Frequently Asked Questions About Vitamin C

Q: How does an effective Vitamin C supplement work?

Vitamin C is an essential vitamin which the human body is incapable of producing on its own and must therefore be acquired from external sources. The amount of Vitamin C the body can absorb from food is minimal, so taking a supplement can be extremely beneficial for maintaining the levels needed for optimal health benefits. Vitamin C supplements can be extremely effective and beneficial, but only if they are of a good quality. If the Vitamin C you are taking cannot be properly absorbed, you will not achieve these positive results. Therefore, it is important that the supplement you choose is bioavailable and has a high absorption rate, as well as having a high potency. Additionally, without a proper formula, Vitamin C supplements can be harsh on your stomach, so it is important to choose a supplement that addresses this issue and is gentle on your gut. A good way to know if you are choosing a quality product is if the supplement is third-party tested.

The correct formula holds the key to success so look for something that contains ingredients backed by scientific data that work to increase absorption of Vitamin C to be utilized by the cells. The formula should not just be filled with ingredients that only look good on the label, but rather with ingredients that have been clinically proven effective and are backed by scientific research for optimum results. 

Q: Do all Vitamin C supplements work?

Unfortunately, they do not all work. There are many shady companies that just go along with the latest health supplement trends formulating supplements that contain incorrect ingredients and use the wrong potency or amounts. Often, they even add unnecessary inactive ingredients or cheap fillers, binders, hormones, artificial colorings and preservatives that can hinder the effects of the active ingredients. Do your homework and check the labels to make sure you are taking a quality product and not just some worthless pill. 

Q: What are the important points to look out for?

• It should contain at least 1000mg daily serving of pure Vitamin C, a much higher dose than most formulas contain.
• It should contain liposomal Vitamin C, which has been shown to be more bioavailable than regular Vitamin C.
• It should contain a buffered form of Vitamin C, which is more easily digestible and gentle on the stomach.
• It should contain quercetin, which works synergistically with Vitamin C for faster, more effective results.
• It should contain phospholipids, which form liposomes with Vitamin C and improves absorption via the digestive tract.
• It should contain piperine, a nutrient that increases bioavailability and absorption.
• It should come with a cGMP certification to demonstrate its safety and purity.
• It should be 100% pure and natural, and not contain any binders, fillers, additives, hormones, preservatives or artificial ingredients.
• It should be formulated using the same potency as found effective in clinical studies.

Q: Are there any known side effects to look out for?

Of course, each product is different, so it is always wise to read the label thoroughly and follow the manufacturer’s instructions carefully. Our research analyzed many natural ingredients and products that generally do not present any side effects if used correctly. However, a potent dose of Vitamin C can irritate the stomach, so it is important to find a buffered Vitamin C supplement that doesn’t have that unpleasant effect while still providing the correct dose. And, as with any supplement, we recommend consulting with a doctor if you are pregnant, breastfeeding, have an existing medical condition or are taking regular medication.

Q: What are the dosage instructions for Vitamin C supplements?

Again, this differs between products. Always read the label thoroughly and follow the manufacturer’s instructions carefully. If you exceed the suggested dosage you could pose health risks to yourself. Generally, we found that most products suggest taking between 1000-1500mg per day. Some people like to take the complete daily serving together at once, but we recommend spacing it out to twice a day to achieve optimal benefits from the ingredients contained within the formula.

Q: How long before I start to see results?

Some consumers experience positive effects within as little as a week, while for others, it can take longer. Everybody is different. Results will vary depending on other factors such as the type of diet you consume, lifestyle choices and genetic disposition. There were many manufacturers that offered refunds should you not get the results that you are looking for. Such a guarantee shows the manufacturer’s confidence in its products and the results they predict you will achieve.

Q: What should I expect to pay for a good Vitamin C supplement?

The cost of products varies among manufacturers. Unfortunately, many are cheap, useless supplements that have been formulated without any science-based evidence behind them. Some of these companies are selling their products for over $100 per bottle, which is much too expensive. On average, the best supplements we found are selling between the $40-$50 price range. Often, when products appear cheaper, this is indicative of low quality or a low recommended daily serving, which will not bring the results you are looking for. Be aware. Read the labels.

Q: Which Vitamin C supplement is the best one to buy?

As each person’s experience of a product is different, it is difficult to say specifically which one is the best. That said, based on several factors, we did like Approved Science Liposomal Vitamin C. We found that from the 50+ products that we analyzed, Approved Science Liposomal Vitamin C had the best quality of ingredients, potency and strength, consumer feedback and the manufacturer’s customer service.

Of course, it is ultimately your choice. We hope that our research has gone some way in helping you make your choice. If you are looking for a well-researched product that brings effective results, we think that you can’t go far wrong with Approved Science Liposomal Vitamin C. It is a well-priced, excellent quality product with great reviews.