AlphaSorb-C 500
NOW
AlphaSorb-C 500
4.8
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
(376 ratings)
Vitamin C 500 mg
Acerola 25 mg
Rutin 25 mg
Score 78.0
A high-quality, buffered Vitamin C with added Acerola, offering excellent absorption and gentleness for daily health support. Its price is moderate for its superior formulation.
Quantity: 180 Capsule(s)Servings size: 1 Veg Capsule(s) (180 servings)
Selected goals:
Other goals:
General Health
Heart Health
Anti-Aging
Cardiovascular Support
Immunity
leaderboard Score 78.0
A high-quality, buffered Vitamin C with added Acerola, offering excellent absorption and gentleness for daily health support. Its price is moderate for its superior formulation.
insights Analysis
AlphaSorb-C 500 from NOW Foods offers a well-formulated Vitamin C supplement. The Threonic Acid enhanced buffered Calcium Ascorbate is recognized by nutritionists and online reviews for its gentleness on the stomach and improved absorption and retention compared to standard ascorbic acid. The 500mg dosage is a good daily maintenance dose, and the addition of Acerola powder provides naturally occurring Vitamin C and beneficial phytonutrients, supporting the product's overall efficacy for its stated goals. While its price per serving is not the absolute lowest, it offers good value for a high-quality, buffered Vitamin C.
- Features a highly bioavailable and non-acidic form of Vitamin C (Threonic Acid enhanced buffered Calcium Ascorbate), which is gentler on the stomach.
- Includes Acerola powder, providing natural Vitamin C and beneficial phytonutrients that enhance absorption and overall efficacy.
- A reputable brand known for quality supplements, adding to consumer trust.
- The price per serving is moderately higher compared to basic ascorbic acid alternatives, which might be a consideration for budget-conscious consumers.
- The 500mg dose, while good for maintenance, is lower than some 1000mg options available at a similar or better price per serving.
$19.99($0.11 per serving)
 Vitacost | $ 19.99 | |
 Daily Vita | $ 20.30 | |
 Pure Formulas | $ 20.82 | |
 iHerb | $ 21.43 |
bolt Effectiveness for goals
Buffered Vitamin C, such as calcium ascorbate, is typically less acidic, which can be gentler on the stomach for individuals sensitive to the acidity of standard ascorbic acid. This form aims to provide the benefits of Vitamin C with potentially reduced gastrointestinal discomfort.
Bioflavonoids are often included with Vitamin C to potentially enhance its absorption and antioxidant activity. They are thought to work synergistically, helping to protect Vitamin C from oxidation and supporting its role in the body's cellular processes.
Threonic acid is a metabolite of Vitamin C believed to enhance its absorption and retention within the body's cells. This specific form, often found in blends like Transport C-PLUS, aims to provide higher bioavailability compared to some other forms, leading to potentially better utilization.
Rose hips and acerola are natural sources of Vitamin C, often containing other beneficial phytonutrients and antioxidants. These whole-food components can contribute to the overall nutritional profile and may offer synergistic effects with isolated Vitamin C, potentially enhancing its impact.
Combining various forms of Vitamin C, such as buffered calcium ascorbate, with bioflavonoids and natural sources is intended to optimize absorption, utilization, and antioxidant support. This multi-component approach aims for comprehensive benefits from Vitamin C by addressing different aspects of its function.
schedule Dosage, timing & forms
Buffered forms of Vitamin C, such as calcium ascorbate, are typically less acidic than ascorbic acid. This can make them gentler on the stomach and reduce potential digestive upset for some individuals. They are often preferred for those with sensitive digestive systems.
Bioflavonoids, including rutin and those from rose hips and acerola, are natural plant pigments often found alongside Vitamin C in fruits. They are believed to work synergistically with Vitamin C, potentially enhancing its absorption and utilization in the body. This combination can support the overall benefits of the supplement.
While buffered forms of Vitamin C can often be taken on an empty stomach due to their reduced acidity, taking any supplement with food can sometimes improve tolerance and absorption for some individuals. Following the specific instructions on the supplement label is generally advisable for optimal use.
Threonic Acid enhanced Vitamin C formulations, such as those with calcium ascorbate and threonate, are designed to improve the bioavailability and retention of Vitamin C in the body. Threonic acid is a metabolite of Vitamin C that may help to recycle and regenerate Vitamin C, potentially leading to more sustained levels.
Splitting the daily dosage of Vitamin C into multiple smaller doses throughout the day can sometimes help maintain more consistent levels in the body, as Vitamin C is water-soluble and excreted relatively quickly. However, it's best to consult the product's suggested use or a healthcare professional for specific guidance tailored to individual needs.
health_and_safety Safety & interactions
High doses of vitamin C might interact with some medications, such as blood thinners (e.g., warfarin), by potentially affecting their action. It can also influence the absorption of certain antibiotics like tetracyclines or fluoroquinolones. Consulting a healthcare professional is advisable when combining supplements with prescription drugs.
Individuals with kidney disease, hyperparathyroidism, or a history of kidney stones should exercise caution with supplemental calcium. High calcium intake can sometimes interfere with the absorption of other minerals like iron and zinc. Discussing calcium supplementation with a healthcare provider is recommended.
Bioflavonoids, including rutin, are generally considered safe. However, high doses might theoretically interact with blood-thinning medications, potentially increasing their effect. They may also influence the metabolism of certain drugs by affecting liver enzymes.
While vitamin C is generally well-tolerated, very high doses, particularly from ascorbic acid, can sometimes lead to digestive issues like nausea, cramps, or diarrhea. Buffered forms of vitamin C, such as calcium ascorbate, are often chosen to reduce the likelihood of such gastric upset.
For most healthy individuals, vitamin C intake at recommended levels does not significantly increase the risk of kidney stones. However, individuals with a history of calcium oxalate kidney stones may be advised to limit high doses of vitamin C, as it can be metabolized into oxalate.
Ingredients
| Ingredient | Amount per serving |
|---|---|
Vitamin C | 500 mg |
Calcium | 60 mg |
Transport C-PLUS | 650 mg |
Citrus Bioflavonoid Complex | 100 mg |
Acerola powder | 25 mg |
Rose Hips | 25 mg |
Rutin powder | 25 mg |
Categories
Vitamin C 85.0
This product features an advanced, buffered form of Vitamin C (Threonic Acid enhanced Calcium Ascorbate) which is highly regarded for its superior absorption and gentleness on the digestive system, making it an excellent choice in the Vitamin C category.
Acerola 75.0
While containing a modest amount of Acerola powder, it primarily serves as a synergistic addition to the main Vitamin C form rather than being a primary source of Acerola for those seeking higher botanical dosages.
Rutin 0.0
This product does not list Rutin as an ingredient.
Goals
Immunity 90.0
The buffered and highly bioavailable form of Vitamin C supports robust immune function without causing stomach upset, making it ideal for consistent daily intake vital for immunity.
Skin Health 88.0
Vitamin C is crucial for collagen synthesis, supporting skin elasticity and repair, and its antioxidant properties protect skin from environmental damage.
Anti-Aging 87.0
Its strong antioxidant capacity helps combat oxidative stress, a key contributor to cellular aging, while supporting collagen for youthful appearance.
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