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Fast-C and Bio-Quercetin Phytosome

4.7
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
(164 ratings)
Vitamin C 500 mg
Product Image
Score75
A broader vitamin C formula with quercetin and black pepper extract. Its added complexity may appeal to some users, but it is costly and does not fully solve ascorbic acid tolerance concerns.
How scoring works
Tablet
Quantity:60 Tablet(s) • (60 servings)
Goals:
Immunity
General Health
Anti-Inflammatory Support
Skin Health

Score 75

A broader vitamin C formula with quercetin and black pepper extract. Its added complexity may appeal to some users, but it is costly and does not fully solve ascorbic acid tolerance concerns.
How scoring works
$19.50($0.32 per serving)
iHerb
$ 19.50
Pure Formulas
$ 19.50
Vitacost
$ 19.50
Vitacost
$ 19.50
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Analysis

The 500 mg ascorbic acid amount is well suited to routine antioxidant and immune support. Bio-Quercetin Phytosome and black pepper extract may complement the formula, while calcium and magnesium carriers can provide some alkalinity.

Vitamin C itself remains in a standard acidic form, so the product is not equivalent to a fully buffered mineral ascorbate. The combination is most relevant to immunity and inflammatory balance, with less direct value for vision support.

The active amount costs more than simpler vitamin C tablets and capsules. Buyers are paying for the supporting ingredient system, which only makes sense if those additions match their priorities.

Who is it for
  • Adults wanting vitamin C with flavonoid support
  • Users interested in a multi-ingredient tablet
  • People who prefer a moderate vitamin C amount
Best for
  • Immune support
  • Antioxidant support
  • Inflammatory balance support

Pros

  • Useful 500 mg vitamin C amount
  • Includes bioavailable quercetin
  • Adds small mineral and black pepper components

Cons

  • Relatively weak value for vitamin C
  • Vitamin C is not fully buffered
  • Complexity may be unnecessary for basic supplementation

Warnings

  • Ascorbic acid can still cause stomach discomfort despite the alkaline mineral carriers.
  • Black pepper extract can affect the handling of some medicines, making pharmacist review sensible for users on prescription drugs.
  • The fixed combination is unsuitable for people who want vitamin C without quercetin or piperine.

Nutrient quality

88 Highest impact

Bio-quercetin phytosome and black pepper improve supporting-active delivery, but vitamin C remains plain ascorbic acid. The moderate vitamin C serving is meaningful for routine supplementation.

Ingredient transparency

81 Highest impact

All listed active amounts are disclosed without a proprietary blend. Complete directions and inactive-ingredient details remain incomplete.

Customer satisfaction

69 High impact

The aggregate rating and its volume provide a favorable top-level signal. Missing experience details prevent assessment of repeated complaints or purpose-specific satisfaction.

Value for money

56 Moderate impact

The advanced supporting ingredients do not fully justify the relatively costly serving. Comparable products can provide similar vitamin C support more efficiently.

Report analysis

Goals

Immunity
Immunity
Impact
Highest effect
A Goal FitA Strength of SupportB CoverageA Formula Quality
Magnesium · 8 mgVitamin C · 500 mg

Vitamin C reaches the stated immune target and pairs logically with a bioavailable quercetin ingredient. Alkaline mineral carriers may provide some buffering despite the use of ordinary ascorbic acid.

Quercetin adds a complementary antioxidant pathway, though its amount is modest. Piperine can alter drug metabolism, so people taking medicines with narrow dosing margins should check whether this enhancer is appropriate.

Study evidence
Vitamin C Supportive 53 studies
General Health
General Health
Impact
Highest effect
A- Goal FitA- Strength of SupportC+ CoverageA Formula Quality
Magnesium · 8 mgVitamin C · 500 mg

Vitamin C provides focused antioxidant, immune, and collagen support. Quercetin and piperine add a coherent secondary antioxidant and absorption theme.

The 500 mg vitamin C amount is substantial and clearly disclosed. The phytosome improves quercetin rather than vitamin C, while calcium and magnesium may offer only partial buffering.

Study evidence
Magnesium Supportive 114 studies
Vitamin C Supportive 56 studies
Anti-Inflammatory Support
Cellular Defense
Anti-Inflammatory Support
Impact
Highest effect
B- Goal FitA- Strength of SupportC+ CoverageA Formula Quality
Vitamin C · 500 mg

Vitamin C and phytosome quercetin provide complementary antioxidant and inflammatory-signaling support. Piperine adds a second absorption-oriented feature.

The vitamin C amount is useful, while the quercetin amount relies on enhanced delivery rather than raw dose. The concise formula is coherent and avoids excessive duplication.

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, while quercetin adds an antioxidant pathway in an absorption-enhanced form. The formula does not directly support hydration or the skin barrier.

The 500 mg vitamin C dose is ample and fully disclosed. Quercetin is present at a modest amount, so vitamin C remains the main contributor.

Study evidence
Vitamin C Supportive 53 studies
Vision Support
Macular and Blue Light Defense
Vision Support
Impact
Moderate effect
D Goal FitC- Strength of SupportD CoverageB- Formula Quality
Vitamin C · 500 mg

Vitamin C offers only a limited connection to focused eye health. Some relevant amounts are useful, while others are better suited to general antioxidant support.

Coverage is concentrated on ocular antioxidant defense. The focused design leaves major macular, retinal, or antioxidant pathways uncovered.

Study evidence
Vitamin C Disputed 24 studies

Ingredients

IngredientAmount per serving
Vitamin C (Ascorbic Acid)
 500 mg
Calcium (Calcium Carbonate)
 79 mg
Magnesium (Magnesium Hydroxide)
 8 mg
Bio-Quercetin Phytosome
15 mg
Bioperine Piperine (Black Pepper extract)
 3 mg
Adults 18–50
Report overview
Vitamin C (Ascorbic Acid) · 500 mg OverallScore56
F Active Ingredient Quality & BioavailabilityA Dose, Safety & Label TransparencyF Value

The 500 mg vitamin C amount is well targeted and paired with a bioavailable quercetin ingredient. Vitamin C itself remains generic ascorbic acid, although alkaline mineral carriers may provide partial buffering. The active amount is relatively costly, and the phytosome technology applies to quercetin rather than vitamin C.

View ingredientView products
Loading alternative details
89 Performance

C-500 Calcium Ascorbate-C

NOW
The buffered vitamin C form may be easier to tolerate than the original plain ascorbic acid formula. Its 500 mg of calcium ascorbate is buffered and includes 55 mg of calcium; the 10 mg bioflavonoid addition is modest.
88 Performance

Buffered Gold C

California Gold Nutrition
The buffered vitamin C form may be easier to tolerate than the original plain ascorbic acid formula. Its 1,000 mg of sodium ascorbate is buffered and simply formulated, with 130 mg of sodium clearly disclosed.
88 Performance

Sodium Ascorbate Capsules

NutriBiotic Immunity
The buffered vitamin C form may be easier to tolerate than the original plain ascorbic acid formula. Its capsules provide 850 mg of buffered sodium ascorbate with a clearly disclosed 100 mg sodium contribution.
85 Budget

C-500 With Rose Hips

NOW
The supplied serving-cost data indicates a less expensive way to obtain a comparable vitamin C serving. Compared with the original plain ascorbic acid formula, it supplies 500 mg of ascorbic acid with 40 mg of rose hips, although the vitamin C remains unbuffered.
83 Budget

C 500 mg

21st Century
The supplied serving-cost data indicates a less expensive way to obtain a comparable vitamin C serving. Compared with the original plain ascorbic acid formula, it supplies 500 mg of ascorbic acid with 30 mg of calcium in a basic, clearly dosed formula.
85 Budget

Gold C Vitamin C 1000 mg

California Gold Nutrition
The supplied serving-cost data indicates a less expensive way to obtain a comparable vitamin C serving. Compared with the original plain ascorbic acid formula, it supplies 1,000 mg of plain ascorbic acid without extra actives, favoring simplicity rather than buffering.
87 Value

100% Pure Vitamin C Powder

Swanson Premium Brand
The combination of a focused ingredient list and efficient supply makes it a stronger value candidate than the original plain ascorbic acid formula. Its powder provides 1,000 mg of ascorbic acid with flexible measuring, though the acidic form may not suit every user.
87 Value

C 500 mg

Mason Natural
The combination of a focused ingredient list and efficient supply makes it a stronger value candidate than the original plain ascorbic acid formula. Its single active is 500 mg of ascorbic acid, making the label easy to assess despite the lack of buffering.
88 Value

Sodium Ascorbate

NutriBiotic Immunity
The combination of a focused ingredient list and efficient supply makes it a stronger value candidate than the original plain ascorbic acid formula. Its 1,100 mg of sodium ascorbate is fully buffered, but the disclosed 120 mg of sodium matters for sodium-restricted users.
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. 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
  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. 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
  6. 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
  7. The effect of macronutrient and micronutrient supplements on COVID-19: an umbrella review.
    SeyedAlinaghi S; Shahidi R; Mojdeganlou H; Akhtaran FK; Maroufi SF; Maroufi SP; Mirzapour P; Karimi A; Khodaei S; Pour MM; Mehraeen E; Dadras O · Journal of health, population, and nutrition · 2024
    Systematic review28 studies pooledImmunity forVitamin C
  8. 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
  9. 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
  10. 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
  11. 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
  12. 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
  13. Intake of key micronutrients and food groups in patients with late-stage age-related macular degeneration compared with age-sex-matched controls.
    Gopinath B; Liew G; Russell J; Cosatto V; Burlutsky G; Mitchell P · The British journal of ophthalmology · 2017
    Case-control studyVision Support forVitamin C
  14. 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
  15. 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
  16. 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
  17. 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
  18. 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
  19. 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
  20. 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
  21. 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
  22. Perioperative systemic magnesium to minimize postoperative pain: a meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials.
    De Oliveira GS; Castro-Alves LJ; Khan JH; McCarthy RJ · Anesthesiology · 2013
    Meta-analysis1,257 participants20 studies pooledGeneral Health forMagnesium
  23. Long-term outcome after intravenous magnesium sulphate in suspected acute myocardial infarction: the second Leicester Intravenous Magnesium Intervention Trial (LIMIT-2).
    Woods KL; Fletcher S · Lancet (London, England) · 1994
    Randomized trial2,316 participantsGeneral Health forMagnesium
  24. Association of magnesium sulfate use with mortality in critically ill patients with sepsis: a retrospective propensity score-matched cohort study.
    Gu WJ; Duan XJ; Liu XZ; Cen Y; Tao LY; Lyu J; Yin HY · British journal of anaesthesia · 2023
    Cohort study10,999 participantsGeneral Health forMagnesium
  25. Hypomagnesemia and Mortality in Incident Hemodialysis Patients.
    Li L; Streja E; Rhee CM; Mehrotra R; Soohoo M; Brunelli SM; Kovesdy CP; Kalantar-Zadeh K · American journal of kidney diseases : the official journal of the National Kidney Foundation · 2016
    Cohort study9,359 participantsGeneral Health forMagnesium
  26. The effects of magnesium supplementation on abnormal uterine bleeding, alopecia, quality of life, and acne in women with polycystic ovary syndrome: a randomized clinical trial.
    Jaripur M; Ghasemi-Tehrani H; Askari G; Gholizadeh-Moghaddam M; Clark CCT; Rouhani MH · Reproductive biology and endocrinology : RB&E · 2022
    Randomized trial64 participantsGeneral Health forMagnesium
  27. 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
  28. 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
  29. 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
  30. 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
  31. 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
  32. 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
  33. 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
  34. 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
  35. 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
  36. 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
  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. 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
  40. 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
  41. Nutritional modulation of cataract.
    Weikel KA; Garber C; Baburins A; Taylor A · Nutrition reviews · 2014
    Narrative reviewVision Support forVitamin C
  42. 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
  43. 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