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Total C Complex + Citrus Bioflavonoids & Rose Hips

4.8
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
(5264 ratings)
Vitamin C 500 mg
Product Image
Score75

A practical 500 mg vitamin C capsule with a small plant-based supporting blend. Good value helps, but the unbuffered form and blend opacity are trade-offs.

How scoring works
Capsule
Quantity:60 Capsule(s) • (60 servings)
Goals:
General Health
Immunity
Anti-Inflammatory Support
Skin Health

Score 75

A practical 500 mg vitamin C capsule with a small plant-based supporting blend. Good value helps, but the unbuffered form and blend opacity are trade-offs.

How scoring works

Also available as

1 option
240 servings C 500 mg • 240 Capsule(s) • 240 servings $18.00 ($0.07 per serving)
$5.02($0.08 per serving)
iHerb
$ 5.02
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Analysis

The capsule provides 500 mg of vitamin C, a useful amount for antioxidant, immune, and collagen-related support. Citrus bioflavonoids and rose hips add a modest complementary plant component.

Plain ascorbic acid is effective but offers no buffering or enhanced-delivery feature. The 100 mg Total C PhytoComplex does not break out its individual ingredients or amounts.

A focused, convenient format and favorable serving value make it suitable for routine use. Broader goals such as vision or inflammatory balance remain only partly covered because the formula centers on one antioxidant pathway.

Who is it for
  • Adults seeking moderate-dose vitamin C
  • Capsule users wanting plant-based additions
  • People prioritizing practical serving value
Best for
  • Daily vitamin C intake
  • Antioxidant support
  • Collagen and immune support

Pros

  • Useful 500 mg vitamin C amount
  • Includes bioflavonoids and rose hips
  • Convenient capsule
  • Good practical value

Cons

  • Unbuffered ascorbic acid
  • PhytoComplex amounts are not separated
  • Limited pathway breadth

Warnings

  • Unbuffered ascorbic acid may cause stomach discomfort in sensitive users
  • People with citrus or rose-hip sensitivities should inspect the full ingredient panel
  • The blend name does not reveal the amount of each plant component

Nutrient quality

82 Highest impact

A meaningful vitamin C amount and related plant compounds fit antioxidant support. Plain ascorbic acid lacks enhanced delivery, while the blend components are not individually quantified.

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Ingredient transparency

64 Moderate impact

The main vitamin C amount and serving count are visible. Broad blends, missing daily directions, and an absent complete excipient panel limit full assessment.

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Customer satisfaction

72 High impact

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

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Value for money

86 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
B+ Goal FitB+ Strength of SupportC CoverageA- Formula Quality
Vitamin C · 500 mg

A straightforward vitamin C dose supports antioxidant defenses, collagen production, and normal immune function. The amount is practical, and citrus bioflavonoids plus rose hips provide a modest complementary plant component.

Plain ascorbic acid is well studied but lacks buffering or an enhanced-delivery feature. It is a focused option for vitamin C rather than a comprehensive general-health formula.

Study evidence
Vitamin C Supportive 56 studies
Immunity
Immunity
Impact
High effect
A- Goal FitB+ Strength of SupportC- CoverageB Formula Quality
Vitamin C · 500 mg

A fully disclosed 500 mg vitamin C serving provides direct antioxidant support for immune cells. Citrus bioflavonoids and rose hips offer secondary plant compounds within the same theme.

Plain ascorbic acid is unbuffered and has no enhanced delivery system. The formula addresses mainly antioxidant support rather than multiple immune pathways.

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

Vitamin C at 500 mg provides useful antioxidant support, with citrus bioflavonoids and rose hips adding complementary plant compounds. The formula remains narrower than products that target inflammation through fatty acids or standardized botanicals.

All central ingredients are easy to understand, though the vitamin C is basic ascorbic acid without enhanced delivery. The compact blend balances useful depth with modest supporting breadth.

Study evidence
Vitamin C Supportive 50 studies
Skin Health
Skin Health
Impact
High effect
C+ Goal FitB Strength of SupportD+ CoverageB Formula Quality
Vitamin C · 500 mg

Vitamin C supports collagen synthesis and antioxidant defense but does not directly supply collagen or barrier lipids. Evidence firmly supports vitamin C as a collagen cofactor, while oral vitamin C alone has limited evidence for visible skin changes in replete users.

The vitamin C amount is well aligned for collagen-cofactor and antioxidant support. The formula uses vitamin C in a logical role without conflicting actives.

Study evidence
Vitamin C Supportive 53 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

Vitamin C, citrus bioflavonoids, and rose hips provide complementary antioxidant support for ocular tissues and small vessels. The formula does not supply macular carotenoids, retinal omega-3s, or eye-focused minerals.

The vitamin C amount is strong, while the botanical components are not standardized for ocular outcomes. The concise antioxidant design is useful as one part of a broader vision plan.

Study evidence
Vitamin C Disputed 24 studies

Ingredients

IngredientAmount per serving
Vitamin C (Ascorbic Acid)
 500 mg
Total C PhytoComplex
100 mg
Gluten Free Adults 18–50 Dairy Free
Report overview
Vitamin C (Ascorbic Acid) · 500 mg OverallScore64
F Active Ingredient Quality & BioavailabilityA Dose, Safety & Label TransparencyB+ Value

Plain ascorbic acid offers straightforward vitamin C without buffering or enhanced delivery. The 500 mg serving is appropriately targeted and paired with citrus bioflavonoids and rose hips. Cost per gram is good for a basic capsule formula.

View ingredientView products
Loading alternative details
84 Performance

Ester-C 500 mg With Citrus Bioflavoinds

American Health
Ingredient and delivery quality improve with 1,000 mg of buffered Ester-C with a broad citrus bioflavonoid complex. Compared with the original 500 mg ascorbic-acid formula, the formula adds several named citrus compounds while maintaining a substantial vitamin C amount, although the repeated complex entries make the exact internal amounts difficult to interpret.
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 500 mg ascorbic-acid 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 500 mg ascorbic-acid formula, the buffered form and meaningful bioflavonoid amount offer a broader formula than plain ascorbic acid, although complete excipient details are not supplied.
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 500 mg ascorbic-acid 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.
84 Budget

Ester-C 500 mg With Citrus Bioflavoinds

American Health
A lower serving cost comes with 1,000 mg of buffered Ester-C with a broad citrus bioflavonoid complex, compared with the original 500 mg ascorbic-acid formula. the formula adds several named citrus compounds while maintaining a substantial vitamin C amount, although the repeated complex entries make the exact internal amounts difficult to interpret.
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 500 mg ascorbic-acid formula. the simple buffered formula provides a full amount with no unrelated active ingredients, although the sodium contribution needs consideration on a restricted diet.
89 Value

C-500 Calcium Ascorbate-C

NOW
A stronger quality-to-cost balance comes from 500 mg of vitamin C as calcium ascorbate with 55 mg of calcium and 10 mg of citrus bioflavonoids. Compared with the original 500 mg ascorbic-acid formula, the buffered form supports stomach comfort while retaining a practical daily amount, while the bioflavonoid addition is small.
88 Value

Sodium Ascorbate

NutriBiotic Immunity
A stronger quality-to-cost balance comes from 1,100 mg of vitamin C as sodium ascorbate with 120 mg of sodium. Compared with the original 500 mg ascorbic-acid formula, the fully buffered powder provides a substantial, clearly disclosed amount, while careful measuring and sodium accounting remain important.
84 Value

Ester-C 24 Hour Immune Support 1000 mg

NatureSmart
A stronger quality-to-cost balance comes from 1,000 mg of buffered Ester-C with 110 mg of calcium and 102 mg of citrus bioflavonoids. Compared with the original 500 mg ascorbic-acid formula, the buffered form and bioflavonoids combine stomach-comfort potential with a focused vitamin C dose, while the supplied data do not include the complete inactive-ingredient panel.
Report alternatives

Sources

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

  1. 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
  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. 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
  4. 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
  5. 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
  6. 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
  7. 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
  8. 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
  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 pooledImmunity forVitamin C
  10. Intake of vitamin C, vitamin E, selenium, zinc and polyunsaturated fatty acids and upper respiratory tract infection-a prospective cohort study.
    Raposo SE; Fondell E; Ström P; Bälter O; Bonn SE; Nyrén O; Plymoth A; Bälter K · European journal of clinical nutrition · 2018
    Cohort study1,533 participantsImmunity forVitamin C
  11. Vitamin C supplementation and salivary immune function following exercise-heat stress.
    Carrillo AE; Murphy RJ; Cheung SS · International journal of sports physiology and performance · 2009
    Randomized trial12 participantsImmunity forVitamin C
  12. Immunocompetence and oxidant defense during ascorbate depletion of healthy men.
    Jacob RA; Kelley DS; Pianalto FS; Swendseid ME; Henning SM; Zhang JZ; Ames BN; Fraga CG; Peters JH · The American journal of clinical nutrition · 1992
    Clinical trial8 participantsImmunity forVitamin C
  13. 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
  14. 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
  15. 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
  16. 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
  17. 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
  18. 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
  19. 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
  20. 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
  21. 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
  22. 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
  23. 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
  24. 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
  25. 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
  26. 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
  27. 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
  28. 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
  29. 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
  30. 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
  31. 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
  32. 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
  33. 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
  34. 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
  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. 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
  37. Nutritional modulation of cataract.
    Weikel KA; Garber C; Baburins A; Taylor A · Nutrition reviews · 2014
    Narrative reviewVision Support forVitamin C
  38. 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
  39. 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