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Meta-C Powder

4.7
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
(171 ratings)
Vitamin C 1500 mg
Product Image
Score75

A high-dose buffered vitamin C powder with clearly listed calcium, metabolites, and spirulina. The large serving may exceed what many users need at one time.

How scoring works
Powder
Quantity:8 Ounce(s) • (90 servings)
Goals:
General Health
Immunity
Anti-Inflammatory Support
Skin Health
Vision Support

Score 75

A high-dose buffered vitamin C powder with clearly listed calcium, metabolites, and spirulina. The large serving may exceed what many users need at one time.

How scoring works
$11.65($0.12 per serving)
iHerb
$ 11.65
Pure Formulas
$ 17.99
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Analysis

Meta-C supplies 1,500 mg of vitamin C with 185 mg of calcium in a buffered powder. The form may be more comfortable than plain acidic vitamin C while providing strong antioxidant and collagen-cofactor depth.

Biologically active metabolites, dehydroascorbic acid, and 470 mg of spirulina are stated separately. Their added practical value is less certain than the core vitamin C contribution.

The formula suits users who want a high-dose buffered powder and are comfortable measuring servings. Its main strengths are dose and disclosure, while diminishing absorption efficiency and digestive tolerance become more relevant at this amount.

Who is it for
  • Adults seeking a high-dose buffered powder
  • People who prefer mixable supplements
  • Users interested in the Meta-C complex
Best for
  • Focused antioxidant support
  • Buffered vitamin C intake
  • Immune and collagen support

Pros

  • Calcium-buffered vitamin C
  • Clearly disclosed major components
  • Substantial active amount
  • Includes spirulina

Cons

  • Very large 1,500 mg serving
  • Added metabolite value is uncertain
  • Spirulina does not clearly improve the core role
  • Requires measuring

Warnings

  • A 1,500 mg serving may cause stomach upset or diarrhea
  • Measure the powder carefully because the serving is highly concentrated
  • People limiting supplemental calcium should account for the 185 mg contribution

Nutrient quality

78 High impact

Meta-C may reduce acidity while providing a substantial vitamin C amount. The aggressive amount and sizable spirulina addition reduce balance and focus.

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Ingredient transparency

73 High impact

Active components and their amounts are mostly disclosed without a hidden proprietary total. Branded form naming, missing daily directions, and incomplete excipient information leave smaller gaps.

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Customer satisfaction

64 Moderate impact

The aggregate rating is strong and supported by moderate feedback volume. Complaint-level experiences are unavailable, so repeated drawbacks and purpose fit remain uncertain.

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Value for money

85 Highest impact

Meaningful servings and strong economy provide practical value. Remaining formula limitations do little to outweigh the low serving cost.

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Report analysis

Goals

General Health
General Health
Impact
Highest effect
A- Goal FitA- Strength of SupportB- CoverageA- Formula Quality
Vitamin C · 170 mg

The buffered Meta-C complex supplies substantial vitamin C for antioxidant, collagen, and immune support. Calcium and related vitamin C metabolites may make the powder more comfortable than plain acidic vitamin C.

The exact chemistry of the branded complex is not fully detailed, and spirulina is secondary to the main active. The focused powder still provides a clear and meaningful contribution to one foundational pathway.

Study evidence
Vitamin C Supportive 56 studies
Immunity
Immunity
Impact
Highest effect
A Goal FitA- Strength of SupportC+ CoverageB+ Formula Quality
Vitamin C · 170 mg

Vitamin C provides direct antioxidant support for normal immune-cell function. The serving is meaningful enough to anchor a focused immunity formula.

The calcium-buffered Meta-C complex, metabolites, mineral contribution, and spirulina amount are clearly disclosed. A 1500 mg serving may cause stomach upset or diarrhea, while the added spirulina has uncertain immune value.

Study evidence
Vitamin C Supportive 53 studies
Anti-Inflammatory Support
Anti-Inflammatory Support
Impact
High effect
C+ Goal FitA- Strength of SupportC CoverageB Formula Quality
Vitamin C · 170 mg

A substantial vitamin C complex supports antioxidant defenses that can limit oxidative inflammatory signaling. Calcium buffering may improve tolerance, while spirulina adds a second antioxidant food component.

The formula remains centered on redox support rather than direct inflammatory-enzyme modulation. The vitamin C amount approaches the range of diminishing absorption efficiency, and the spirulina contribution is less precisely tied to an active target.

Study evidence
Vitamin C Supportive 50 studies
Skin Health
Skin Health
Impact
High effect
B+ Goal FitB Strength of SupportC- CoverageC+ Formula Quality
Vitamin C · 170 mg

Vitamin C directly supports collagen synthesis and antioxidant defense, giving the powder a clear skin-health role. The calcium-containing complex may be gentler than plain ascorbic acid.

The serving is larger than needed for routine cofactor support and may be less efficiently absorbed at once. Added spirulina broadens the formula slightly but does not provide direct hydration or structural peptides.

Study evidence
Vitamin C Supportive 53 studies
Vision Support
Vision Support
Impact
High effect
D+ Goal FitA- Strength of SupportD CoverageB+ Formula Quality
Vitamin C · 170 mg

Vitamin C contributes retinal antioxidant protection but cannot cover macular pigment or structural needs alone. Vitamin C appears in established ocular nutrient combinations, though standalone evidence is limited for broad vision outcomes.

The high Meta-C serving supplies a meaningful antioxidant amount rather than a token inclusion. The calcium-containing Meta-C complex is disclosed, but its proprietary metabolite and spirulina contributions are difficult to judge.

Study evidence
Vitamin C Disputed 24 studies

Ingredients

IngredientAmount per serving
Vitamin C (Meta-C)
 1500 mg
Calcium (Meta-C)
 185 mg
Biologically Active Metabolites and Dehydroascorbic Acid (Meta-C)
 170 mg
Spirulina (Meta-C)
 470 mg
Gluten Free Adults 18–50 Vegan Dairy Free Vegetarian
Report overview
Vitamin C (Meta-C) · 1500 mg OverallScore84
B- Active Ingredient Quality & BioavailabilityA Dose, Safety & Label TransparencyA+ Value

The calcium-containing Meta-C complex appears designed to reduce acidity compared with plain ascorbic acid. Its serving is substantial but reaches the upper edge of the more efficient intake range. Clear mineral disclosure and low cost per active amount strengthen its practical value.

View ingredientView products
Loading alternative details
86 Performance

Ester-C Plus 1000 mg Vitamin C

Solgar
Ingredient and delivery quality improve with 1,000 mg of buffered Ester-C with 108 mg of calcium and 200 mg of citrus bioflavonoids. Compared with the original 1500 mg Meta-C formula, the substantial buffered dose and compatible bioflavonoids broaden support beyond plain ascorbic acid, although complete excipient details are not supplied.
86 Performance

C

Swanson
Ingredient and delivery quality improve with 1,000 mg of calcium ascorbate with 120 mg of calcium and 200 mg of citrus bioflavonoids. Compared with the original 1500 mg Meta-C formula, the buffered form and meaningful bioflavonoid amount offer a broader formula than plain ascorbic acid, although complete excipient details are not supplied.
84 Performance

Ester-C 24 Hour Immune Support 1000 mg

NatureSmart
Ingredient and delivery quality improve with 1,000 mg of buffered Ester-C with 110 mg of calcium and 102 mg of citrus bioflavonoids. Compared with the original 1500 mg Meta-C formula, the buffered form and bioflavonoids combine stomach-comfort potential with a focused vitamin C dose, although the supplied data do not include the complete inactive-ingredient panel.
89 Budget

Pure Buffered Calcium Ascorbate

NOW
A lower serving cost comes with 890 mg of vitamin C as buffered calcium ascorbate with 100 mg of calcium, compared with the original 1500 mg Meta-C formula. the mineral-bound form may be gentler than plain ascorbic acid and keeps the active formula focused, although the full inactive-ingredient panel is not supplied.
88 Budget

Sodium Ascorbate

NutriBiotic Immunity
A lower serving cost comes with 1,100 mg of vitamin C as sodium ascorbate with 120 mg of sodium, compared with the original 1500 mg Meta-C formula. the fully buffered powder provides a substantial, clearly disclosed amount, although careful measuring and sodium accounting remain important.
88 Budget

Buffered Gold C

California Gold Nutrition
A lower serving cost comes with 1,000 mg of vitamin C as sodium ascorbate with 130 mg of sodium, compared with the original 1500 mg Meta-C formula. the simple buffered formula provides a full amount with no unrelated active ingredients, although the sodium contribution needs consideration on a restricted diet.
87 Value

Pure Buffered Magnesium Ascorbate

NOW
A stronger quality-to-cost balance comes from 820 mg of vitamin C as magnesium ascorbate with 60 mg of magnesium. Compared with the original 1500 mg Meta-C formula, full buffering combines a meaningful vitamin C amount with clear mineral disclosure, while complete use directions and inactive ingredients are not supplied.
84 Value

Ester-C 500 mg With Citrus Bioflavoinds

American Health
A stronger quality-to-cost balance comes from 1,000 mg of buffered Ester-C with a broad citrus bioflavonoid complex. Compared with the original 1500 mg Meta-C formula, the formula adds several named citrus compounds while maintaining a substantial vitamin C amount, while the repeated complex entries make the exact internal amounts difficult to interpret.
88 Value

Sodium Ascorbate Capsules

NutriBiotic Immunity
A stronger quality-to-cost balance comes from 850 mg of vitamin C as sodium ascorbate with 100 mg of sodium. Compared with the original 1500 mg Meta-C formula, the fully buffered form provides clear dosing and may be easier on the stomach than plain ascorbic acid, while the sodium contribution needs consideration on a restricted diet.
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Sources

Published studies used for the product analysis and the top-ranked studies for each ingredient and goal.

  1. Mortality in randomized trials of antioxidant supplements for primary and secondary prevention: systematic review and meta-analysis.
    Bjelakovic G; Nikolova D; Gluud LL; Simonetti RG; Gluud C · JAMA · 2007
    Meta-analysis232,606 participants68 studies pooledGeneral Health forVitamin C
  2. Vitamin C and postoperative outcomes following mandibular third molar extraction: a randomized split-mouth study.
    Demirel M; Aktas A; Kizil M; Yalcin N · Oral surgery, oral medicine, oral pathology and oral radiology · 2026
    Randomized trial56 participantsSkin Health forVitamin C
  3. Vitamin C supplementation in kidney failure: effect on uraemic symptoms.
    Singer RF · Nephrology, dialysis, transplantation : official publication of the European Dialysis and Transplant Association - European Renal Association · 2011
    Randomized trial99 participantsGeneral Health forVitamin C
  4. Association between hemoglobin A1c, Vitamin C, and microbiome in diabetic foot ulcers and intact skin: A cross-sectional study.
    Tong KPS; Green SJ; Ortiz J; Wu SC · Health science reports · 2024
    Cross-sectional study42 participantsSkin Health forVitamin C
  5. Serum vitamin C and spinal pain: a nationwide study.
    Dionne CE; Laurin D; Desrosiers T; Abdous B; Le Sage N; Frenette J; Mondor M; Pelletier S · Pain · 2017
    Cross-sectional study4,742 participantsGeneral Health forVitamin C
  6. Comparative Study on the Outcome of Periorbital Wrinkles Treated with Laser-Assisted Delivery of Vitamin C or Vitamin C Plus Growth Factors: A Randomized, Double-blind, Clinical Trial.
    Machado BHB; Frame J; Zhang J; Najlah M · Aesthetic plastic surgery · 2021
    Randomized trial149 participantsSkin Health forVitamin C
  7. Vitamin C intake and multiple health outcomes: an umbrella review of systematic reviews and meta-analyses.
    Xu K; Peng R; Zou Y; Jiang X; Sun Q; Song C · International journal of food sciences and nutrition · 2022
    Meta-analysis76 studies pooledGeneral Health forVitamin C
  8. Randomized trial of topical ascorbic acid in DMSO versus imiquimod for the treatment of basal cell carcinoma.
    Burke B; Bailie JE · Biomedicine & pharmacotherapy = Biomedecine & pharmacotherapie · 2022
    Randomized trial25 participantsSkin Health forVitamin C
  9. Vitamin C for the management of COVID-19: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials.
    Abid H; Mushtaq I; Munir ABI; Shakil J; Vinjamuri S; Tadasare N; Kiran F; Muhammad Wali Mirza A; Fatima Khidri F; Shahid A; Ayyan M; Ehsan M; Cheema HA; Alsubari AMA; Sahra S; Siddiqi NI · Annals of medicine and surgery (2012) · 2026
    Meta-analysis9 studies pooledGeneral Health forVitamin C
  10. Dietary nutrient intakes and skin-aging appearance among middle-aged American women.
    Cosgrove MC; Franco OH; Granger SP; Murray PG; Mayes AE · The American journal of clinical nutrition · 2007
    Cross-sectional study4,025 participantsSkin Health forVitamin C
  11. Evaluating the effects of chlorhexidine and vitamin c mouthwash on oral health in non-surgical periodontal therapy: a randomized controlled clinical trial.
    Ozmeric N; Enver A; Isler SC; Gökmenoğlu C; Topaloğlu M; Selamet H; Altun G; Aykol Sayar S · Scientific reports · 2025
    Randomized trial60 participantsGeneral Health forVitamin C
  12. Comparison of the Efficacy of Intralesional Ascorbic Acid Mesotherapy and Intralesional Tranexamic Acid in Treating Melasma in the Skin of Colour Population.
    Aslam H; Muhammad A; Ullah A; Aziz N; Lakhiar JA; Ahmad B; Shahzadi A; Ahmad A; Chandni; Virdi G · Cureus · 2025
    Randomized trial110 participantsSkin Health forVitamin C
  13. Associations of Serum Biomarkers of Fruit and Vegetable Intake With the Risk of Cause-Specific Mortality and All-Cause Mortality: A National Prospective Cohort Study.
    Pu L; Zhang R; Wang X; Zhao T; Sun H; Han L · Frontiers in nutrition · 2022
    Cohort study12,530 participantsGeneral Health forVitamin C
  14. Efficacy and Safety of tranexamic acid versus vitamin c after microneedling in treatment of melasma: Clinical and Dermoscopic study.
    El Attar Y; Doghaim N; El Far N; El Hedody S; Hawwam SA · Journal of cosmetic dermatology · 2022
    Randomized trial20 participantsSkin Health forVitamin C
  15. Ascorbate for Organ Dysfunction in Critically Ill Patients With Sepsis: The Phase 2b ASTER Trial.
    Files DC; Matthay MA; Ware LB; Brower RG; Aggarwal NR; Brown SM; Chang SY; Douglas IS; Duggal A; Gibbs KW; Fields S; Foulkes AS; Ginde A; Goodwin A; Harris ES; Hendey GW; Hibbert K; Hite RD; Hough CL; Huang W; Khan A; Lai P; Liu KD; Miller C; Moskowitz A; Riker R; Robinson BRH; Self WH; Tidswell MA; Yealy DM; Thompson BT; Fowler AA · CHEST critical care · 2026
    Randomized trial79 participantsGeneral Health forVitamin C
  16. Comparative Evaluation of Locally Injected Dexamethasone with and Without Vitamin C in Mandibular Fractures: A Randomized Controlled Trial.
    Chincholkar A; Rudagi BM; Setiya S; Sakhariya S · Journal of maxillofacial and oral surgery · 2025
    Randomized trial30 participantsSkin Health forVitamin C
  17. Relation between plasma ascorbic acid and mortality in men and women in EPIC-Norfolk prospective study: a prospective population study. European Prospective Investigation into Cancer and Nutrition.
    Khaw KT; Bingham S; Welch A; Luben R; Wareham N; Oakes S; Day N · Lancet (London, England) · 2001
    Cohort study19,496 participantsGeneral Health forVitamin C
  18. Double-blind, half-face study comparing topical vitamin C and vehicle for rejuvenation of photodamage.
    Fitzpatrick RE; Rostan EF · Dermatologic surgery : official publication for American Society for Dermatologic Surgery [et al.] · 2002
    Non-randomized trial10 participantsSkin Health forVitamin C
  19. Supplemental Vitamins and Minerals for Cardiovascular Disease Prevention and Treatment: JACC Focus Seminar.
    Jenkins DJA; Spence JD; Giovannucci EL; Kim YI; Josse RG; Vieth R; Sahye-Pudaruth S; Paquette M; Patel D; Blanco Mejia S; Viguiliouk E; Nishi SK; Kavanagh M; Tsirakis T; Kendall CWC; Pichika SC; Sievenpiper JL · Journal of the American College of Cardiology · 2021
    Meta-analysisGeneral Health forVitamin C
  20. Split-Face Comparative Analysis Of Micro-Needling With Tranexamic Acid Vs Vitamin C Serum In Melasma.
    Raza MH; Iftikhar N; Anwar A; Mashhood AA; Tariq S; Bin Hamid MA · Journal of Ayub Medical College, Abbottabad : JAMC · 2022
    Non-randomized trial30 participantsSkin Health forVitamin C
  21. Efficacy of Vitamin C as Glucocorticoid Substitute for Reducing Pain and Inflammation After Total Hip Arthroplasty: A Randomized Controlled Trial.
    Jiang W; Xu H; Jiang X; Zhan Y; Ju Y; Xie J; Huang Z; Huang Q; Pei F · The Journal of bone and joint surgery. American volume · 2025
    Randomized trial107 participantsAnti-Inflammatory Support forVitamin C
  22. The Impact of Vitamin C on Analgesic, Anti-inflammatory, and Hemostatic Outcomes After Total Hip and Knee Arthroplasty: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.
    Moftakhari Hajimirzaei S; Bagherzadeh Cham M; Dolikhani M; Tabatabaee SM; Ebrahimpour A · The archives of bone and joint surgery · 2026
    Meta-analysis1,162 participants10 studies pooledAnti-Inflammatory Support forVitamin C
  23. The impact of vitamin C supplementation on the perioperative outcomes after total hip and knee arthroplasty: a systematic review and meta-analysis.
    Liu X; Guo J; Li Y; Yang Y; Liu M; Gao Q; Yang Y; Wu X; Yue C · BMC musculoskeletal disorders · 2026
    Meta-analysis852 participants8 studies pooledAnti-Inflammatory Support forVitamin C
  24. Therapeutic Impact of Ascorbic Acid on Oral and Periodontal Tissues: A Systematic Literature Review.
    Ruzijevaite G; Acaite E; Jagelaviciene E · Medicina (Kaunas, Lithuania) · 2025
    Systematic review811 participants17 studies pooledAnti-Inflammatory Support forVitamin C
  25. Oral vitamin C administration reduces early recurrence rates after electrical cardioversion of persistent atrial fibrillation and attenuates associated inflammation.
    Korantzopoulos P; Kolettis TM; Kountouris E; Dimitroula V; Karanikis P; Pappa E; Siogas K; Goudevenos JA · International journal of cardiology · 2005
    Randomized trial44 participantsAnti-Inflammatory Support forVitamin C
  26. Dietary intake and blood concentrations of antioxidants and the risk of cardiovascular disease, total cancer, and all-cause mortality: a systematic review and dose-response meta-analysis of prospective studies.
    Aune D; Keum N; Giovannucci E; Fadnes LT; Boffetta P; Greenwood DC; Tonstad S; Vatten LJ; Riboli E; Norat T · The American journal of clinical nutrition · 2019
    Meta-analysis69 studies pooledGeneral Health forVitamin C
  27. Scientific Opinion on the substantiation of a health claim related to vitamin C and increasing non haem iron absorption pursuant to Article 14 of Regulation (EC) No 1924/2006.
    EFSA Panel on Dietetic Products, Nutrition and Allergies (NDA) · EFSA journal. European Food Safety Authority · 2026
    Guideline / consensusGeneral Health forVitamin C
  28. Vitamin C Depletion and All-Cause Mortality in Renal Transplant Recipients.
    Sotomayor CG; Eisenga MF; Gomes Neto AW; Ozyilmaz A; Gans ROB; Jong WHA; Zelle DM; Berger SP; Gaillard CAJM; Navis GJ; Bakker SJ · Nutrients · 2018
    Cohort study598 participantsGeneral Health forVitamin C
  29. Vitamin C and contribution to the normal function of the immune system: evaluation of a health claim pursuant to Article 14 of Regulation (EC) No 1924/2006.
    EFSA Panel on Dietetic Products, Nutrition and Allergies (NDA) · EFSA journal. European Food Safety Authority · 2026
    Guideline / consensusImmunity forVitamin C
  30. Therapeutic effects of high-dose vitamin C supplementation in patients with COVID-19: a meta-analysis.
    Sun L; Zhao JH; Fan WY; Feng B; Liu WW; Chen RQ; Ban C; Dang AG; Wang M; Luo KT; Zhou GY; Yu FF; Ba Y · Nutrition reviews · 2024
    Meta-analysis2,334 participants14 studies pooledImmunity forVitamin C
  31. Effect of micronutrient supplements on influenza and other respiratory tract infections among adults: a systematic review and meta-analysis.
    Abioye AI; Bromage S; Fawzi W · BMJ global health · 2021
    Meta-analysisImmunity forVitamin C
  32. New evidence for antioxidant properties of vitamin C.
    Vojdani A; Bazargan M; Vojdani E; Wright J · Cancer detection and prevention · 2001
    Randomized trial20 participantsImmunity forVitamin C
  33. Enhanced Vitamin C Delivery: A Systematic Literature Review Assessing the Efficacy and Safety of Alternative Supplement Forms in Healthy Adults.
    Calder PC; Kreider RB; McKay DL · Nutrients · 2025
    Systematic review13 studies pooledImmunity forVitamin C
  34. Evaluation of the anti-wrinkle effect of an ascorbic acid-loaded dissolving microneedle patch via a double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical study.
    Lee C; Yang H; Kim S; Kim M; Kang H; Kim N; An S; Koh J; Jung H · International journal of cosmetic science · 2017
    Randomized trial23 participantsSkin Health forVitamin C
  35. Vitamin C improves healing of foot ulcers: a randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial.
    Gunton JE; Girgis CM; Lau T; Vicaretti M; Begg L; Flood V · The British journal of nutrition · 2022
    Randomized trial16 participantsSkin Health forVitamin C
  36. Role of Oral Vitamin 'C' on Astigmatic Errors in Phacoemulsification.
    Mohan S; Sah K; Khattri M; Ahmad L; Sachan SK · Current eye research · 2021
    Randomized trial400 participantsVision Support forVitamin C
  37. Ascorbic acid metabolites are involved in intraocular pressure control in the general population.
    Hysi PG; Khawaja AP; Menni C; Tamraz B; Wareham N; Khaw KT; Foster PJ; Benet LZ; Spector TD; Hammond CJ · Redox biology · 2019
    Observational studyVision Support forVitamin C
  38. Nutritional modulation of cataract.
    Weikel KA; Garber C; Baburins A; Taylor A · Nutrition reviews · 2014
    Narrative reviewVision Support forVitamin C
  39. Dietary n-3 Fatty Acid, α-Tocopherol, Zinc, vitamin D, vitamin C, and β-carotene are Associated with Age-Related Macular Degeneration in Japan.
    Aoki A; Inoue M; Nguyen E; Obata R; Kadonosono K; Shinkai S; Hashimoto H; Sasaki S; Yanagi Y · Scientific reports · 2017
    Case-control study530 participantsVision Support forVitamin C
  40. Adherence to a Mediterranean diet, lifestyle and age-related macular degeneration: the Coimbra Eye Study - report 3.
    Raimundo M; Mira F; Cachulo MDL; Barreto P; Ribeiro L; Farinha C; Laíns I; Nunes S; Alves D; Figueira J; Merle BM; Delcourt C; Santos L; Silva R · Acta ophthalmologica · 2019
    Case-control study883 participantsVision Support forVitamin C