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Buffered Vitamin C 500 mg

4.8
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
(532 ratings)
Vitamin C 500 mg
Product Image
Score75
A mixed-form, partly buffered 500 mg vitamin C capsule with bioflavonoids. Form diversity is useful, but contribution details and value are less convincing.
How scoring works
Capsule
Quantity:90 Capsule(s) • (90 servings)
Goals:
Immunity
General Health
Skin Health
Anti-Inflammatory Support

Score 75

A mixed-form, partly buffered 500 mg vitamin C capsule with bioflavonoids. Form diversity is useful, but contribution details and value are less convincing.
How scoring works

Also available as

1 option
1000mg • 90 Capsule(s) servings C 1000 mg, Flavonoid (mixture) 150 mg • 90 Capsule(s) • 90 servings $45.00 ($0.50 per serving)
$31.00($0.34 per serving)
iHerb
$ 31.00
Pure Formulas
$ 32.50
iHerb
$ 32.50
Report prices

Analysis

A target-range 500 mg serving combines ascorbic acid, calcium ascorbate, sodium ascorbate, and ascorbyl palmitate. Mineral forms may improve stomach comfort, while the fat-soluble ester adds a distinct antioxidant form.

Citrus bioflavonoids provide a complementary plant-antioxidant component. The label does not explain how much each vitamin C form contributes, so the apparent fourfold listing should not be read as four separate 500 mg doses.

Calcium and sodium amounts are disclosed and relatively modest. The complex form mix and low serving efficiency make it most relevant to buyers who specifically value mixed ascorbates.

Who is it for
  • Adults seeking mixed vitamin C forms
  • People wanting partial mineral buffering
  • Users interested in added bioflavonoids
Best for
  • Moderate-dose vitamin C
  • Mixed-form supplementation
  • Vitamin C with citrus bioflavonoids

Pros

  • Practical 500 mg total amount
  • Includes buffered and fat-soluble forms
  • Calcium and sodium are disclosed

Cons

  • Individual form contributions are unclear
  • Contains redundant vitamin C forms
  • Low serving efficiency

Warnings

  • Count the disclosed sodium and calcium contributions if either mineral is being closely managed.

Nutrient quality

93 Highest impact

Calcium and sodium ascorbates plus ascorbyl palmitate broaden delivery beyond plain ascorbic acid. The stated total vitamin C amount is meaningful for routine use.

.

Ingredient transparency

74 High impact

The total vitamin C and minor mineral amounts are clear, but each vitamin C form contribution is not separated. A complete inactive ingredient list was not supplied.

.

Customer satisfaction

69 High impact

The available aggregate rating is strong for this category. No firsthand outcome details were supplied, so alignment with the intended use is uncertain.

.

Value for money

62 Moderate impact

The multi-form design adds quality, but the serving cost is high for a moderate total amount. The product is less competitive on price despite its varied vitamin C forms.

.
Report analysis

Goals

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

A target-range vitamin C amount directly supports antioxidant defenses and immune-cell function. Bioflavonoids add a complementary antioxidant element, though the product remains mainly a vitamin C formula.

Calcium and sodium ascorbates plus ascorbyl palmitate improve form diversity and buffering. All total amounts and associated minerals are disclosed, but four vitamin C forms create some redundancy without separated contributions.

Study evidence
Vitamin C Supportive 53 studies
General Health
General Health
Impact
High effect
B+ Goal FitA- Strength of SupportC- CoverageB+ Formula Quality
Vitamin C · 500 mg

Buffered vitamin C provides a focused antioxidant and collagen-support nutrient that fits daily foundational care. Mineral ascorbates and a well-targeted serving strengthen its practical usefulness.

Coverage is intentionally narrow, and plain ascorbic acid remains part of the blend. It suits people seeking vitamin C more than those wanting broad nutritional gap coverage.

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

Vitamin C supports collagen synthesis and antioxidant defense, giving the formula a clear but narrow skin-health role. A blend of mineral ascorbates and ascorbyl palmitate improves comfort and form diversity.

The serving is well targeted and includes bioflavonoids, although the many vitamin C entries can obscure their separate contributions. A single vitamin C product does not directly supply collagen peptides, barrier lipids, or dedicated hydration actives.

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

Multiple buffered vitamin C forms and citrus bioflavonoids provide focused antioxidant support. The vitamin C amount is useful and mineral contributions are clearly disclosed.

Bioflavonoids add a complementary plant-antioxidant pathway, although their detailed composition is not shown. The formula is coherent and well formed but remains narrower than a direct curcumin, boswellia, or omega-3 product.

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

Buffered and fat-soluble vitamin C forms provide useful antioxidant support for the lens and ocular tissues. Vitamin C alone does not supply macular pigments, retinal omega-3s, or the zinc-copper balance used in comprehensive eye formulas.

The amount is well aligned and the mixed ascorbate forms may improve stomach comfort. The product is best viewed as one supporting antioxidant rather than complete vision support.

Study evidence
Vitamin C Disputed 24 studies

Ingredients

IngredientAmount per serving
Vitamin C (Ascorbic Acid, Ascorbyl Palmitate, Calcium Ascorbate, Sodium Ascorbate)
 500 mg
Calcium (Calcium Ascorbate)
 12 mg
Sodium (Sodium Ascorbate)
 15 mg
Citrus Bioflavonoids
75 mg
Gluten Free Adults 18–50 Dairy Free
Report overview
Vitamin C (Ascorbic Acid, Ascorbyl Palmitate, Calcium Ascorbate, Sodium Ascorbate) · 500 mg OverallScore67
C+ Active Ingredient Quality & BioavailabilityA Dose, Safety & Label TransparencyF Value

A blend of calcium and sodium ascorbates with ascorbyl palmitate improves form quality, though plain ascorbic acid remains present. The 500 mg serving is well targeted, and elemental calcium and sodium are disclosed. Cost per gram remains high for a partly buffered formula.

View ingredientView products
Loading alternative details
89 Performance

Pure Buffered Calcium Ascorbate

NOW
A more performance-focused option combines 890 mg of vitamin C as Calcium Ascorbate with 100 mg of Calcium. Compared with the original's 500 mg of vitamin C as Ascorbic Acid, the larger disclosed amount may better fit users seeking higher-potency vitamin C.
88 Performance

Buffered Gold C

California Gold Nutrition
A more performance-focused option combines 1,000 mg of vitamin C as Sodium Ascorbate with a focused single-nutrient formula. Compared with the original's 500 mg of vitamin C as Ascorbic Acid, the larger disclosed amount may better fit users seeking higher-potency vitamin C.
85 Performance

Ester-C Plus 1000 mg Vitamin C

Solgar
A more performance-focused option combines 1,000 mg of vitamin C as Ester-C with 108 mg of Calcium and 200 mg of Citrus Bioflavonoids Complex. Compared with the original's 500 mg of vitamin C as Ascorbic Acid, the larger disclosed amount may better fit users seeking higher-potency vitamin C.
86 Budget

C

Swanson
The lower serving cost still provides 1,000 mg of vitamin C as Calcium Ascorbate with 120 mg of Calcium and 200 mg of Bioflavonoids. Compared with the original's 500 mg of vitamin C as Ascorbic Acid, the larger disclosed amount may better fit users seeking higher-potency vitamin C.
87 Budget

Pure Buffered Magnesium Ascorbate

NOW
The lower serving cost still provides 820 mg of vitamin C as Magnesium Ascorbate with 60 mg of Magnesium. Compared with the original's 500 mg of vitamin C as Ascorbic Acid, the larger disclosed amount may better fit users seeking higher-potency vitamin C.
88 Budget

Sodium Ascorbate Capsules

NutriBiotic Immunity
The lower serving cost still provides 850 mg of vitamin C as Sodium Ascorbate with a focused single-nutrient formula. Compared with the original's 500 mg of vitamin C as Ascorbic Acid, the larger disclosed amount may better fit users seeking higher-potency vitamin C.
85 Value

C-500 With Rose Hips

NOW
The favorable serving cost pairs 500 mg of vitamin C as Ascorbic Acid with 40 mg of Rose Hips powder. The vitamin C amount is similar to the original, while the added ingredients and label details determine the more useful fit.
88 Value

Sodium Ascorbate

NutriBiotic Immunity
The favorable serving cost pairs 1,100 mg of vitamin C as Sodium Ascorbate with a focused single-nutrient formula. Compared with the original's 500 mg of vitamin C as Ascorbic Acid, the larger disclosed amount may better fit users seeking higher-potency vitamin C.
87 Value

100% Pure Vitamin C Powder

Swanson Premium Brand
The favorable serving cost pairs 1,000 mg of vitamin C as Ascorbic Acid with a focused single-nutrient formula. Compared with the original's 500 mg of vitamin C as Ascorbic Acid, the larger disclosed amount may better fit users seeking higher-potency vitamin C.
Report alternatives

Sources

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

  1. 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
  2. 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
  3. 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
  4. 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
  5. 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
  6. 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
  7. 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
  8. 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
  9. 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
  10. 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
  11. 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
  12. 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
  13. 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
  14. 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
  15. 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
  16. 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
  17. 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
  18. 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
  19. 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
  20. 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
  21. 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
  22. 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
  23. Nutritional modulation of cataract.
    Weikel KA; Garber C; Baburins A; Taylor A · Nutrition reviews · 2014
    Narrative reviewVision Support forVitamin C
  24. 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
  25. 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