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Vitamin

Vitamin C

Vitamin C, or ascorbic acid, is an essential water-soluble vitamin that humans cannot make, found in fruits and vegetables such as citrus, peppers and berries.

Also listed as Ascorbic Acid, Ascorbate, L-ascorbic acid

Essential HealthLongevityImmune SupportCardiovascularHair & Skin

Is natural vitamin C better absorbed?

Ascorbic acid in supplements has bioavailability comparable with that in foods. Sodium and calcium ascorbate and products combined with bioflavonoids are also available. Small comparisons have not shown a consistent plasma-level advantage for more complex formulations, and a different laboratory measurement does not automatically establish a health advantage. 1

Why does a larger dose not mean proportionally more absorption?

NIH reports absorption of about 70–90% at intakes of 30–180 mg daily, falling below 50% at doses above 1 g daily. Absorbed vitamin C that is not used is excreted in urine. Oral and intravenous administration therefore cannot be treated as equivalent exposures. 1

Sources

  1. Vitamin C: Fact Sheet for Health Professionals NIH Office of Dietary Supplements