Product Image

C 500 mg

21st Century
4.8
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
(2227 ratings)
Vitamin C 500 mg
Product Image
Score85
C 500 mg delivers a meaningful vitamin C amount for focused antioxidant and collagen support. The tablet format keeps use simple and the active amount is clearly stated
How scoring works
Quantity:110 Tablet(s) • (110 servings)
Goals:
Immunity
General Health
Skin Health
Anti-Inflammatory Support
Vision Support

Score 85

C 500 mg delivers a meaningful vitamin C amount for focused antioxidant and collagen support. The tablet format keeps use simple and the active amount is clearly stated
How scoring works

Also available as

6 options
110 servings C 500 mg • 110 Tablet(s) • 110 servings $3.97 ($0.03 per serving) 250 servings C 500 mg • 250 Tablet(s) • 250 servings $8.99 ($0.03 per serving) 110 servings C 500 mg • 110 Tablet(s) • 110 servings $6.99 ($0.06 per serving) 1000mg • 110 Tablet(s) servings C 1000 mg • 110 Tablet(s) • 110 servings $8.06 ($0.07 per serving) 1000mg • 60 Tablet(s) servings C 1000 mg • 60 Tablet(s) • 60 servings $4.49 ($0.07 per serving) 1000mg • 110 Tablet(s) servings C 1000 mg • 110 Tablet(s) • 110 servings $9.99 ($0.09 per serving)
$7.99($0.07 per serving)
iHerb
$ 7.99
Report prices

Analysis

Plain ascorbic acid supplies 500 mg, a meaningful amount for antioxidant defense, collagen formation, and normal immune function. Its strongest use is focused vitamin C support rather than broad daily nutrition.

Plain ascorbic acid is well established and easy to assess, but it is neither buffered nor paired with an enhanced delivery system. The single-nutrient design provides useful depth in one pathway but does not cover the breadth of a multinutrient formula.

The tablet format keeps use simple and the active amount is clearly stated. The long supply and simple formula offer good practical value for targeted vitamin C use, but people seeking comprehensive vision, skin, or inflammation support will need other relevant nutrients.

Who is it for
  • Adults seeking focused vitamin C supplementation
  • People comfortable with tablets or capsules
  • People prioritizing a clearly stated vitamin C amount
Best for
  • Antioxidant support
  • Collagen formation support
  • Filling a vitamin C intake gap

Pros

  • 500 mg vitamin C amount is clearly disclosed
  • Simple, easy-to-assess active formula
  • Focused support for antioxidant and collagen functions
  • Good serving value for targeted use

Cons

  • Unbuffered ascorbic acid may be harder on sensitive stomachs
  • Does not provide broad vision or skin coverage
  • No dedicated hydration, macular-pigment, or omega-fat support
  • Single-pathway design may require complementary nutrients

Nutrient quality

85 Highest impact

The serving amount is useful, but the disclosed form offers little absorption or tolerance support. The formula remains reasonably focused without obvious excessive dosing.

.

Ingredient transparency

88 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

71 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

94 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 FitB+ Strength of SupportC- CoverageA Formula Quality
Vitamin C · 500 mg

A straightforward vitamin C amount meets the stated threshold for meaningful immune support. The simple formula is easy to assess and calcium carbonate may provide limited acidity relief.

Plain ascorbic acid offers no specialized buffering, and the product covers only one immune pathway. It is a focused maintenance option rather than broad immune support.

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

A straightforward vitamin C amount supports antioxidant protection, immune function, and collagen formation. The formula addresses one foundational nutrient rather than offering broad wellness coverage.

Ascorbic acid is well established and clearly dosed, while the small calcium addition does not materially broaden the formula. Missing inactive-ingredient details leave tablet cleanliness and tolerance less certain.

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

Vitamin C directly supports collagen synthesis and provides antioxidant protection for skin. The single-nutrient approach does not add hydration, barrier lipids, or structural collagen peptides.

The 500 mg amount is practical and clearly disclosed. Basic ascorbic acid is effective but offers no premium delivery advantage. Inactive ingredients are not supplied, which limits a full purity assessment.

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

A meaningful vitamin C serving may help limit oxidative stress that can feed inflammatory signaling. Evidence supports its antioxidant role, though the formula does not directly address major inflammatory enzymes.

The plain ascorbic acid form is clearly stated and keeps the label simple. The narrow approach suits foundational antioxidant support better than broad anti-inflammatory coverage.

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

The 500 mg vitamin C amount supports ocular antioxidant defenses in the lens and retina. Used alone, it does not supply the carotenoids, zinc-copper balance, vitamin E, or DHA expected from a broad vision formula.

The ascorbic acid form is straightforward, while the small calcium amount provides only limited buffering. The focused tablet is easy to assess but narrow in scope.

Study evidence
Vitamin C Disputed 24 studies

Ingredients

IngredientAmount per serving
Vitamin C (Ascorbic Acid)
 500 mg
Calcium (Calcium Carbonate)
 40 mg
Gluten Free Adults 18–50
Report overview
Vitamin C (Ascorbic Acid) · 500 mg OverallScore66
F Active Ingredient Quality & BioavailabilityA- Dose, Safety & Label TransparencyB+ Value

A simple ascorbic acid serving provides a practical daily amount at low cost. Calcium carbonate may partly temper acidity, but the vitamin C itself is not a buffered mineral ascorbate. Inactive ingredients are not supplied, leaving label cleanliness uncertain despite good value.

View ingredientView products
Loading alternative details
89 Performance

Ester-C Plus 1000 mg Vitamin C

Solgar
<p>The ingredient profile is a stronger fit for focused vitamin C support, supplying 1000 mg of vitamin C as Ester-C with calcium and citrus bioflavonoids. Compared with the original’s Ascorbic Acid, the mineral ascorbate form may be gentler and is more clearly aligned with focused vitamin C use.</p>
89 Performance

Buffered Gold C

California Gold Nutrition
<p>The ingredient profile is a stronger fit for focused vitamin C support, supplying 1000 mg of vitamin C as Sodium Ascorbate. Compared with the original’s Ascorbic Acid, the mineral ascorbate form may be gentler and is more clearly aligned with focused vitamin C use.</p>
88 Performance

C

Swanson
<p>The ingredient profile is a stronger fit for focused vitamin C support, supplying 1000 mg of vitamin C as Calcium Ascorbate with calcium and citrus bioflavonoids. Compared with the original’s Ascorbic Acid, the mineral ascorbate form may be gentler and is more clearly aligned with focused vitamin C use.</p>
89 Budget

Pure Buffered Calcium Ascorbate

NOW
<p>A lower cost per serving makes this a practical budget alternative, while it supplies 890 mg of vitamin C as Calcium Ascorbate with calcium. The vitamin C amount matches or exceeds the original's 500 mg serving. Its mineral ascorbate form may also be gentler than the original’s plain ascorbic acid.</p>
88 Budget

Sodium Ascorbate

NutriBiotic Immunity
<p>A lower cost per serving makes this a practical budget alternative, while it supplies 1100 mg of vitamin C as Sodium Ascorbate. The vitamin C amount matches or exceeds the original's 500 mg serving. Its mineral ascorbate form may also be gentler than the original’s plain ascorbic acid.</p>
87 Budget

100% Pure Vitamin C Powder

Swanson Premium Brand
<p>A lower cost per serving makes this a practical budget alternative, while it supplies 1000 mg of vitamin C as Ascorbic Acid. The vitamin C amount matches or exceeds the original's 500 mg serving.</p>
93 Value

Pure Buffered Magnesium Ascorbate

NOW
<p>Strong serving value is paired with 820 mg of vitamin C as Magnesium Ascorbate with magnesium. It matches or exceeds the original’s vitamin C amount and adds a potentially gentler mineral ascorbate form, balancing cost-effectiveness with a useful ingredient profile.</p>
93 Value

Sodium Ascorbate Capsules

NutriBiotic Immunity
<p>Strong serving value is paired with 850 mg of vitamin C as Sodium Ascorbate. It matches or exceeds the original’s vitamin C amount and adds a potentially gentler mineral ascorbate form, balancing cost-effectiveness with a useful ingredient profile.</p>
92 Value

Ester-C 500 mg With Citrus Bioflavoinds

American Health
<p>Strong serving value is paired with 1000 mg of vitamin C as Ester-C Calcium Ascorbate with calcium and citrus bioflavonoids. It matches or exceeds the original’s vitamin C amount and adds a potentially gentler mineral ascorbate form, balancing cost-effectiveness with a useful ingredient profile.</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. 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
  3. 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
  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. 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
  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. 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
  8. 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
  9. 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
  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. 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
  12. 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
  13. 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
  14. 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
  15. 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
  16. 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
  17. Prospective cohort study of antioxidant vitamin supplement use and the risk of age-related maculopathy.
    Christen WG; Ajani UA; Glynn RJ; Manson JE; Schaumberg DA; Chew EC; Buring JE; Hennekens CH · American journal of epidemiology · 1999
    Cohort study21,120 participantsVision Support forVitamin C
  18. 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
  19. 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
  20. Vitamin C and the Lens: New Insights into Delaying the Onset of Cataract.
    Lim JC; Caballero Arredondo M; Braakhuis AJ; Donaldson PJ · Nutrients · 2021
    Narrative reviewVision Support forVitamin C
  21. Effects of vitamin C on oxidative stress, inflammation, muscle soreness, and strength following acute exercise: meta-analyses of randomized clinical trials.
    Righi NC; Schuch FB; De Nardi AT; Pippi CM; de Almeida Righi G; Puntel GO; da Silva AMV; Signori LU · European journal of nutrition · 2021
    Meta-analysis313 participants18 studies pooledAnti-Inflammatory Support forVitamin C
  22. Vitamin C supplementation and C-reactive protein levels: Findings from a systematic review and meta-analysis of clinical trials.
    Safabakhsh M; Emami MR; Zeinali Khosroshahi M; Asbaghi O; Khodayari S; Khorshidi M; Alizadeh S; Viri EH · Journal of complementary & integrative medicine · 2024
    Meta-analysis818 participants11 studies pooledAnti-Inflammatory Support forVitamin C
  23. A High Vitamin C Micronutrient Supplement Is Unable to Attenuate Inflammation in People with Metabolic Syndrome but May Improve Metabolic Health Indices: A Randomised Controlled Trial.
    Vlasiuk E; Zawari M; Whitehead R; Williman J; Carr AC · Antioxidants (Basel, Switzerland) · 2024
    Randomized trial72 participantsAnti-Inflammatory Support forVitamin C
  24. 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
  25. 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
  26. 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
  27. 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
  28. 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
  29. 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
  30. 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
  31. 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
  32. 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
  33. 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
  34. 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
  35. 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
  36. 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
  37. 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
  38. 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
  39. 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
  40. Nutritional modulation of cataract.
    Weikel KA; Garber C; Baburins A; Taylor A · Nutrition reviews · 2014
    Narrative reviewVision Support forVitamin C
  41. 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