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Ester-C plus 500 mg Vitamin C

Solgar
4.9
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
(175 ratings)
Vitamin C 500 mg
Rutin 5 mg
Acerola 10 mg
Product Image
Score83
A well-dosed buffered vitamin C capsule that should suit many people with sensitive stomachs. The plant ingredients are sensible but too small or incomplete to drive the purchase.
How scoring works
Quantity:50 Capsule(s) • (50 servings)
Goals:
General Health
Immunity
Skin Health
Anti-Inflammatory Support

Score 83

A well-dosed buffered vitamin C capsule that should suit many people with sensitive stomachs. The plant ingredients are sensible but too small or incomplete to drive the purchase.
How scoring works
$6.39($0.12 per serving)
Daily Vita
$ 8.57
Vitacost
$ 6.39
Report prices

Analysis

Ester-C calcium ascorbate provides a substantial vitamin C serving in a buffered form that may be easier on the stomach than plain ascorbic acid. Citrus bioflavonoids, rose hips, acerola, and rutin add a compatible antioxidant background.

The main vitamin amount is clear, and the capsule keeps the active list concise. Supporting botanicals are lightly dosed, while the citrus complex does not disclose its internal composition or marker levels.

The formula fits people who want daily vitamin C but find acidic products uncomfortable. It is not a targeted acerola, rutin, or flavonoid supplement, and the benefits beyond vitamin C are likely modest.

Who is it for
  • Adults wanting buffered vitamin C
  • People who find plain ascorbic acid uncomfortable
Best for
  • Routine vitamin C support
  • A gentler capsule format

Pros

  • Buffered calcium ascorbate form
  • Meaningful vitamin C amount
  • Concise ingredient panel
  • Good serving value

Cons

  • Bioflavonoid blend lacks internal detail
  • Acerola and rose hip amounts are minor
  • Rutin is too low for targeted use
  • No advanced sustained-delivery feature is disclosed

Warnings

  • Vitamin C may still cause digestive discomfort in sensitive users despite the buffered form.
  • Vitamin C can increase iron absorption, which matters for people with iron-overload conditions.
  • People prone to calcium-oxalate kidney stones should avoid stacking it with other high-dose vitamin C supplements.

Nutrient quality

84 Highest impact

A buffered branded form and practical dose make the core nutrient convincing. Small botanical additions are too light to contribute much independently.

Ingredient transparency

87 Highest impact

All active amounts are disclosed without a hidden blend. Inactive ingredients and detailed use directions are not included in the supplied facts.

Customer satisfaction

70 High impact

The aggregate rating is exceptionally strong and has a useful amount of supporting feedback. No detailed comments are available to assess repeated complaints.

Value for money

88 Highest impact

A premium buffered form is offered at a modest serving cost. The main active drives strong value despite several tiny additions.

Report analysis

Goals

General Health
General Health
Impact
Highest effect
A Goal FitA Strength of SupportB- CoverageA- Formula Quality
Vitamin C · 500 mg

Buffered Ester-C provides a practical vitamin C amount for antioxidant, collagen, and immune support. The branded calcium ascorbate form is well disclosed and may be gentler than plain ascorbic acid.

Small amounts of bioflavonoids, acerola, rose hips, and rutin broaden antioxidant support without hiding the main active. The formula remains focused, though those extras are too small to drive the result on their own.

Study evidence
Vitamin C Supportive 56 studies
Immunity
Immunity
Impact
Highest effect
A Goal FitA Strength of SupportC CoverageA- Formula Quality
Vitamin C · 500 mg

Buffered vitamin C provides direct antioxidant, barrier, and immune-cell support at a meaningful amount. Calcium ascorbate may be gentler than plain ascorbic acid for sensitive stomachs.

Bioflavonoids, acerola, rose hips, and rutin complement the antioxidant focus but are present in small amounts. The formula remains centered on one immune nutrient rather than broad pathway coverage.

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

Buffered vitamin C provides strong collagen-cofactor and antioxidant support. Small amounts of bioflavonoids, acerola, rose hips, and rutin broaden antioxidant context without changing the narrow focus.

The branded calcium ascorbate form is clearly disclosed and gentle by design. The main amount is practical, while the supporting botanicals are too small to carry much independent weight.

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

Buffered Ester-C provides a meaningful antioxidant dose with good stomach tolerance. Bioflavonoids and small botanical additions broaden the formula slightly but remain secondary to vitamin C.

The branded form and precise active amounts support confidence in the main ingredient. Very small rutin, acerola, and rose-hip amounts limit broader pathway depth.

Study evidence
Rutin Supportive 6 studies
Vitamin C Supportive 50 studies
Vision Support
Macular and Blue Light Defense
Vision Support
Impact
Moderate effect
D- Goal FitA Strength of SupportD- CoverageC Formula Quality
Vitamin C · 500 mg

Vitamin C provides antioxidant support relevant to ocular tissues, but no macular pigment, zinc, or retinal lipid is included. A 500 mg serving provides a meaningful vitamin C amount, but it does not supply the core carotenoids or structural lipids used for targeted vision support.

The product addresses only water-soluble antioxidant defense and does not cover macular pigment or retinal lipid pathways. The simple vitamin C design is internally coherent for antioxidant supplementation.

Study evidence
Vitamin C Disputed 24 studies

Ingredients

IngredientAmount per serving
Vitamin C (Ester-C Calcium Ascorbate)
 500 mg
Citrus Bioflavonoid Complex
25 mg
Acerola extract
10 mg
Rose Hips
10 mg
Rutin
5 mg
Gluten Free Adults 18–50 Vegan Kosher Dairy Free Sugar Free Halal Vegetarian
Report overview
Vitamin C (Ester-C Calcium Ascorbate) · 500 mg OverallScore89
A- Active Ingredient Quality & BioavailabilityB+ Dose, Safety & Label TransparencyA+ Value

Ester-C offers a buffered, branded form with a practical Vitamin C dose. Added bioflavonoids and small botanical amounts broaden the formula without obscuring the main active. The low cost per gram makes the premium form especially appealing.

View ingredientView products
Rutin · 5 mg OverallScore35
F Active Ingredient Quality & BioavailabilityD- Dose, Safety & Label TransparencyF Value

The rutin amount is clearly stated, but its botanical source and purity are not disclosed. The very small dose is suited only to broad antioxidant support rather than targeted vascular use. Cost per active amount is poor because little rutin is provided in each serving.

View ingredientView products
Acerola · 10 mg OverallScore27
F Active Ingredient Quality & BioavailabilityF Dose, Safety & Label TransparencyD+ Value

Acerola is included only in a token amount beside a much larger dose of calcium ascorbate. The label does not state the acerola plant part or natural vitamin C yield. It is therefore poorly aligned with someone seeking acerola as the main ingredient.

View ingredientView products
Loading alternative details
91 Performance

Ester-C Plus 1000 mg Vitamin C

Solgar
<p>A larger buffered calcium ascorbate serving strengthens vitamin C coverage while preserving the original’s stomach-friendly delivery approach. Clear supporting amounts make the formula more substantial, though the higher vitamin C intake may not be necessary for everyone.</p>
86 Performance

Timed Release Super Bio Vitamin C

Solaray
<p>Timed release, substantial vitamin C, meaningful rutin, hesperidin, and citrus bioflavonoids provide broader antioxidant support than the original’s small additions. Unbuffered ascorbic acid may be less comfortable for sensitive users despite the improved supporting blend.</p>
85 Performance

Super C Complex

NaturesPlus
<p>Sustained release pairs a substantial vitamin C amount with large bioflavonoid entries, sourced rutin, hesperidin, and rose hips. The formula is broader than the original, although standard ascorbic acid is less stomach-friendly and acerola remains modest.</p>
82 Budget

Ultra C Formula

Swanson Premium Brand
<p>Plain ascorbic acid provides a practical vitamin C amount at lower serving cost while keeping the formula simple. The trade-off is less stomach-friendly delivery and only tiny botanical and flavonoid additions compared with the buffered original.</p>
91 Budget

Buffered Vitamin C 500 mg

Solaray
<p>A practical vitamin C amount with partial mineral buffering and useful flavonoid support costs less per serving than the original. Botanical standardization is incomplete, but the formula preserves a buffered approach and strong everyday value.</p>
90 Budget

AlphaSorb-C 500

NOW
<p>Buffered calcium ascorbate closely matches the original’s practical vitamin C focus at lower serving cost. Supporting ingredients are small and incompletely characterized, yet the central form may offer similar stomach comfort.</p>
87 Value

Supreme C Complex

Swanson Premium Brand
<p>Vitamin C with substantial citrus bioflavonoids and moderate rutin provides more meaningful supporting antioxidant coverage at excellent serving value. Basic unbuffered delivery is the main compromise compared with the original’s Ester-C.</p>
91 Value

Buffered C-1000 Complex

NOW
<p>A substantial buffered vitamin C serving improves dose depth while maintaining very favorable serving economy. Acerola and rutin remain minor, and sensitive users may still experience digestive effects from the larger vitamin C amount.</p>
89 Value

Buffered Vitamin C Chewable 500 mg Natural Orange Flavor

Solaray
<p>Buffered calcium ascorbate preserves favorable expected stomach comfort in an economical chewable format. Acerola, rose hip, and citrus bioflavonoids are small additions, but the clear core nutrient and long supply support practical value.</p>
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. 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
  3. 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
  4. 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
  5. 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
  6. 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
  7. 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
  8. 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
  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. 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
  11. The effects of rutin flavonoid supplement on glycemic status, lipid profile, atherogenic index of plasma, brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), some serum inflammatory, and oxidative stress factors in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus: A double-blind, placebo-controlled trial.
    Bazyar H; Moradi L; Zaman F; Zare Javid A · Phytotherapy research : PTR · 2023
    Randomized trial50 participantsAnti-Inflammatory Support forRutin
  12. Rutin ameliorates inflammation and improves metabolic function: A comprehensive analysis of scientific literature.
    Muvhulawa N; Dludla PV; Ziqubu K; Mthembu SXH; Mthiyane F; Nkambule BB; Mazibuko-Mbeje SE · Pharmacological research · 2022
    Systematic reviewAnti-Inflammatory Support forRutin
  13. Rutin-loaded chitosan microspheres: Characterization and evaluation of the anti-inflammatory activity.
    Cosco D; Failla P; Costa N; Pullano S; Fiorillo A; Mollace V; Fresta M; Paolino D · Carbohydrate polymers · 2018
    OtherAnti-Inflammatory Support forRutin
  14. Oral enzyme combination therapy reduces systemic inflammation, urinary CTXII and pain in knee osteoarthritis: a proof-of-mechanism, randomised, crossover, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial.
    Henrotin Y; Pap T; Lieten S; Badot V; Dubuc JE; Urbin-Choffray D; von Eynatten M; Johansen OE; Rau S; Brabants K · RMD open · 2025
    Randomized trial45 participantsAnti-Inflammatory Support forRutin
  15. The Impact of the Combination of Proteolytic Enzyme and Rutin on the Post-operative Management of Inflammation: A Randomized, Controlled, Double-Blind, Comparative Clinical Trial
    Rathi PC, Rathi CL, Risbud SP, Ganu GP · Cureus · 2024
    Randomized trial65 participantsAnti-Inflammatory Support forRutin
  16. 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
  17. 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
  18. 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
  19. 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
  20. 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
  21. 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
  22. 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
  23. 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
  24. 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
  25. 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
  26. 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
  27. 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
  28. 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
  29. 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
  30. 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
  31. 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
  32. 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
  33. 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
  34. 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
  35. 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
  36. Nutritional modulation of cataract.
    Weikel KA; Garber C; Baburins A; Taylor A · Nutrition reviews · 2014
    Narrative reviewVision Support forVitamin C
  37. 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
  38. 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