Product Image

Buffered Vitamin C 500 mg

4.9
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
(1711 ratings)
Vitamin C 500 mg
Product Image
Score81
A clear, moderate-dose vitamin C tablet with some buffering and good package value. The formula remains narrow and only partially buffered.
How scoring works
Tablet
Quantity:250 Tablet(s) • (250 servings)
Goals:
Immunity
Skin Health
General Health
Anti-Inflammatory Support
Vision Support

Score 81

A clear, moderate-dose vitamin C tablet with some buffering and good package value. The formula remains narrow and only partially buffered.
How scoring works

Also available as

1 option
100 servings C 500 mg • 100 Tablet(s) • 100 servings $24.99 ($0.24 per serving)
$24.99($0.09 per serving)
iHerb
$ 24.99
Vitacost
$ 24.99
Pure Formulas
$ 24.99
Report prices

Analysis

The 500 mg vitamin C serving supports antioxidant defenses, immune function, and collagen formation without pushing the dose unusually high. Calcium carbonate provides partial buffering, and lemon bioflavonoids add modest complementary antioxidant support.

The formula is transparent and easy to understand, with no decorative blend obscuring the amounts. Standard ascorbic acid still lacks the comfort of a fully buffered mineral ascorbate and offers no enhanced-delivery advantage.

The larger package is a good fit for consistent daily use and improves value over the smaller version. Users wanting skin hydration, macular pigments, or broader inflammatory-pathway coverage will need other ingredients.

Who is it for
  • Regular vitamin C users
  • Adults preferring a moderate tablet dose
  • Value-focused buyers wanting a larger supply
Best for
  • Daily antioxidant support
  • Immune support
  • Collagen formation support

Pros

  • Useful 500 mg serving
  • Partially buffered with calcium carbonate
  • Includes disclosed lemon bioflavonoids
  • Large package supports good value

Cons

  • Uses basic ascorbic acid
  • Not fully buffered
  • Does not address broader skin, vision, or inflammatory pathways

Warnings

  • Residual acidity may still cause stomach discomfort
  • Vitamin C may increase iron absorption in people advised to limit iron
  • Regular high-dose use deserves caution for people with recurrent calcium-oxalate kidney stones

Nutrient quality

85 Highest impact

The vitamin C amount is meaningful and well matched to the intended use. Basic unbuffered ascorbic acid limits form quality despite the focused formula.

.

Ingredient transparency

84 Highest impact

Active names and amounts are clearly stated, with no hidden proprietary dose. Complete intake directions and a full inactive-ingredient list are not included in the supplied data.

.

Customer satisfaction

73 High impact

Supplied satisfaction metrics indicate a strong result with a meaningful response pool. Detailed experience themes are absent, so recurring complaints and real-world purpose fit remain uncertain.

.

Value for money

81 Highest impact

Serving value appears favorable relative to the disclosed form and amount. The focused formula avoids low-value extras.

.
Report analysis

Goals

Immunity
Immunity
Impact
Highest effect
A Goal FitB+ Strength of SupportC+ CoverageA- Formula Quality
Vitamin C · 500 mg

A clearly stated vitamin C amount meets the preferred immune benchmark and provides direct antioxidant support. Calcium carbonate offers partial buffering, while lemon bioflavonoids add a compatible secondary component.

Standard ascorbic acid lacks the absorption or comfort advantages of a fully buffered mineral ascorbate. The formula is narrow, but its focused design gives vitamin C adequate depth.

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

A useful vitamin C amount supports collagen synthesis and antioxidant defense. Calcium carbonate offers partial buffering, while lemon bioflavonoids add modest antioxidant support.

Plain ascorbic acid lacks the advantages of a true mineral ascorbate. The focused formula does not address skin hydration or barrier function.

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 practical vitamin C amount supports normal antioxidant defenses, immune function, and collagen formation. Calcium carbonate provides some buffering, while citrus bioflavonoids add a complementary plant component.

Basic ascorbic acid is well established but lacks a specialized absorption advantage. The focused formula and clear amounts make it easy to assess, though it covers only a narrow slice of general wellness.

Study evidence
Vitamin C Supportive 56 studies
Anti-Inflammatory Support
Cellular Defense
Anti-Inflammatory Support
Impact
High effect
B Goal FitB Strength of SupportC- CoverageA- Formula Quality
Vitamin C · 500 mg

Partially buffered ascorbic acid with lemon bioflavonoids provides direct antioxidant support that may help limit oxidative inflammatory stress. Basic ascorbic acid and absent flavonoid standardization limit form quality.

The disclosed 500 mg amount gives the main antioxidant pathway meaningful depth. Lemon bioflavonoids add a second but modest antioxidant pathway..

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 CoverageB+ Formula Quality
Vitamin C · 500 mg

Vitamin C contributes to ocular antioxidant defense. Lemon bioflavonoids provide a related secondary antioxidant but no macular pigment or structural-lipid pathway.

The vitamin C amount is useful and partially buffered, though plain ascorbic acid remains the active form. The compact formula has reasonable depth in one pathway and narrow overall coverage.

Study evidence
Vitamin C Disputed 24 studies

Ingredients

IngredientAmount per serving
Vitamin C (Ascorbic Acid)
 500 mg
Calcium (Calcium Carbonate)
 100 mg
Lemon Bioflavonoids (Citrus limonum)
 100 mg
Gluten Free Adults 18–50 Vegan Kosher Dairy Free Sugar Free Vegetarian
Report overview
Vitamin C (Ascorbic Acid) · 500 mg OverallScore68
F Active Ingredient Quality & BioavailabilityA Dose, Safety & Label TransparencyB+ Value

The useful Vitamin C amount is paired with calcium carbonate for partial buffering. Basic ascorbic acid lacks the absorption advantages of a true mineral ascorbate or lipid delivery system. The larger package delivers good value with clearly stated ingredient amounts.

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 buffered vitamin C 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 buffered vitamin C 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 buffered vitamin C 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 buffered vitamin C 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 buffered vitamin C 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 buffered vitamin C 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. 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
  2. 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
  3. 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
  4. 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 Immunity forVitamin C
  5. 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
  6. 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
  7. 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
  8. 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
  9. 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
  10. 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
  11. Intake of vitamin C, vitamin E, selenium, zinc and polyunsaturated fatty acids and upper respiratory tract infection-a prospective cohort study.
    Raposo SE; Fondell E; Ström P; Bälter O; Bonn SE; Nyrén O; Plymoth A; Bälter K · European journal of clinical nutrition · 2018
    Cohort study1,533 participantsImmunity forVitamin C
  12. 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
  13. Dietary intake and supplement use of vitamins C and E and upper respiratory tract infection.
    Fondell E; Bälter O; Rothman KJ; Bälter K · Journal of the American College of Nutrition · 2012
    Cohort study1,509 participantsImmunity forVitamin C
  14. 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
  15. 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
  16. 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
  17. 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
  18. 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
  19. 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
  20. 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
  21. 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
  22. 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
  23. 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
  24. 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
  25. 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
  26. 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
  27. 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
  28. 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
  29. 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
  30. 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
  31. 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
  32. 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
  33. 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
  34. 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
  35. 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
  36. 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
  37. Nutritional modulation of cataract.
    Weikel KA; Garber C; Baburins A; Taylor A · Nutrition reviews · 2014
    Narrative reviewVision Support forVitamin C
  38. 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
  39. 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