Vitamin C Supplements

Healthspan customer reviews

Vitamin C guides

What is Vitamin C?

Vitamin C, also known as ascorbic acid, is a nutrient that's vital for at least 300 metabolic reactions in the body, including the normal functioning of the immune and nervous systems, and the formation of collagen, which is needed for healthy blood vessels, skin, bones, cartilage, gums and teeth.

Vitamin C is essential for energy production and contributes to the reduction of tiredness and fatigue. It also protects cells from damage from oxidative stress, and aids with iron absorption.

However, despite being such an important nutrient, the human body is unable to synthesise its own vitamin C, meaning we must obtain what we need from our diet. Read more about the function and benefits of vitamin C.

A minimum daily intake of 10mg of vitamin C is needed to prevent scurvy (severe vitamin C deficiency where blood vessels break down), but the EU nutrient reference value (NRV) is 80mg. The safe upper level for long-term use from supplements is 1g (1000mg) per day.

The best vitamin C supplements

Different people will benefit from different vitamin C supplements, depending on their individual needs and circumstances. Healthspan has a wide range of vitamin C supplements to choose from – please see the detailed breakdown below. All Healthspan's vitamin C supplements and skincare products are suitable for vegans.

Vitamin C tablets

Vitamin C tablets are a popular choice with customers, and Healthspan offers several different types and strengths, in pack sizes from 90 to 320 tablets. Healthspan's strongest vitamin C supplement is Vitamin C 1000mg, which is available as 160 or 320 tablets and provides 1,250% NRV.

Other good choices for those wanting strong immune support are Opti-C (500mg, 90 tablets) and Vitamin C Sustained Release (500mg, 90 tablets). Opti-C is Healthspan's highly absorbable vitamin C, which is 233% better absorbed than standard vitamin C. Vitamin C Sustained Release is designed to release nutrients gradually for round-the-clock support, and contains added zinc for an extra immunity boost.

For those who struggle to swallow tablets, there's Vitamin C 500mg chewable tablets (160 pack), a chewable vitamin C product with added citrus bioflavonoids: compounds naturally found in citrus fruits.

Those who have sensitive stomachs will benefit from Gentle C 1000mg (120 tablets), made with a non-acidic form of vitamin C called calcium ascorbate.

Vitamin C gummies

Another option for those who can't – or don't like to – swallow tablets are Healthspan's Vitamin C Gummies (30 gummies), which provide 80mg of vitamin C (100% NRV) in vegan gummies. The tasty lemon and orange flavour also makes these gummies a good choice for children.

Vitamin C creams and serums

Vitamin C's vital role in collagen formation and its powerful antioxidant properties, which allow it to protect our skin cells from environmental damage, make it a popular ingredient in skincare products, where it can help to brighten the complexion and reduce pigmentation, fine lines and wrinkles.

Healthspan offers three such products: Vitamin C Eye Cream, Vitamin C Face Cream and Vitamin C Serum, which are suitable for all skin types. All three skincare products contain triple-source vitamin C, including a natural extract from the Kakadu plum, which has the highest concentration of vitamin C in the world. Find out more about the benefits of vitamin C for skin.

Healthspan's Vitamin C Face Cream contains the antioxidant vitamins A and E, along with soothing aloe vera, and is ideal for those concerned about a dull complexion, uneven skin tone or pigmentation.

The Vitamin C Eye Cream contains caffeine, hyaluronic acid and vitamin E, which help to reduce the appearance of fine lines and puffy eyes. Finally, the serum contains ferulic acid, hyaluronic acid and vitamin E, which help to enhance radiance and reduce the signs of ageing.

Vitamin C drinks

Healthspan also offers a vitamin C drink, in the form of Orange Effervescent Vitamin C 1000mg (40 effervescent tablets per pack). This is another great option for those who don't like to swallow tablets, and is also sodium-free, so is a good choice for those with high blood pressure.

Do you need vitamin C supplements?

As previously discussed, the body is unable to synthesise vitamin C, and we must obtain it through a balanced diet, which should contain plenty of fresh fruit and vegetables. However, vitamin C deficiencies can occur, with a mild deficiency associated with non-specific symptoms such as frequent colds and other infections, a lack of energy, weakness, and muscle and joint pain.

Symptoms of a more serious deficiency, scurvy, include easy bruising, rough scaly skin, bleeding gums and poor wound healing due to impaired collagen production.

Vitamin C supplements should never replace a balanced diet, but may benefit people who want to support their immune systems – particularly during the cold and flu season – as well as those who want to boost their energy and reduce fatigue.

High doses of vitamin C can cause indigestion or have a laxative effect. People with iron storage disease or those with recurrent kidney stones should only take vitamin C supplements under medical advice. Additionally, anyone who is taking any prescribed medication or has any other medical conditions should consult a healthcare professional before taking a new supplement.

If you need expert advice on which vitamin C supplement is right for you, our trained advisors are always happy to help.