Vitamin C: 6 Different Forms, Their Benefits, + How to Use Them (2024)

Vitamin C, also referred to as ascorbic acid or ascorbate, has been one of the most researched vitamins over the last 50 years. A search of the scientific literature reveals that over 65,000 studies have been conducted on vitamin C in the past century.

Many scientists believe that at one time the human body had the ability to make vitamin C, but due to a genetic mutation (in the L-gulonolactone oxidase gene), we lost this capacity over time. Essentially, all species of animals, including most mammals, can make vitamin C—the exceptions are humans, monkeys, and guinea pigs as well as some bats, birds, and fish species. As a result, we humans must consume vitamin C in our diets.

Currently, the Recommended Dietary Allowance (RDA) for vitamin C is 90 mg per day for men and 75 mg per day for women. Smokers, who are 400 percent more likely to be deficient than non-smokersdue to the excess oxidation caused by the cigarettes, require more to maintain healthy levels of the vitamin. The brain and adrenal glands have the highest concentrations of vitamin C at 15 to 50 times higher than those found in the blood. Vitamin C, which has antioxidant properties, is also an enzyme “co-factor” for at least eight important biochemical reactions.

While the standard Recommended Dietary Allowance (RDA) amount is sufficient to avoid conditions like scurvy, which is caused by severe vitamin C deficiencies, they are insufficient to achieve other presumed health benefits, including promoting a stronger immune system and cardiovascular, brain, and skin health. Some have suggested that this minimum vitamin C intake should be at least 200 mg per dayto optimize the full benefits of vitamin C.

‌‌‌‌How Common Is Vitamin C Deficiency?

According to a 2004 studyof Americans, 14 percent of males and 10 percent of females werevitamin Cdeficient. In addition, up to six percent of kids ages 12 to 17 had insufficient levels. Seventeen percent of males between ages 25 to 64 were deficient while 12 percent of females in that demographic had low blood levels. A 1999 studyin Britain found that 33 percent of those 65 years of age consumed insufficient amounts of vitamin C.

A 2009 study in The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, found that over seven percent of people age six and older were vitamin C deficient when their blood was tested. More than half of those surveyed consumed too low amounts of vitamin C-rich foods.

I’ve seen it in my practice as well. In the last five years, I diagnosed at least four patients with scurvy, a disease that was traditionally diagnosed in British sailors who had limited access to fresh fruit. My first patient with scurvy was a 40-year-old woman who smoked and admitted to a poor diet. She was concerned about her bleeding gums and easy skin bruising, and after her dentist confirmed the absence of gum disease, I ordered a blood test which confirmed a vitamin C deficiency, leading to the diagnosis of scurvy. Her bleeding gums and bruising symptoms improved after a few weeks ofvitamin C supplementation. The other three patients also had significant bruising and bleeding gums as their initial symptoms.

‌‌‌‌How To Measure Vitamin C In The Body

There are two main waysvitamin Ccan be measured in the body. The first is a blood serum level. For women, normal levels are between 0.3-2.7 mg/dL while normal for men is 0.2-2.1 mg/dL. The second is checking vitamin C levels in white blood cells, or leukocytes. The reference range depends on the lab.

Risks Factors Of Vitamin C Deficiency

• Poor diet, including low consumption of fruits and vegetables
• Tobacco smoking (each cigarette oxidizes about 40-60 mg of vitamin C)
• Air pollution exposure
• Heavy metal exposure (lead, mercury)

Symptoms Of Vitamin C Deficiency

• Bruising
• Fatigue
• Depression
• Bleeding gums
• Joint pain
• Bone pain
• Muscle aches
• Swelling

Fruits Sources Of Vitamin C

• Acerola cherries
• Avocado
• Guava
• Papaya
• Mangos
• Oranges
• Pineapple
• Cantaloupe
• Kiwi
• Strawberries

Vegetable Sources Of Vitamin C

• Bell peppers
• Bok choy
• Broccoli
• Cabbage
• Kale
• Brussel sprouts
• Potato

Health Benefits Of Vitamin C

• Helps treat anemia by increasing iron absorption
• Collagen and skin health
• Heart health
• Immune support
• Memory health
• Helps prevent periodontal disease
• Helps prevent upper respiratory infections/colds
• Helps prevent seizure disorders
• Helps prevent sepsis (blood infections)

In addition to the benefits discussed above, vitamin C appears to be beneficial for those admitted to a hospital, specifically, the intensive care unit. A 2019 meta-analysis study in Nutrients, which looked at more than 18 studies and over 2,000 patients, noted that hospital patients who supplemented with vitamin C reduced their ICU stay by 8 to 18 percent compared to those who were not given vitamin C.

Various formulations are available to consumers.

‌‌‌‌1. Ascorbic Acid

Ascorbic acidis the most commonly consumed and also the least expensive form of vitamin C available. However, its slight acidic component can make it hard on the digestive system for some, especially those with stomach acid issues. Many studies use this formulation of vitamin C. While ascorbic acid is synthetically made, it is identical to the formulations found in nature. Since studiesshow only 30 percent of a given dose is actually absorbed, researchers have also sought other formulations that may be better absorbed in the gastrointestinal tract. Ascorbic acid is available in tablets, capsules, or as a powder. The following are mineral ascorbates.

• Calcium Ascorbate – This formulation contains both calcium (at 100 mg) and ascorbate (at 900 mg) and should be considered by those who want to improve bone health while also preventing osteopenia and osteoporosis. One of its advantages is that it causes less gastric irritation than the ascorbic acid formation while maintaining equal antioxidant capacity, according to a 2018 study.
• Magnesium Ascorbate – This formulation contains both magnesium (50 to 100 mg) and 900 mg of ascorbate. This may be a great option for those on magnesium-lowering medications (i.e. acid reducers and diuretics), those with chronic headaches, or those with frequent leg cramps. Since magnesium deficiency can also increase the risk for heart palpitations or arrhythmias, magnesium ascorbate can be considered in those at risk.
• Sodium Ascorbate – This formulation contains both sodium (~100 mg) and 900 mg of ascorbate. Those who are on a low-salt diet should avoid this formulation. While most people on a low-salt diet should keep their daily total to less than 2,000 mg, even small amounts can add up over time.

‌‌‌‌2. Ascorbate and Vitamin C Metabolites (Ester-C®)

Ascorbate and Vitamin C Metabolites (Ester-C®) is a patented formulation of calcium-ascorbate that was discovered in the 1980s. It contains a small amount of vitamin C metabolites such as calcium threonate, xylonate, and lyxonate, as well as dehydroascorbic acid. The manufacturer claims it helps improve absorption and results in higher vitamin C blood levels compared to regular ascorbic acid.

A 2008 studyevaluated blood serum and leukocytes levels after ingestion of calcium ascorbate versus regular ascorbic acid. The blood serum ascorbic acid levels were equal in both groups. However, those who took the calcium ascorbate formulation had higher vitamin C leukocyte (white blood cell) levels.

‌‌‌‌3. Vitamin C with Bioflavonoids

Vitamin C is also combined withantioxidantsknown as bioflavonoids. Proponents of this formulation are drawn to the fact that vitamin C with bioflavonoids may be better absorbed. A 1988 studyshowed this might be the case. In the study, it was shown that vitamin C with bioflavonoids was 35 percent better absorbed when compared to the regular ascorbic acid formulation. It is also a better option for those who may develop gastric symptoms from ascorbic acid.

‌‌‌‌4. Liposomal Vitamin C

Liposomal vitamin Cis a formulation that appears to have improved bioavailability or absorption properties. To help increase absorption, scientists have developed liposomal vitamin C, a fat-soluble covering that helps the ascorbic acid molecule pass through the digestive tract more easily. The data indicatesthat oral delivery of vitamin C encapsulated in liposomes results in blood concentrations of vitamin C that are greater than un-encapsulated oral formulations, such as ascorbic acid, but less than intravenous administration.

Further, a 2020 studyshowed that liposomal vitamin C could lower blood pressure at a lower dosage than regular vitamin C in laboratory rats.

‌‌‌‌5. Ascorbyl Palmitate

This formulation allows vitamin C, which is normally water-soluble, to become fat-soluble. It is usually added to topical vitamin C preparations so that it can be absorbed in the skin. It is also used in suppositories and as food preservatives. It is sometimes marketed as a vitamin C ester but should not be confused with Ester-C.

‌‌‌‌6. Vitamin C with Rose Hips

Formulations of vitamin C with rose hips normally contain regular ascorbic acid. Rose hips are the fruits of rose plants and contain a high amount of vitamin C, which is well absorbed.Rose hipsalso contain many antioxidants, includinglycopene, phenols, flavonoids, ellagic acid, andvitamin E.

‌‌‌‌Is Vitamin C Safe?

Vitamin C, in all formulations, has a great safety profile. Doses up to 2,000 mg per day are commonly taken and well-tolerated. Diarrhea or loose stool is not likely unless 3,000 mg per day is exceeded. However, if a large daily dose is spread out and taken up to three times per day, digestive issues are less likely to occur.

References:

1. Hampl JS, Taylor CA, Johnston CS. Vitamin C deficiency and depletion in the United States: the Third National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey, 1988 to 1994. Am J Public Health. 2004;94(5):870‐875. doi:10.2105/ajph.94.5.870
2. Gaby, Alan. Nutritional Medicine , Second Edition April 2017
3. Harrison FE, May JM. Vitamin C function in the brain: vital role of the ascorbate transporter SVCT2. Free Radic Biol Med. 2009;46(6):719–30. doi: 10.1016/j.freeradbiomed.2008.12.018.
4. Levine M, Conry-Cantilena C, Wang Y, et al. Vitamin C pharmaco*kinetics in healthy volunteers: evidence for a recommended dietary allowance. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A. 1996;93(8):3704‐3709. doi:10.1073/pnas.93.8.3704
5. Hampl JS, Taylor CA, Johnston CS. Vitamin C deficiency and depletion in the United States: the Third National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey, 1988 to 1994. Am J Public Health. 2004;94(5):870‐875. doi:10.2105/ajph.94.5.870
6. Bates CJ, Prentice A, Cole TJ, et al. Micronutrients: highlights and research challenges from the 1994-5 National Diet and Nutrition Survey of people aged 65 years and over. Br J Nutr. 1999;82(1):7‐15. doi:10.1017/s0007114599001063
7. American Journal of Clinical Nutrition. 2009 Nov;90(5):1252-63. doi: 10.3945/ajcn.2008.27016. Epub 2009 Aug 12.
8. Staudte H, Sigusch BW, Glockmann E. Grapefruit consumption improves vitamin C status in periodontitis patients. Br Dent J. 2005;199(4):213‐210. doi:10.1038/sj.bdj.4812613
9. Hemilä H, Chalker E. Vitamin C Can Shorten the Length of Stay in the ICU: A Meta-Analysis. Nutrients. 2019;11(4):708. Published 2019 Mar 27. doi:10.3390/nu11040708
10. Yung S, Mayersohn M, Robinson JB. Ascorbic acid absorption in humans: a comparison among several dosage forms. J Pharm Sci. 1982;71(3):282‐285. doi:10.1002/jps.2600710304
11. Lee JK, Jung SH, Lee SE, et al. Alleviation of ascorbic acid-induced gastric high acidity bycalcium ascorbate in vitro and in vivo. Korean J Physiol Pharmacol. 2018;22(1):35‐42. doi:10.4196/kjpp.2018.22.1.35
12. Moyad MA, Combs MA, Vrablic AS, Velasquez J, Turner B, Bernal S. Vitamin C metabolites, independent of smoking status, significantly enhance leukocyte, but not plasma ascorbate concentrations. Adv Ther. 2008;25(10):995‐1009. doi:10.1007/s12325-008-0106-y
13. Vinson JA, Bose P. Comparative bioavailability to humans of ascorbic acid alone or in a citrus extract. Am J Clin Nutr. 1988;48(3):601‐604. doi:10.1093/ajcn/48.3.601
14. Davis JL, Paris HL, Beals JW, et al. Liposomal-encapsulated Ascorbic Acid: Influence on Vitamin C Bioavailability and Capacity to Protect Against Ischemia-Reperfusion Injury. Nutr Metab Insights. 2016;9:25‐30. Published 2016 Jun 20. doi:10.4137/NMI.S39764
15. Khalili A, Alipour S, Fathalipour M, et al. Liposomal and Non-Liposomal Formulations of Vitamin C: Comparison of the Antihypertensive and Vascular Modifying Activity in Renovascular Hypertensive Rats. Iran J Med Sci. 2020;45(1):41‐49. doi:10.30476/ijms.2019.45310