Vitamin C in capsules or tablets, 500 or 1,000 mg, on its own or combined with other nutrients – the choice depends on what you want to add to your diet. At Fitsport you'll find vitamin C supplements of different strengths, products with rose hip or acerola extracts and extended-release tablets. Compare the vitamin content per serving, the composition and the price, and if you have any questions, ask our team.
What are the benefits of vitamin C?
Vitamin C, also known as ascorbic acid, is a water-soluble vitamin. We get it from food, especially fruit and vegetables. A food supplement can help complement your diet when needed, but it doesn't replace varied food.
Vitamin C:
- contributes to the normal function of the immune system;
- contributes to normal collagen formation for the normal function of skin, bones and cartilage;
- increases iron absorption;
- contributes to the protection of cells from oxidative stress.
These functions don't make vitamin C a universal remedy against disease. Consider your diet and the products you already take, not just the biggest number on the pack. Supplements are not a substitute for a varied, balanced diet and a healthy lifestyle.
How to choose a vitamin C supplement?
Start with the composition table. A product's name may indicate the vitamin content, an additional plant ingredient or the release method, but products are easiest to compare using the same criteria:
- Vitamin C per serving. Check whether the stated amount is for one capsule, one tablet or a serving of several units.
- Form. Choose capsules or tablets based on what's easy for you to swallow and take every day.
- Other active ingredients. Consider whether you need vitamin C only or a combination with zinc, copper or other nutrients.
- Ingredients and dietary suitability. If a plant-based capsule matters to you or you have allergies, check the full label.
- Number of servings. This helps you understand how long the pack will last and what it will cost per day.
Vitamin C 500 mg or 1,000 mg?
Our range includes Amix Nutrition Vitamin C 500 and Amix Nutrition Vitamin C 1000 supplements. A higher amount isn't automatically more suitable for everyone. Compare how much vitamin C you already get from other supplements, and follow the directions of your chosen product. If you're assessing your needs because of an illness or treatment, agree on the dose with a healthcare professional.
The %RI on the label shows the reference intake used for labeling. It isn't a dose prescribed for you individually. For example, one tablet of Raw Powders Vitamin C (Timed Release) contains 1,000 mg of vitamin C, or 1,250% RI. This percentage doesn't mean that every person needs this amount every day.
Standard or extended-release product?
Extended-release vitamin C, also called “prolonged” or “timed release”, is designed to be released gradually. Raw Powders Vitamin C (Timed Release) is one such product. When choosing, compare not only the name of the technology but also the vitamin content and the directions for use. Extended release doesn't in itself mean greater benefit for everyone or that it's suitable to take a higher dose.
Vitamin C with acerola, rose hip or minerals
At Fitsport you'll find vitamin C supplements with acerola and rose hip extracts. If these ingredients matter to your choice, look at their amounts in the composition table. The plant name on the pack doesn't in itself show either the total vitamin C content or a better effect.
There are also complexes that combine vitamin C with minerals. For example, Raw Powders Zinc + Vitamin C + Copper contains zinc, vitamin C and copper. If you already take zinc supplements or multivitamins, compare the total amounts. A vitamin C-only product may be the simpler choice when you don't need additional minerals.
How to compare vitamin C prices?
The price of vitamin C depends on the strength, pack size, release method and other ingredients. Compare products with a similar composition and calculate the cost per day: divide the pack price by the number of days it will last according to the manufacturer's directions.
The number of capsules or tablets alone doesn't show which supplement is more economical. A pack may contain more units, but you may need several of them per serving. It's also not worth choosing a higher dose just because it's cheaper per milligram – the product itself has to suit you first.
Vitamin C online from Fitsport
You can order your chosen vitamin C online and check the delivery method and timing in the cart and in the delivery information on the website. If you find it hard to decide between several options, the Fitsport team will help you compare the composition and convenience. You can also contact us for advice.
Frequently asked questions
1. Which vitamin C is best?
The most suitable one is the product whose amount, form and composition match your needs. A higher dose, a plant extract or a more complex name alone doesn't prove that a supplement is better. Compare the vitamin C content per serving, the additional ingredients and the cost per day.
2. Does everyone need 1,000 mg of vitamin C?
No. The label “1000 mg” states an amount, not a universal need. Consider your diet, the other supplements you take and the directions of the specific product. You shouldn't choose a higher dose just because it seems stronger.
3. When should I take vitamin C – morning or evening?
Follow the product's directions for use. Choose a convenient time so that you don't forget the supplement. If taking it on an empty stomach causes stomach discomfort, ask a pharmacist about taking it with food or choosing a different product.
4. What is liposomal vitamin C?
In a liposomal product, vitamin C is delivered in lipid particles called liposomes. This isn't the same as extended release. The name of a fat-soluble vitamin C compound alone also doesn't prove that a product is liposomal. The manufacturer has to state this property clearly.
5. Can vitamin C be combined with zinc or iron?
Such combinations are available, and vitamin C increases iron absorption. Still, choose an iron supplement based on an identified need, not just because it's combined with vitamin C. When taking several products, it's important to check the total amounts of vitamin C, zinc and other nutrients.
6. Does vitamin C protect against colds?
Vitamin C contributes to the normal function of the immune system, but a supplement doesn't guarantee that you won't catch a cold and isn't a treatment for colds. There's no reason to increase the dose on your own just because you're ill; for treatment, see a healthcare professional.
7. Can you take too much vitamin C?
Yes. Although vitamin C is water-soluble, high doses can cause digestive upset, such as diarrhea. It's especially important to discuss the dose with a doctor if you have kidney disease or a tendency to kidney stones. Do not exceed the amount stated on the label, and take into account other supplements you use.
