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Buffered Vitamin C 500 mg

Bluebonnet
4.8
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
(552 ratings)
Vitamin C 500 mg
Rutin 10 mg
Flavonoid (mixture) 250 mg
Product Image
Score79
A clear, stomach-friendly vitamin C formula with meaningful citrus bioflavonoids, held back mainly by a token rutin amount and narrow coverage.
How scoring works
Quantity:180 Capsule(s) • (180 servings)
Goals:
Immunity
General Health
Skin Health
Anti-Inflammatory Support

Score 79

A clear, stomach-friendly vitamin C formula with meaningful citrus bioflavonoids, held back mainly by a token rutin amount and narrow coverage.
How scoring works
$32.76($0.18 per serving)
Daily Vita
$ 32.76
Vitacost
$ 32.76
Amazon
$ 32.76
iHerb
$ 32.76
Pure Formulas
$ 32.76
iHerb
$ 32.76
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Analysis

A practical amount of calcium ascorbate provides vitamin C in a buffered form for people who find acidic products uncomfortable. It supports antioxidant defenses, collagen formation, and normal immune function.

The citrus bioflavonoid complex is substantial enough to be a meaningful companion rather than a label extra. Rutin is clearly disclosed but too small to provide targeted vascular support.

The compact formula is easy to understand and avoids unnecessary botanical complexity. It fits focused daily vitamin C use but does not replace a broader product for vision, skin hydration, or comprehensive immune nutrition.

Who is it for
  • Adults wanting buffered daily vitamin C
  • People with acid-sensitive stomachs
  • Users who prefer a compact formula
Best for
  • Everyday antioxidant support
  • Collagen cofactor coverage
  • Foundational immune nutrition

Pros

  • Fully buffered calcium ascorbate
  • Meaningful bioflavonoid amount
  • Simple and transparent active formula

Cons

  • Rutin amount is very small
  • Moderate rather than exceptional value
  • Limited support beyond vitamin C pathways

Warnings

  • Include the calcium contribution when tracking supplemental calcium
  • Rutin is too low to serve as a dedicated vascular-support dose
  • Check other supplements for duplicate vitamin C

Nutrient quality

90 Highest impact

Calcium ascorbate provides a buffered and well-regarded vitamin C form. Vitamin C and citrus bioflavonoids are meaningful, while rutin is only a minor addition.

.

Ingredient transparency

77 High impact

Every listed active has a specific amount. The supplied data does not include a complete inactive ingredient list.

.

Customer satisfaction

69 High impact

The aggregate satisfaction measure is strong enough to support a favorable first impression. Missing feedback themes leave repeat complaints and purpose fit uncertain despite adequate volume.

.

Value for money

77 High impact

The price reasonably reflects buffered vitamin C and useful flavonoid support. Each serving provides good value for the form and core dose.

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Goals

Immunity
Immunity
Impact
Highest effect
A Goal FitA+ Strength of SupportC+ CoverageA+ Formula Quality
Vitamin C · 500 mg

Buffered vitamin C supplies direct support for immune cells, barrier function, and antioxidant control. The amount meets a practical focused immune level.

Calcium ascorbate may be easier on the stomach than plain ascorbic acid, while citrus bioflavonoids provide a relevant companion. The compact formula offers strong depth without unnecessary immune ingredients.

Study evidence
Vitamin C Supportive 53 studies
General Health
General Health
Impact
Highest effect
A- Goal FitA Strength of SupportB- CoverageA Formula Quality
Vitamin C · 500 mg

Buffered vitamin C provides direct antioxidant, immune, and collagen support in a stomach-friendly calcium ascorbate form. A meaningful citrus bioflavonoid amount adds related antioxidant breadth without crowding the core.

The vitamin C, calcium, bioflavonoid, and rutin amounts are clearly stated. The formula remains narrow compared with a multinutrient product, but its focused design and buffered form provide strong depth for the selected pathway.

Study evidence
Vitamin C Supportive 56 studies
Skin Health
Skin Health
Impact
High effect
B- Goal FitA- Strength of SupportD CoverageA Formula Quality
Vitamin C · 500 mg

Vitamin C supplies a clear collagen-synthesis cofactor and antioxidant support at a meaningful amount. The focused design is most useful for covering vitamin C rather than providing comprehensive skin support.

The buffered form may suit people who find acidic vitamin C uncomfortable, but it still offers only narrow pathway coverage. Form and delivery quality determine most of the remaining trade-off.

Study evidence
Vitamin C Supportive 53 studies
Anti-Inflammatory Support
Cellular Defense
Anti-Inflammatory Support
Impact
High effect
C- Goal FitB Strength of SupportD+ CoverageB+ Formula Quality
Vitamin C · 500 mg

Buffered vitamin C and citrus bioflavonoids provide antioxidant support with modest flavonoid breadth. Evidence supports vitamin C nutrition, while the small rutin addition is unlikely to drive a material inflammatory effect.

Vitamin C is supplied at a useful amount, but rutin is too low for targeted use. The product is a well-formed antioxidant supplement with only moderate anti-inflammatory reach.

Study evidence
Rutin Supportive 6 studies
Vitamin C Supportive 50 studies
Vision Support
Macular and Blue Light Defense
Vision Support
Impact
Moderate effect
F Goal FitB Strength of SupportD- CoverageA- Formula Quality
Vitamin C · 500 mg

Buffered vitamin C with citrus bioflavonoids provides general antioxidant support but does not directly build macular pigment. The meaningful vitamin C amount may support ocular defenses as one part of a broader nutrient pattern.

Calcium ascorbate improves tolerability and disclosure is clear, while rutin is too low for targeted vascular support. No carotenoids, zinc, copper, vitamin E, or omega-3 lipids broaden the formula.

Study evidence
Rutin Not classified 1 study
Vitamin C Disputed 24 studies

Ingredients

IngredientAmount per serving
Vitamin C (Calcium Ascorbate)
 500 mg
Calcium (Calcium Ascorbate)
 56 mg
Citrus Bioflavonoid Complex
250 mg
Rutin
10 mg
Gluten Free Adults 18–50 Vegan Kosher Dairy Free Sugar Free No Allergies Vegetarian
Report overview
Vitamin C (Calcium Ascorbate) · 500 mg OverallScore79
B+ Active Ingredient Quality & BioavailabilityA Dose, Safety & Label TransparencyD+ Value

The 500 mg calcium ascorbate serving is fully buffered and well suited to people who find acidic vitamin C uncomfortable. Separate calcium disclosure and a meaningful citrus bioflavonoid amount improve label clarity. Cost efficiency is moderate rather than exceptional.

View ingredientView products
Rutin · 10 mg OverallScore35
F Active Ingredient Quality & BioavailabilityD- Dose, Safety & Label TransparencyF Value

Rutin is clearly quantified, but neither its botanical source nor its purity is disclosed. The very small amount is unlikely to suit targeted capillary support. Low serving cost partly helps value, though cost relative to the actual rutin delivered remains poor.

View ingredientView products
Loading alternative details
87 Performance

Ester-C with Citrus Bioflavonoids

American Health
<p>A substantial buffered vitamin C amount and a clearly disclosed bioflavonoid portion provide more ingredient depth than the original. Rutin is not separated, but the delivery remains aligned with stomach comfort.</p>
86 Performance

Ester-C Plus 1000 mg Vitamin C

Solgar
<p>Buffered vitamin C doubles the core amount and pairs it with citrus bioflavonoids in a simple formula. It improves potency while preserving stomach-comfort potential, although separate rutin is absent.</p>
86 Performance

C

Swanson
<p>Fully buffered calcium ascorbate doubles the vitamin C amount and keeps a focused citrus bioflavonoid addition. The original provides separate rutin, but this option has a clearer high-potency core.</p>
80 Budget

Supreme C Complex

Swanson Premium Brand
<p>The same vitamin C amount comes with twice the citrus bioflavonoids and more rutin at a lower serving cost. Standard unbuffered ascorbic acid may be less comfortable than the original’s calcium ascorbate.</p>
84 Budget

Ester-C 500 mg With Citrus Bioflavoinds

American Health
<p>Buffered Ester-C and substantial citrus bioflavonoid support offer stronger value and preserve expected stomach comfort. The label’s repeated bioflavonoid entries make the actual breakdown less clear than the original.</p>
84 Budget

Ester-C 24 Hour Immune Support 1000 mg

NatureSmart
<p>A buffered vitamin C form supplies a larger core amount with citrus bioflavonoids at lower serving cost. Separate rutin is not disclosed, but the focused formula retains the original’s stomach-friendly intent.</p>
80 Value

AlphaSorb-C 500

NOW
<p>Buffered calcium ascorbate matches the original’s vitamin C amount while adding rutin, acerola, rose hips, and bioflavonoids at lower serving cost. Supporting amounts are modest, but the overall formula offers more breadth for the value.</p>
82 Value

Ester-C Plus 1000 mg Vitamin C

Solgar
<p>A substantial buffered vitamin C serving with bioflavonoids, acerola, rose hips, and rutin offers strong long-term value. The plant additions are modest, but both potency and supporting breadth exceed the original.</p>
84 Value

Ester-C 1000 mg With Citrus Bioflavonoids

American Health
<p>Buffered vitamin C and citrus bioflavonoids provide a larger core serving without giving up expected stomach comfort. Rutin is not separately measured, but the serving economics remain favorable for the added potency.</p>
Report alternatives

Sources

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

  1. 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
  2. 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
  3. Effect of Vitamin C Supplements on Respiratory Tract Infections: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.
    Keya TA; Leela A; Fernandez K; Habib N; Rashid M · Current reviews in clinical and experimental pharmacology · 2022
    Meta-analysis10 studies pooledImmunity forVitamin C
  4. 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
  5. 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 pooledImmunity forVitamin C
  6. 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
  7. 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
  8. 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
  9. What did we learn in 35 years of research on nutrition and supplements for age-related macular degeneration: a systematic review.
    Pameijer EM; Heus P; Damen JAA; Spijker R; Hooft L; Ringens PJ; Imhof SM; van Leeuwen R · Acta ophthalmologica · 2023
    Systematic review27 studies pooledVision Support forVitamin C
  10. Antioxidant vitamin and mineral supplements for preventing age-related macular degeneration.
    Evans JR; Lawrenson JG · The Cochrane database of systematic reviews · 2018
    Meta-analysis55,614 participants4 studies pooledVision Support forVitamin C
  11. 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
  12. The effects of rutin flavonoid supplement on glycemic status, lipid profile, atherogenic index of plasma, brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), some serum inflammatory, and oxidative stress factors in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus: A double-blind, placebo-controlled trial.
    Bazyar H; Moradi L; Zaman F; Zare Javid A · Phytotherapy research : PTR · 2023
    Randomized trial50 participantsAnti-Inflammatory Support forRutin
  13. Rutin ameliorates inflammation and improves metabolic function: A comprehensive analysis of scientific literature.
    Muvhulawa N; Dludla PV; Ziqubu K; Mthembu SXH; Mthiyane F; Nkambule BB; Mazibuko-Mbeje SE · Pharmacological research · 2022
    Systematic reviewAnti-Inflammatory Support forRutin
  14. Rutin-loaded chitosan microspheres: Characterization and evaluation of the anti-inflammatory activity.
    Cosco D; Failla P; Costa N; Pullano S; Fiorillo A; Mollace V; Fresta M; Paolino D · Carbohydrate polymers · 2018
    OtherAnti-Inflammatory Support forRutin
  15. Oral enzyme combination therapy reduces systemic inflammation, urinary CTXII and pain in knee osteoarthritis: a proof-of-mechanism, randomised, crossover, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial.
    Henrotin Y; Pap T; Lieten S; Badot V; Dubuc JE; Urbin-Choffray D; von Eynatten M; Johansen OE; Rau S; Brabants K · RMD open · 2025
    Randomized trial45 participantsAnti-Inflammatory Support forRutin
  16. The Impact of the Combination of Proteolytic Enzyme and Rutin on the Post-operative Management of Inflammation: A Randomized, Controlled, Double-Blind, Comparative Clinical Trial
    Rathi PC, Rathi CL, Risbud SP, Ganu GP · Cureus · 2024
    Randomized trial65 participantsAnti-Inflammatory Support forRutin
  17. 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
  18. 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
  19. 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
  20. 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
  21. 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
  22. 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
  23. 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
  24. 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
  25. 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
  26. 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
  27. 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
  28. 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
  29. 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
  30. 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
  31. 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
  32. 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
  33. 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
  34. A randomized, double-masked study on the treatment of retinal vein occlusion with troxerutin
    Glacet-Bernard A, Coscas G, Chabanel A, Zourdani A, Lelong F, Samama MM · American Journal of Ophthalmology · 1994
    Randomized trial53 participantsVision Support forRutin
  35. 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
  36. Nutritional modulation of cataract.
    Weikel KA; Garber C; Baburins A; Taylor A · Nutrition reviews · 2014
    Narrative reviewVision Support forVitamin C
  37. 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
  38. 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