Truly Natural Vitamin C
HealthForce SuperFoods
Truly Natural Vitamin C
4.7
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
(962 ratings)
Vitamin C 360 mg
Score 75.0
A 'truly natural' whole-food derived Vitamin C in powder form, offering a good dose (360mg) with synergistic phytonutrients. However, its very high price and vague ingredient sourcing undermine its appeal.
Quantity: 400 Gram(s)Servings size: 6 Gram(s) (67 servings)
Selected goals:
Other goals:
Immunity
General Health
Skin Health
Anti-Aging
Anti-Inflammatory Support
leaderboard Score 75.0
A 'truly natural' whole-food derived Vitamin C in powder form, offering a good dose (360mg) with synergistic phytonutrients. However, its very high price and vague ingredient sourcing undermine its appeal.
insights Analysis
This powder product from HealthForce SuperFoods is marketed as 'Truly Natural Vitamin C,' implying its derivation from whole food sources rather than synthetic ascorbic acid. It provides 360mg of Vitamin C per serving, along with 5g of carbohydrates and 25 calories, typical of a fruit-derived product. While whole-food Vitamin C is highly valued by many nutritionists for its synergistic co-factors and presumed enhanced bioavailability, the specific plant sources are not explicitly listed in the ingredients, which is unusual for a product emphasizing 'natural.' The very high price per serving makes it a premium product, but the lack of transparency on the exact natural source is a significant concern for consumers seeking true natural purity.
- Likely whole-food derived, potentially offering higher bioavailability and synergistic benefits from natural co-factors.
- Suitable for consumers who prefer 'natural' supplements over synthetic forms.
- Very high price per serving, making it significantly less cost-effective than synthetic or blended forms.
- The specific natural sources of Vitamin C are not explicitly listed in the ingredients, which is inconsistent with a 'truly natural' claim.
- Lower pure Vitamin C content compared to many synthetic alternatives at similar or lower prices.
- High price point for the amount of Vitamin C provided.
- Vague ingredient description regarding the specific natural sources of Vitamin C.
$54.95($0.82 per serving)
 iHerb | $ 54.95 | |
| iHerb | $ 54.95 |
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 |
|---|---|
Calories | 25 Calorie(s) |
Total Carbohydrates | 5 Gram(s) |
Vitamin C | 360 mg |
Categories
Vitamin C 75.0
While it appeals to the 'natural' market, its high cost and lack of detailed source information make it a less competitive option for pure Vitamin C potency compared to other forms.
Goals
Immunity 85.0
Natural, whole-food derived Vitamin C, especially with its accompanying phytonutrients, can offer excellent support for the immune system, potentially providing a more comprehensive benefit than isolated forms.
Anti-Aging 85.0
The rich array of antioxidants and phytonutrients inherent in whole-food sources provides robust protection against oxidative damage, contributing significantly to anti-aging efforts and cellular health.
Whole-food derived Vitamin C, accompanied by a full spectrum of plant compounds, often exhibits stronger anti-inflammatory effects by comprehensively reducing oxidative stress and supporting cellular processes.
Recommended Alternatives
82 Value 
C 500 mg
21st Century
4.8
★★★★★
(31743 ratings)
Provides a superior overall value (score-to-price ratio) for its quality. This Tablet features Ascorbic Acid + Calcium. Review count: 31605.
82 Value 
C 500 mg
21st Century
4.8
★★★★★
(31751 ratings)
Provides a superior overall value (score-to-price ratio) for its quality. This Tablet features Ascorbic Acid + Calcium. Review count: 31598.
80 Value 
C-500 With Rose Hips
NOW
4.9
★★★★★
(10235 ratings)
Provides a superior overall value (score-to-price ratio) for its quality. This Tablet features Ascorbic Acid + Rose Hips. Review count: 10191.
90 Performance 
C-500 Calcium Ascorbate-C
NOW
4.9
★★★★★
(6730 ratings)
Achieves a higher overall score (90 vs 70) due to its quality and benefits. Review count: 6698.
88 Performance 
Buffered Gold C
California Gold Nutrition
4.8
★★★★★
(46051 ratings)
Achieves a higher overall score (88 vs 70) due to its quality and benefits. Review count: 45962.
85 Performance 
Buffered Gold C 750 mg
California Gold Nutrition
4.8
★★★★★
(46051 ratings)
Achieves a higher overall score (85 vs 70) due to its quality and benefits. Review count: 45194.
80 Budget
C-500 With Rose Hips
NOW
4.9
★★★★★
(10235 ratings)
Offers a more economical cost per serving. This Tablet features Ascorbic Acid + Rose Hips. Review count: 10191.
75 Budget 
C 500 mg
Swanson
4.8
★★★★★
(2179 ratings)
Offers a more economical cost per serving. This Tablet features Ascorbic Acid + Rose Hips. Review count: 2155.
82 Budget
C 500 mg
21st Century
4.8
★★★★★
(31743 ratings)
Offers a more economical cost per serving. This Tablet features Ascorbic Acid + Calcium. Review count: 31605.
82 Value
C 500 mg
21st Century
4.8
★★★★★
(31743 ratings)
Provides a superior overall value (score-to-price ratio) for its quality. This Tablet features Ascorbic Acid + Calcium. Review count: 31605.
82 Value
C 500 mg
21st Century
4.8
★★★★★
(31751 ratings)
Provides a superior overall value (score-to-price ratio) for its quality. This Tablet features Ascorbic Acid + Calcium. Review count: 31598.
80 Value
C-500 With Rose Hips
NOW
4.9
★★★★★
(10235 ratings)
Provides a superior overall value (score-to-price ratio) for its quality. This Tablet features Ascorbic Acid + Rose Hips. Review count: 10191.
90 Performance
C-500 Calcium Ascorbate-C
NOW
4.9
★★★★★
(6730 ratings)
Achieves a higher overall score (90 vs 70) due to its quality and benefits. Review count: 6698.
88 Performance
Buffered Gold C
California Gold Nutrition
4.8
★★★★★
(46051 ratings)
Achieves a higher overall score (88 vs 70) due to its quality and benefits. Review count: 45962.
85 Performance
Buffered Gold C 750 mg
California Gold Nutrition
4.8
★★★★★
(46051 ratings)
Achieves a higher overall score (85 vs 70) due to its quality and benefits. Review count: 45194.