbs these in the mouth rather than the intestines.
Other ways to get more vitamin C
Eating more fruits and vegetables is the best way for someone to naturally increase their vitamin C intake.
The NIH suggests:
NIH
half a cup of raw sweet red pepper, which contains 95 mg of vitamin C
three-quarters of a cup of orange juice, which contains 93 mg of vitamin C
half a cup of broccoli and half a cup of strawberries, which totals 97 mg of vitamin C
broccoli
strawberries
one medium orange and half a cup of cooked cabbage, which totals 98 mg of vitamin C
cabbage
Some companies also fortify their breakfast cereals with added vitamin C.
High heat, water-based cooking methods, and prolonged storage can destroy some foods’ vitamin C content.
For this reason, the NIH suggests lightly steaming or microwaving vegetables to retain more of their nutrients.
Side effects
People taking more than 1,000 mg of vitamin C daily may have a high chance of developing stomach pain, diarrhea, and flatulence.
high chance
diarrhea
flatulence
The National Library of Medicine associates vitamin C supplementation via IV with adverse effects, such as headaches, dizziness, and flushing. Migraine may also occur with daily doses of 6 g.
National Library of Medicine
headaches
dizziness
flushing
Migraine
It also writes that high amounts of vitamin C can increase a person’s risk of developing kidney stones.
It also states that doctors may not recommend vitamin C supplementation if a person has a blood condition, which may include sickle cell disease, thalassemia, and hemochromatosis.
Vitamin C may interact with some medications, such as chemotherapy and radiation medication. The NIH also mentions that vitamin C has interacted with medications for controlling blood cholesterol levels.
interact
People should speak with a doctor before taking a vitamin C supplement to ensure it will not interact with current medications or health conditions.
When to contact a doctor
Vitamin C deficiency can be fatal without treatment. A person should consult with a doctor if they have symptoms that may indicate a vitamin C deficiency.
These symptoms include:
small red or purple spots on the skin
inflamed, swollen, or bleeding gums
bleeding gums
wobbly teeth or tooth loss
wobbly teeth
corkscrew-shaped hairs
depression
depression
fatigue
fatigue
joint pain
joint pain
A person should also contact a doctor before taking vitamin C, particularly if they have a medical condition, are pregnant, or take any medications.
Frequently asked questions on vitamin C
Below are answers to some common questions about vitamin C.
According to the NIH, the recommended daily vitamin C intake for most non-lactating adults is 75–90 milligrams (mg).
75–90 milligrams (mg)
According to the NIH, there is some evidence that high doses of vitamin C can increase the risk of kidney stones. Ingesting high amounts of vitamin C can increase oxalate in the urine, which could lead to kidney stones, especially in people who have renal disorders.
NIH
kidney stones
However, the NIH also states there is conflicting evidence of whether kidney stones and vitamin C intake are related. The organization says that people most at risk of kidney stones due to ingesting too much vitamin C are those with existing high amounts of oxalate in their urine.
People should aim to ingest the NIH’s recommended daily intake of vitamin C per day, which is 75–90 mg for non-lactating adults.
75–90 mg
One source of vitamin C is fruit and vegetables. For example, three-quarters of a cup of orange juice contains 106% of a person’s RDA of vitamin C.
106%
However, the NIH says that there is an upper tolerable limit of how much vitamin C a person can consume before experiencing side effects such as diarrhea and nausea. This depends on age, as detailed below:
1–3 years: 400 mg
4–8 years: 650 mg
9–13 years: 1,200 mg
14–18 years: 1,800 mg
19+ years: 2,000 mg
Some people find that ascorbic vitamin C causes digestive discomfort. Buffered vitamin C can help reduce the risk of stomach irritation.
Additionally, vitamin C supplements come in various forms, from tablets and capsules to powders and sprays. People who do not want to swallow tablets can opt for a supplement they can dissolve in water or spray directly into their mouth. Other people may prefer a chewable supplement.
People can get their vitamin C from different foods, such as:
citrus fruits
red and green pepper
baked potatoes
strawberries
broccoli
fortified cereal
Nordic Naturals and subscription services such as Care/of and Ritual are some popular brands selling vitamin C supplements. They use third-party testing to assess the safety and purity of their products, meaning people can feel more secure about what the supplement contains.
People should check lab results and ingredient lists carefully before buying a supplement.
Summary
Most people get enough vitamin C by eating a varied diet including fruits and vegetables. However, some people may need to take a supplement.
All forms of vitamin C work in much the same way, but people should always choose a reputable seller and consider the dose, quality, and price point before buying a product.
Consuming too much vitamin C may cause side effects, and vitamin C supplements are not suitable for everyone. It is always best to consult a doctor or registered dietitian before taking a vitamin C supplement.