C-500 Calcium Ascorbate-C
NOW
C-500 Calcium Ascorbate-C
4.9
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
(6730 ratings)
Vitamin C 500 mg
Score 80.0
A high-quality buffered Vitamin C that is gentle on the stomach, making it an excellent choice for sensitive individuals seeking daily support.
Quantity: 100 Capsule(s)Servings size: 1 Veg Capsule(s) (100 servings)
Selected goals:
Other goals:
Immunity
General Health
Skin Health
Anti-Aging
Anti-Inflammatory Support
leaderboard Score 80.0
A high-quality buffered Vitamin C that is gentle on the stomach, making it an excellent choice for sensitive individuals seeking daily support.
insights Analysis
This NOW C-500 product provides 500 mg of Vitamin C in the form of Calcium Ascorbate. This buffered, non-acidic form is ideal for individuals who experience gastrointestinal discomfort with traditional ascorbic acid. It also contributes a small amount of calcium, which is an added benefit. The 500mg dosage is effective for daily Vitamin C requirements and general wellness. For Immunity, the buffered form ensures better tolerability for consistent intake, which is key for sustained immune support. For General Health, its gentler nature makes it suitable for long-term supplementation without digestive issues, supporting overall well-being. For Skin Health and Anti-Aging, its contribution to collagen synthesis is as effective as other forms, but without the potential gastric side effects. For Anti-Inflammatory Support, its antioxidant properties are well-preserved in this buffered form, helping to combat oxidative stress effectively.
- Buffered form (Calcium Ascorbate) is gentle on the stomach.
- Provides additional dietary calcium.
- Reputable brand with a strong track record.
- Reasonable price per serving for a buffered option.
- Price per serving is slightly higher than unbuffered, basic ascorbic acid.
- 500mg might not be sufficient for acute high-dose needs.
- Does not include bioflavonoids or rose hips, which some prefer.
$5.00($0.05 per serving)
 Daily Vita | $ 5.00 | |
 Vitacost | $ 6.79 | |
| Daily Vita | $ 7.00 | |
 Pure Formulas | $ 7.13 | |
 iHerb | $ 7.34 |
bolt Effectiveness for goals
Vitamin C contributes to immune defense by supporting various cellular functions of both the innate and adaptive immune system. It aids in the production and function of white blood cells and supports epithelial barrier function against pathogens. While essential, large doses have not been shown to significantly "boost" immunity beyond preventing deficiency.
Regular Vitamin C supplementation may slightly reduce the duration and severity of the common cold in some individuals, particularly those under extreme physical stress. However, it does not reliably prevent colds in the general population. Research indicates limited benefit for prevention in most people.
Adequate Vitamin C intake is crucial for collagen formation, which supports healthy skin, bones, and cartilage. It also plays a vital role in immune function, iron absorption, and acts as a powerful antioxidant protecting cells from damage. It is essential for general growth, development, and tissue repair.
Vitamin C is a powerful antioxidant that helps protect the skin from oxidative damage caused by UV exposure and pollutants. It is also essential for collagen synthesis, which contributes to skin structure and elasticity. Both dietary and topical Vitamin C are recognized for supporting skin health.
Yes, Vitamin C is a potent antioxidant that helps protect cells from damage caused by free radicals. These unstable molecules are generated by normal bodily processes and environmental stressors. This antioxidant function is crucial for overall cellular health and can reduce oxidative stress.
schedule Dosage, timing & forms
Ascorbic acid is the most common and widely studied form of Vitamin C. Ester-C, often calcium ascorbate, is a buffered form that may be gentler on the stomach. Liposomal Vitamin C encapsulates the nutrient in tiny fat-like spheres, which may enhance absorption and bioavailability in some cases.
The Recommended Dietary Allowance (RDA) for adult men is 90 mg per day and for adult women is 75 mg per day. Higher amounts may be recommended for smokers. These dosages are generally sufficient to prevent deficiency.
Yes, different forms can influence absorption rates. While ascorbic acid is generally well-absorbed, some forms like liposomal Vitamin C are designed to offer enhanced absorption, potentially improving bioavailability. Buffered forms like calcium ascorbate are often chosen for better tolerance, especially for sensitive individuals.
For most adult men, the recommended daily allowance (RDA) of Vitamin C is 90 mg, and for adult women, it is 75 mg. These amounts are generally sufficient to prevent deficiency and support overall health. Higher doses may be considered in specific circumstances.
The tolerable upper intake level (UL) for Vitamin C in adults is 2,000 mg (2 grams) per day. Exceeding this limit can lead to gastrointestinal side effects such as diarrhea, nausea, and abdominal cramps. This UL is set to prevent adverse effects.
health_and_safety Safety & interactions
High doses of Vitamin C may lead to digestive upset, such as diarrhea, nausea, and abdominal cramps. These effects are generally mild and more likely to occur with doses exceeding the tolerable upper intake level. Reducing the dose usually alleviates these symptoms.
The tolerable upper intake level (UL) for Vitamin C in adults is 2,000 mg per day. Consuming amounts above this UL may increase the risk of gastrointestinal disturbances like diarrhea. Exceeding this limit regularly is generally not recommended without medical supervision.
Vitamin C enhances the absorption of non-heme iron, which is found in plant-based foods and supplements. This interaction can be beneficial for individuals with low iron stores or those following vegetarian or vegan diets. Taking Vitamin C with iron supplements may improve their effectiveness.
For most healthy individuals, Vitamin C supplementation does not significantly increase the risk of kidney stones. However, individuals with a history of kidney stones or certain underlying conditions, particularly those prone to oxalate-type stones, might need to exercise caution with high doses. Vitamin C can be metabolized into oxalate, which is a component of some kidney stones.
Some older studies suggested high doses of Vitamin C might interfere with the effectiveness of certain anticoagulants like warfarin. However, more recent evidence indicates that moderate Vitamin C intake is unlikely to have a significant effect on most common blood thinners. Patients on anticoagulant therapy should discuss any supplement use with their healthcare provider.
Ingredients
| Ingredient | Amount per serving |
|---|---|
| Vitamin C (Calcium Ascorbate) | 500 mg |
| Calcium (Calcium Ascorbate) | 55 mg |
| Citrus Bioflavonoid Complex | 10 mg |
Categories
Vitamin C 80.0
This buffered Vitamin C stands out in its category for offering a stomach-friendly formulation. It caters to a significant segment of users who prioritize digestive comfort alongside efficacy.
Goals
Immunity 85.0
The buffered form allows for consistent intake without stomach discomfort, which is crucial for effective long-term immune system support. This consistency can be more beneficial than higher doses taken irregularly.
General Health 85.0
Its gentle formulation ensures optimal absorption and comfort for regular use, making it an excellent choice for consistent Vitamin C intake vital for overall general health and well-being.
Skin Health 80.0
Supporting collagen synthesis, this buffered form is equally effective for skin health as other Vitamin C types, with the added benefit of being kinder to the digestive system, which can impact nutrient absorption generally.
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