9 of the best vitamin C supplements of 2022 Health ConditionsHealth ConditionsAlzheimer's & DementiaAnxietyArthritisAsthma & AllergiesBreast CancerCancerCardiovascular HealthCOVID-19Dermatology & SkincareDiabetesEnvironment & SustainabilityExercise & FitnessEye HealthHeadache & MigraineHealth EquityHIV & AIDSHuman BiologyInflammatory Bowel DiseaseLeukemiaLGBTQIA+Men's HealthMental HealthMultiple Sclerosis (MS)NutritionParkinson's DiseasePsoriasisSexual HealthWomen's HealthDiscoverNewsLatest NewsOriginal SeriesMedical MythsHonest NutritionThrough My EyesNew Normal HealthPodcastsHow to understand chronic painWhat is behind vaccine hesitancy?The amazing story of hepatitis C, from discovery to cureNew directions in dementia researchCan psychedelics rewire a depressed, anxious brain?Why climate change matters for human healthToolsGeneral HealthDrugs A-ZHealth HubsHealth ToolsBMI Calculators and ChartsBlood Pressure Chart: Ranges and GuideBreast Cancer: Self-Examination GuideSleep CalculatorHealth ProductsAffordable Therapy OptionsBlood Pressure MonitorsDiabetic SuppliesFitness TrackersHome GymsGreen Cleaning ProductsHow to Shop for CBDQuizzesRA Myths vs FactsType 2 Diabetes: Managing Blood SugarAnkylosing Spondylitis Pain: Fact or FictionConnectAbout Medical News TodayWho We AreOur Editorial ProcessContent IntegrityConscious LanguageNewslettersSign UpFollow UsMedical News TodayHealth ConditionsDiscoverToolsConnectSubscribe 9 of the best vitamin C supplementsMedically reviewed by Kim Chin, RD, Nutrition — By Louisa Richards and Jasmine Lynn Seales and Suzy Davenport — Updated on August 31, 2022We include products we think are useful for our readers. If you buy through links on this page, we may earn a small commission. Here’s our process. Most people can get adequate vitamin C in their diet by eating fruits and vegetables. However, some people take a vitamin C supplement due to dietary restrictions or a medical condition. Share on PinterestVitamin C, or ascorbic acid, is a water-soluble vitamin and antioxidant essential for health. It helps the immune system, skin, and bones function, and it combats damage from free radicals, which are molecules that can adversely affect the body. This article looks at who may benefit from taking vitamin C, how much people need to consume per day, and some of the best vitamin C supplements available on the market. A quick look at 9 of the best vitamin C supplementsBest for vegans Care of Vitamin CBest for a multivitamin Ritual PostnatalBest for most dietary requirements Persona Vitamin C with BioflavonoidsBest for a liquid vitamin Pure Encapsulations Liposomal Vitamin C LiquidBest for a powder vitamin Life Extension Buffered Vitamin C PowderBest for a chewable vitamin NOW Supplements Orange Chewable Vitamin C-500Best for a gummy Nordic Naturals Vitamin C GummiesBest for a spray Garden of Life mykind Organics Vitamin C Organic SprayBest for an antioxidant formula: Thorne Vitamin C with Flavonoids Who needs a vitamin C supplement According to the National Institutes of Health (NIH), vitamin C deficiency is rare in the United States. However, although most people can get enough vitamin C from fruits and vegetables, others may have difficulty getting enough vitamin C from their diet. Those who may be at risk of vitamin C deficiency include:older adultspeople with alcohol use disorderspeople with eating disorderspeople who smoke, as cigarette smoke increases the damage that free radicals cause, resulting in a higher need for vitamin Cpeople who eat restricted diets for medical reasonspeople with certain medical conditions, such as kidney disease that requires hemodialysis, conditions that cause malabsorption, and some types of cancerinfants who drink boiled cow’s milk — the heat destroys the small amount of vitamin C it contains Anyone who is concerned that they have a deficiency can ask a doctor for blood tests to determine which nutrients they need. A long-term vitamin C deficiency can lead to scurvy. In addition to those with a vitamin C deficiency, some other people may also benefit from consuming more of this nutrient. For example, some evidence suggests that vitamin C can reduce the severity and duration of the common cold. However, according to the NIH, there is no conclusive evidence that vitamin C impacts COVID-19. For more in-depth resources about vitamins, minerals, and supplements, visit our dedicated hub. How much vitamin C do people need According to the NIH, the recommended daily intake of vitamin C for most people is 75–90 milligrams (mg). Typically, the small intestine absorbs up to 100 mg of vitamin C from food per day. Once the cells have become saturated with vitamin C, they cannot absorb any more. However, some people believe that taking very large doses of vitamin C, or “megadosing,” is beneficial. This may stem from a 1976 paper indicating that high dose vitamin C could prolong the lives of people with terminal cancer. However, more recent studies have not repeated this result. Vitamin C doses of over 2,000 mg per day may cause side effects, such as:diarrheanauseaabdominal cramps People with particular health conditions and those who take certain medications may also need to avoid vitamin C supplements. These conditions include hemochromatosis, which causes the body to store too much iron, and kidney stones. Vitamin C may also interact with chemotherapy treatment. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) does not regulate vitamin C products. For this reason, it is important for people to discuss taking any new supplement with a doctor. How we chose Medical News Today chooses products that meet the following criteria:Ingredients: MNT chooses products containing safe and high quality ingredients that are clearly labeled. They should also confirm they are free from pesticides, heavy metals, and mold.Dosage: MNT chooses products that must clearly state the supplement dosage.Serving size: MNT selects products in which manufacturers recommend a safe dosage.Third-party testing: MNT chooses products that must undergo third-party testing for contaminants by an ISO 17025-compliant laboratory. 9 vitamin C supplements There are many vitamin products on the market, and because they are not FDA-regulated, they may vary significantly in purity, ingredients, and dose. People should always buy vitamin C from a reputable company, which means that the company follows current Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP), and the products undergo third-party testing.The products below contain safe doses of vitamin C for adults and have undergone independent testing for quality. Please note that the writer of this article has not tried these products. All information presented is purely research-based and correct at the time of publication. Medical News Today follows a strict product selection and vetting process. Learn more here. Best for vegans Care of Vitamin CAmount of vitamin C per serving: 250 mgForm of vitamin: capsulesCount: 30 capsules Care/of is a vitamin subscription service that creates a personalized plan for individuals based on their health needs. The brand’s vitamin C supplement undergoes multiple rounds of testing to ensure safety, and the brand also sources its ingredients from trusted suppliers. The supplement is vegan, gluten-free, and genetically modified organism (GMO)-free, and it contains 250 mg of fermented vitamin C per serving. The company recommends taking 1 capsule per day. People can take this supplement at any time and on an empty stomach. Pros and cons This product has several advantages. The company tests all products to ensure they are safe to consume, and the vitamins are vegan, gluten-free, and GMO-free. However, this is a subscription-based service. People who wish to use this vitamin as a one-off purchase may prefer to buy from another company. Price: Care/of Vitamin C costs $7 for a 30-day supply.SHOP NOW Best for a multivitamin Ritual PostnatalAmount of vitamin C per serving: 25 mgForm of vitamin: capsulesCount: 60 capsules Ritual is another multivitamin subscription service. The brand uses vitamin C as an ingredient in some products, including its postnatal multivitamin. Each serving contains 25 mg of vitamin C and several other nutritional supplements, including choline, omega-3 fatty acids, vitamin D, and biotin. Ritual claims that its ingredients are traceable and that customers can use the website to track the exact origin of the ingredients in the products. The company recommends taking 2 capsules per day. Pros and cons An advantage of this product is that it contains other vitamins and minerals such as vitamin D3, iron, and folate. Additionally, people can trace the ingredients in the vitamins from their point of origin. However, this company also offers a subscription service. People who wish to buy supplements as a one-off purchase may prefer to buy from a different company. Price: Ritual Postnatal costs $35 for 30 servings.SHOP NOW Best for most dietary requirements Persona Vitamin C with BioflavonoidsAmount of vitamin C per serving: 500 mgForm of vitamin: capsulesCount: no information available Persona is a subscription service that carries a vitamin C supplement containing bioflavonoids. The product is citrus flavored and can help boost antioxidant intake. Each supplement contains 500 mg of vitamin C and has undergone quality testing at each stage to ensure safety. Persona subscriptions also include consultations with nutritionists and personalized plans based on each individual’s health conditions. The company recommends taking one capsule per day. Pros and cons Some advantages of this product are that it undergoes quality testing to ensure safety and is suitable for most dietary requirements. This vitamin is suitable for vegans and vegetarians, and the company makes it without some of the most common allergens, including wheat, soy, tree nuts, and egg. However, Persona is a subscription service, so those who prefer to buy vitamins as a one-off purchase may choose a different company. Additionally, the company does not provide a price for 1 month’s supply unless someone creates an account. Price: Persona does not currently display the overall cost of these vitamins. However, the company says that each dose costs $0.20 per day. They also do not state how many are in a container.SHOP NOW Best for a liquid vitamin Pure Encapsulations Liposomal Vitamin C LiquidAmount of vitamin C per serving: 1,000 mg per teaspoonForm of vitamin: liquidCount: 120 milliliters, or 24 servings The Pure Encapsulations Liposomal Vitamin C Liquid provides 1,000 mg of vitamin C in 1 teaspoon and comes in a pleasant citrus flavor. According to the company, it contains non-GMO ingredients and is suitable for vegans and vegetarians. This is a liposomal vitamin C product, which means that tiny bubbles of oil contain the vitamin C. According to one 2020 study, the gut absorbs this form of vitamin C easier. However, the company likely factored this into the product’s price, which is higher than that of other products by other brands. The company is National Sanitation Foundation (NSF) and Good Manufacturing Practice (GMP) certified, and it has its ingredients tested for contaminants. Pure Encapsulations recommends taking 4 drops (1 teaspoon) per day. Pros and cons Some advantages of this product are that it is suitable for vegans and vegetarians, it contains liposomal vitamin C that the gut may absorb easier, and the company tests the ingredients for safety. However, this product is one of the more expensive options on this list. Price: Pure Encapsulations Liposomal Vitamin C Liquid costs $38.50 for 24 servings.SHOP NOW Best for a powder vitamin Life Extension Buffered Vitamin C PowderAmount of vitamin C per serving: 4,000 mgForm of vitamin: powderCount: 16 ounces, or 84-days’ supply Some people find that taking ascorbic acid irritates their stomach. Buffered vitamin C is a less acidic form of the nutrient, which may help reduce adverse effects. One serving of this powder provides 4,000 mg of vitamin C. This dose is very high — twice that of the upper limit that the NIH recommends. However, as this product comes as a powder, people can lower the dose to a more moderate level by using a smaller amount. Life Extension is also NSF- and GMP-certified and produces a Certificate of Analysis for every product it makes. The company recommends mixing 1 rounded teaspoon into a glass of water per day. Pros and cons Some advantages of this product are that the company tests each product for safety, and it uses a less acidic form of vitamin C, which may reduce stomach irritation. Additionally, as this vitamin is in powder form, a person can lower the dose according to their requirements. However, one serving of this product is twice that of the upper limit the NIH recommends. People who ingest a high amount of vitamin C may experience side effects. Price: Life Extension Buffered Vitamin C Powder has a list price of $21 for an 84-day supply.SHOP NOW Best for a chewable vitamin NOW Supplements Orange Chewable Vitamin C-500Amount of vitamin C per serving: 500 mgForm of vitamin: chewable tabletCount: 100 tablets People who do not like swallowing tablets may prefer a chewable vitamin. This product delivers 500 mg of vitamin C per chewable tablet. A person can take up to 2 tablets per day. The product is free from common allergens and suitable for vegans. It does contain some sugar and natural sweeteners, though this only totals 1 gram per dose. The tablets have a natural orange flavor. According to the website, NOW exceeds GMP standards and tests all raw ingredients for safety and purity. The company recommends taking one tablet 1–2 times per day. Pros and cons An advantage of this product is that it is chewable. Some people may find it easier to take a chewable vitamin than swallowing a capsule. Additionally, NOW tests all ingredients to ensure their safety. However, this product does contain sugar and natural sweeteners. Although the number of sugars in this product is low, some people may prefer to purchase a vitamin that does not contain any sugar. Price: NOW Supplements Orange Chewable Vitamin C-500 costs $14.99 for 100 chewable tablets. SHOP NOW Best for a gummy Nordic Naturals Vitamin C GummiesAmount of vitamin C per serving: 250 mgForm of vitamin: gummiesCount: 60 gummies Each serving of two gummies contains 250 mg of vitamin C. The gummies are suitable for vegans and free from gluten and GMOs. Additionally, the company states it uses a third party to test the vitamins. The company recommends this product for people over the age of 4 years and suggests taking two daily with food. Pros and cons This supplement may be beneficial for people who find it difficult to swallow tablets and capsules, as the gummies are chewable. Additionally, the tangerine flavor may be more pleasant than unflavored alternatives. However, these gummies contain sugar. A person should factor the extra sugar into their diet. Price: Nordic Naturals Vitamin C Gummies cost $14.95 for 60 gummies.SHOP NOW Best for a spray Garden of Life mykind Organics Vitamin C Organic SprayAmount of vitamin C per serving: approximately 60 mgForm of vitamin: sprayCount: 2 fluid ounces, or 27 servings This product requires a person to spray the supplement directly into their mouth five times. This provides approximately 60 mg of vitamin C per dose, which equates to 67% of a person’s daily intake. It may be an ideal solution for individuals who do not wish to swallow or chew tablets. It has an orange-tangerine flavor for a more pleasant taste. The organic food blend which makes up the formula includes Amla berry extract and a selection of fruits and vegetables rich in vitamin C. This product is certified vegan, non-GMO, certified gluten-free, and USDA organic. It also does not contain dairy or soy. Pros and cons This product is easy to consume, is suitable for vegans, and it uses USDA-certified organic ingredients. However, the vitamin C dose is relatively low in comparison with some of its competitors. Price: Garden of Life mykind Organics Vitamin C Organic Spray costs $13.99 for 27 servings. SHOP NOW Best for flavonoids Thorne Vitamin C with FlavonoidsAmount of vitamin C per serving: 500 mgForm of vitamin: capsulesCount: 90 capsules Throne states that these capsules contain flavonoids that may increase the benefits of vitamin C and provide more antioxidant properties. The company recommends taking 1 capsule per day. Each serving contains 500 mg of vitamin C. Additionally, this product is gluten-free. However, it does not state whether it is suitable for vegans. Pros and cons This product contains flavonoids, which are rich in antioxidants. Additionally, each container has 90 capsules, which is a 3-month supply. However, the capsules are large, which may make it difficult for some people to swallow. Price: Thorne Vitamin C with Flavonoids costs $18 for a 3-month supply. SHOP NOW Comparison chart Below is a table comparing all of the vitamin C supplements in this article. PriceFormVitamin C per servingServing size per dayAmount of servings bottleCare/of$7capsule250 mg130Ritual$35capsule25 mg230Persona$0.20 per day capsule500 mg1no informationPure Encapsulations$38.50liquid1,000 mg1 teaspoon24Life Extension$21powder4,000 mg1 teaspoon84NOW Supplements$14.99chewable tablets500 mg1–250 – 100Nordic Naturals$14.95gummies250 mg230Garden of Life$13.99spray60 mg5 sprays27Thorne$18capsules500 mg190 How to choose a vitamin C supplement There are several forms of vitamin C. In supplements, vitamin C usually comes in the form of ascorbic acid. However, some supplements contain other forms, such as sodium ascorbate, calcium ascorbate, or ascorbic acid with bioflavonoids. According to the NIH, all forms of vitamin C are similarly beneficial. There are various ways people can take vitamin C, including:capsules chewable gummieseffervescent tabletspowdersliquidssprays Some people may prefer the convenience of swallowing tablets, while others may prefer a powder to mix into drinks. People who have issues absorbing nutrients may prefer a sublingual supplement, as the body absorbs these in the mouth rather than the intestines. Other ways to get more vitamin C Eating more fruits and vegetables is the best way for someone to increase their vitamin C intake naturally. The NIH suggests:half a cup of raw sweet red pepper, which contains 95 mg of vitamin Cthree-quarters of a cup of orange juice, which contains 93 mg of vitamin Chalf a cup of broccoli and half a cup of strawberries, which totals 97 mg of vitamin Cone medium orange and half a cup of cooked cabbage, which totals 98 mg of vitamin C Some companies also fortify their breakfast cereals with added vitamin C. High heat, water-based cooking methods, as well as prolonged storage, can destroy some foods’ vitamin C content. For this reason, the NIH suggests lightly steaming or microwaving vegetables to retain more of their nutrients. When to contact a doctor Vitamin C deficiency can be fatal without treatment. A person should consult with a doctor if they have symptoms that may indicate a vitamin C deficiency. These symptoms include:small red or purple spots on the skininflamed, swollen, or bleeding gumswobbly teeth or tooth losscorkscrew-shaped hairsdepressionfatiguejoint pain A person should also contact a doctor before taking vitamin C, particularly if they have a medical condition, are pregnant, or take any medications. Frequently asked questions Below are some common questions about vitamin C. How much vitamin C should a person take According to the NIH, a person should consume the following amounts of vitamin C per day:AgeFemalesMales0– 6 months40 mg40 mg7–12 months50 mg50 mg1–3 years15 mg15 mg4–8 years25 mg25 mg9–13 years45 mg45 mg14–18 years65 mg75 mg19+ years75 mg90 mg Additionally, people who are pregnant or lactating will require more vitamin C:AgePregnancyLactating14–18 years80 mg115 mg19+ years85 mg120 mg People who smoke should consume 35 mg more vitamin C than their age group. Can vitamin C damage the kidneys According to the NIH, there is some evidence that high amounts of vitamin C can increase the risk of kidney stones. Ingesting high amounts of vitamin C can increase oxalate in the urine, which could lead to kidney stones, especially in people who have a renal disorder. However, the NIH also states that there is conflicting evidence whether kidney stones and vitamin C intake are related. The organization says that people most at risk of kidney stones due to ingesting too much vitamin C are people who already have high amounts of oxalate in the urine. Should people take vitamin C daily People should aim to ingest the NIH’s recommended daily intake of vitamin C per day. One source of vitamin C is fruit and vegetables. For example, three-quarters of a cup of orange juice contains 106% of a person’s RDA of vitamin C. However, the NIH says that there is an upper tolerable limit of how much vitamin C a person can consume before experiencing side effects such as diarrhea and nausea:AgeUpper tolerable limit1–3 years400 mg4–8 years650 mg9–13 years1,200 mg14–18 years1,800 mg19+ years2,000 mg Summary Most people get enough vitamin C by eating a varied diet that includes fruits and vegetables. However, some people may need to take a supplement. All forms of vitamin C work in much the same way, but people should always choose a reputable seller and consider the dose, quality, and price point before buying a product. Consuming too much vitamin C may cause side effects. Vitamin C supplements are not suitable for everyone, so it is always best for a person to consult a doctor or registered dietitian before taking any. Last medically reviewed on August 31, 2022SupplementsNutrition / Diet 9 sourcescollapsedMedical News Today has strict sourcing guidelines and draws only from peer-reviewed studies, academic research institutions, and medical journals and associations. We avoid using tertiary references. We link primary sources — including studies, scientific references, and statistics — within each article and also list them in the resources section at the bottom of our articles. You can learn more about how we ensure our content is accurate and current by reading our editorial policy.Abdullah, M., et al. (2022). Vitamin C (ascorbic acid).https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK499877Cameron, E., et al. (1976). Supplemental ascorbate in the supportive treatment of cancer: Prolongation of survival times in terminal human cancer.https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC431183/pdf/pnas00040-0366.pdfDietary Guidelines for Americans 2020–2025, Ninth Edition. (n.d.).https://www.dietaryguidelines.gov/sites/default/files/2020-12/Dietary_Guidelines_for_Americans_2020-2025.pdfFacts about the current Good Manufacturing Process (GMP). (2021).https://www.fda.gov/drugs/pharmaceutical-quality-resources/facts-about-current-good-manufacturing-practices-cgmpsPrantl, L., et al. (2020). Enhanced resorption of liposomal packed vitamin C monitored by ultrasound.https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7356785Vitamin C. (2020). https://www.hsph.harvard.edu/nutritionsource/vitamin-cVitamin C. (2021). https://www.covid19treatmentguidelines.nih.gov/adjunctive-therapy/vitamin-cVitamin C: Fact sheet for consumers. (2021).https://ods.od.nih.gov/factsheets/VitaminC-ConsumerVitamin C: Fact sheet for health professionals. (2021).https://ods.od.nih.gov/factsheets/VitaminC-HealthProfessionalFEEDBACK:Medically reviewed by Kim Chin, RD, Nutrition — By Louisa Richards and Jasmine Lynn Seales and Suzy Davenport — Updated on August 31, 2022 Latest newsWhat sets 'SuperAgers' apart? Their unusually large neuronsOmega-3 may provide a brain boost for people in midlifeSeasonal affective disorder (SAD): How to beat it this fall and winterCDC: Monkeypox in the US 'unlikely to be eliminated in the near future'Why are more women prone to Alzheimer's? New clues arise Related CoverageVitamins and minerals that boost metabolismMedically reviewed by Debra Rose Wilson, Ph.D., MSN, R.N., IBCLC, AHN-BC, CHT Metabolism is the process the body uses to break down food and nutrients for energy, as well as to support different body functions. What people eat…READ MOREWhat are foods high in vitamin C? The body does not store excess vitamin C, so a person needs to absorb enough from food each day to meet the recommended intake. This article looks at…READ MOREWhat happens when you take too much vitamin C?Medically reviewed by Elaine K. Luo, M.D. Vitamin C is usually safe to take even at high dosages. However, people may experience mild side effects, such as digestive discomfort. Rarely, more…READ MORECan vitamin C prevent or treat COVID-19?Medically reviewed by Cynthia Taylor Chavoustie, MPAS, PA-C Researchers are investigating whether or not vitamin C can prevent or treat COVID-19. So far, studies have suggested that it may help manage…READ MOREEverything you need to know about scurvyMedically reviewed by University of Illinois Scurvy is caused by a severe vitamin C deficiency. It can lead to anemia, exhaustion, bleeding, swelling in some parts of the body, ulcerated gums…READ MORE