Product Image

Buffered Gold C

California Gold Nutrition
4.8
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
(42974 ratings)
Vitamin C 1000 mg
Sodium 130 mg
Product Image
Score88
A transparent, high-value buffered vitamin C powder with a simple formula and a meaningful sodium contribution.
How scoring works
Quantity:8 Liquid(s) • (200 servings)
Goals:
Immunity
General Health
Vision Support
Skin Health
Anti-Inflammatory Support

Score 88

A transparent, high-value buffered vitamin C powder with a simple formula and a meaningful sodium contribution.
How scoring works
$10.23($0.05 per serving)
iHerb
$ 10.23
iHerb
$ 10.23
Report prices

Analysis

One gram of vitamin C from sodium ascorbate provides a full, buffered serving that may be gentler than plain ascorbic acid. The formula avoids unnecessary blends and clearly states its 130 mg sodium contribution.

The narrow ingredient list supports easy dosing and straightforward tolerance assessment. It is useful for vitamin C, collagen-related, and antioxidant support, but it does not cover broader micronutrient or hydration needs.

Bulk powder provides unusually strong long-term value and allows flexible mixing. Accurate measuring matters, and people following a strict sodium plan should include the added sodium in their daily total.

Who is it for
  • Regular vitamin C users
  • People who prefer buffered powder
  • Value-focused adults comfortable measuring servings
Best for
  • Daily vitamin C supplementation
  • Sensitive stomachs
  • Bulk value

Pros

  • Fully buffered vitamin C
  • Very simple ingredient profile
  • Excellent serving value

Cons

  • Requires measuring powder
  • Provides only one main nutrient
  • Adds sodium with every serving

Warnings

  • The 130 mg sodium amount may matter with prescribed sodium restriction
  • Large vitamin C servings may cause loose stools
  • People prone to oxalate kidney stones should discuss ongoing high-dose use with a clinician

Nutrient quality

91 Highest impact

The ingredient form and serving amount provide solid nutritional support. The formula remains reasonably focused without obvious excessive dosing.

.

Ingredient transparency

89 Highest impact

Active amounts and ingredient names are mostly easy to assess. A complete inactive-ingredient list and full use directions are not included in the supplied facts.

.

Customer satisfaction

73 High impact

The aggregate rating is very strong supported by substantial review volume. No specific feedback is supplied to confirm recurring complaints or purpose-related experiences.

.

Value for money

98 Highest impact

The formula and supply provide strong practical value. Most of the cost appears directed toward the core active formula.

.
Report analysis

Goals

Immunity
Immunity
Impact
Highest effect
A+ Goal FitA+ Strength of SupportC+ CoverageA+ Formula Quality
Vitamin C · 1000 mg

Buffered sodium ascorbate delivers vitamin C at a strong immune-support amount with lower acidity than plain ascorbic acid. Vitamin C and sodium are both fully disclosed, supporting informed use.

The formula provides excellent depth for antioxidant and immune-cell support but no broader pathway coverage. People limiting sodium for blood pressure, heart, or kidney concerns should include the added sodium in their daily total.

Study evidence
Vitamin C Supportive 53 studies
General Health
General Health
Impact
Highest effect
A- Goal FitA+ Strength of SupportC+ CoverageA+ Formula Quality
Vitamin C · 1000 mg

Buffered sodium ascorbate delivers a substantial vitamin C amount with less acidity than plain ascorbic acid. Clear disclosure and a short ingredient list support confidence in the dose and form.

Its contribution to general health is meaningful but narrow because it centers on one vitamin. People limiting sodium should include the 130 mg contribution when considering their daily intake.

Study evidence
Vitamin C Supportive 56 studies
Vision Support
Vision Support
Impact
High effect
B Goal FitA Strength of SupportD+ CoverageA Formula Quality
Vitamin C · 1000 mg

Vitamin C provides relevant antioxidant support for the lens and retina and contributes to established multi-nutrient eye formulas. Used alone, it cannot replace macular carotenoids, vitamin E, zinc, or omega-3 support.

The buffered sodium ascorbate form supplies a substantial disclosed amount. The focused formula is easy to assess but remains narrow for comprehensive vision support.

Study evidence
Vitamin C Disputed 24 studies
Skin Health
Skin Health
Impact
High effect
B- Goal FitA Strength of SupportC CoverageA- Formula Quality
Vitamin C · 1000 mg

Buffered sodium ascorbate supplies a substantial amount for normal collagen synthesis and antioxidant defense. The lower-acid form and clearly disclosed sodium contribution improve practical transparency.

The focused formula offers strong depth for one supporting nutrient but no collagen, ceramides, or direct hydration active. People following a strict sodium limit should account for the sodium contributed by each serving.

Study evidence
Vitamin C Supportive 53 studies
Anti-Inflammatory Support
Anti-Inflammatory Support
Impact
High effect
C- Goal FitA- Strength of SupportD CoverageA+ Formula Quality
Vitamin C · 1000 mg

A substantial buffered vitamin C amount provides focused antioxidant support. Its effect on inflammation is indirect and pathway coverage is narrow.

It suits users seeking gentler high-dose vitamin C rather than comprehensive inflammation support. The sodium contribution may matter for users following a tightly sodium-restricted diet.

Study evidence
Vitamin C Supportive 50 studies

Ingredients

IngredientAmount per serving
Vitamin C (Sodium Ascorbate)
 1000 mg
Sodium (Sodium Ascorbate)
 130 mg
Gluten Free Adults 18–50 Dairy Free Vegetarian
Report overview
Vitamin C (Sodium Ascorbate) · 1000 mg OverallScore93
B+ Active Ingredient Quality & BioavailabilityA+ Dose, Safety & Label TransparencyA+ Value

Buffered sodium ascorbate provides a full 1,000 mg dose with lower acidity than plain ascorbic acid. Sodium content is clearly disclosed, and the short ingredient list supports transparency. The powder delivers strong value, though people limiting sodium should account for the 130 mg contributed per serving.

View ingredientView products
Sodium (Sodium Ascorbate) · 130 mg OverallScore65
D Active Ingredient Quality & BioavailabilityC+ Dose, Safety & Label TransparencyA+ Value

The low sodium amount is unlikely to replace much of the sodium lost during demanding exercise. Sodium ascorbate supplies a clearly disclosed source, but the formula lacks supporting electrolytes and dedicated trace minerals. The very low cost per serving is attractive, while the large vitamin C amount may cause digestive discomfort in sensitive users.

View ingredientView products
Loading alternative details
82 Performance

Liposomal Vitamin C 1000 mg

SunLipid
<p>Sodium ascorbate is paired with a phospholipid complex and MCT in a packet designed for liposomal delivery. Compared with the original sodium ascorbate formula, the buffered delivery and supporting compounds provide a more developed ingredient profile without a listed sodium contribution.</p>
86 Performance

Ester-C Plus 1000 mg Vitamin C

Solgar
<p>Buffered Ester-C supplies 1,000 mg vitamin C with 108 mg calcium and 200 mg citrus bioflavonoids. Compared with the original sodium ascorbate formula, the buffered delivery and supporting compounds provide a more developed ingredient profile without a listed sodium contribution.</p>
82 Performance

Meta-C 1000 mg Tablets

NutriBiotic Immunity
<p>Meta-C provides 1,000 mg vitamin C with calcium, named vitamin C metabolites, and spirulina. Compared with the original sodium ascorbate formula, the buffered delivery and supporting compounds provide a more developed ingredient profile without a listed sodium contribution.</p>
89 Budget

Pure Buffered Calcium Ascorbate

NOW
<p>Calcium ascorbate supplies 890 mg buffered vitamin C plus 100 mg calcium without a listed sodium contribution. Its lower serving cost improves everyday value compared with Buffered Gold C. It retains a buffered mineral-ascorbate form.</p>
88 Budget

Sodium Ascorbate

NutriBiotic Immunity
<p>Bulk sodium ascorbate supplies 1,100 mg vitamin C and 120 mg sodium per measured serving. Its lower serving cost improves everyday value compared with Buffered Gold C. It retains a buffered mineral-ascorbate form.</p>
85 Budget

Gold C Vitamin C 1000 mg

California Gold Nutrition
<p>A simple liquid serving supplies 1,000 mg vitamin C as unbuffered ascorbic acid. Its lower serving cost improves everyday value compared with Buffered Gold C. The trade-off is an unbuffered or less fully buffered form.</p>
89 Value

C-500 Calcium Ascorbate-C

NOW
<p>Calcium ascorbate provides a moderate 500 mg buffered vitamin C amount with calcium and a small bioflavonoid addition. The ingredient quality and favorable serving economy create a stronger quality-to-cost balance than Buffered Gold C. The buffered form supports practical use for people who prefer to avoid sodium ascorbate.</p>
84 Value

Ester-C 500 mg With Citrus Bioflavoinds

American Health
<p>Buffered Ester-C provides a substantial vitamin C amount with calcium and a disclosed citrus bioflavonoid complex. The ingredient quality and favorable serving economy create a stronger quality-to-cost balance than Buffered Gold C. The buffered form supports practical use for people who prefer to avoid sodium ascorbate.</p>
87 Value

100% Pure Vitamin C Powder

Swanson Premium Brand
<p>The powder provides a flexible 1,000 mg serving of plain ascorbic acid with no other listed actives. The ingredient quality and favorable serving economy create a stronger quality-to-cost balance than Buffered Gold C. Plain ascorbic acid may be less comfortable for sensitive users.</p>
Report alternatives

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