Overview
Vitamin C (ascorbic acid) is a potent antioxidant that supports immune function, collagen synthesis, and iron absorption. It plays a critical role in enhancing resistance to infections by supporting epithelial barrier integrity, leukocyte function, and reducing oxidative stress during inflammation. Evidence suggests regular vitamin C supplementation may modestly reduce the duration and severity of respiratory tract infections, though its effect on incidence is limited in the general population [3]. However, in individuals under physical stress or with low baseline vitamin C levels, supplementation shows more consistent benefits in preventing respiratory illness. Vitamin C also demonstrates blood pressure-lowering effects, particularly in hypertensive and diabetic individuals, with a mean reduction of 3.0 mmHg in systolic blood pressure observed in a meta-analysis [8][5]. High-dose vitamin C may support critically ill patients, including those with pneumonia or COVID-19, by restoring depleted plasma and leukocyte levels and exerting antiviral, anti-inflammatory, and immunomodulatory effects [1][2][6].
Dosage Guide
Recommended Daily Allowance
For generally healthy individuals
Therapeutic Doses
For treatment of specific conditions
Upper Intake Limit
Maximum safe daily intake
2000 mg— Tolerable Upper Intake Level for adults; higher doses may cause gastrointestinal distress
Special Forms
Alternative forms for specific needs
Less acidic form, suitable for individuals with gastric sensitivity
Buffered form to reduce gastrointestinal irritation
Enhanced bioavailability, used in high-dose regimens
Clinical Notes
- High doses (>1000 mg/day) may cause gastrointestinal side effects such as diarrhea and nausea.
- Vitamin C enhances non-heme iron absorption; caution in individuals with hemochromatosis.
- Long-term high-dose supplementation may increase risk of kidney stones in predisposed individuals.
- Plasma levels plateau at ~1000 mg/day due to tight regulation of intestinal absorption and renal reabsorption.
- In critically ill patients, intravenous vitamin C is being studied for severe infections including sepsis and ARDS, but oral dosing has limited evidence in these conditions.
Research
Vitamin C supplementation may reduce the risk and improve outcomes of pneumonia, especially in populations with low baseline vitamin C status.
Confirms potential role of vitamin C in prevention and treatment of pneumonia, particularly in deficient or stressed individuals.
Regular vitamin C supplementation shows a modest, non-significant reduction in respiratory tract infection incidence (RR 0.94), but greater benefits in physically stressed or deficient populations.
Dose-dependent increase in plasma antioxidant capacity with vitamin C supplementation up to 1000 mg/day, improving resistance to lipid peroxidation.
Meta-analysis shows vitamin C supplementation reduces systolic blood pressure by 3.8 mmHg and diastolic by 1.5 mmHg on average.
High-dose vitamin C may help restore depleted levels in acute infections like COVID-19 and exert immunomodulatory and antiviral effects.
Highlights inconsistent benefits of vitamin C supplementation in general populations, emphasizing importance of baseline status and bioavailability.
Updated meta-analysis confirms significant reduction in systolic blood pressure (-3.0 mmHg), especially in hypertensive and diabetic patients.
Products Containing Vitamin C(11 reports)

The Vitamin C Brightening Serum by Advanced Clinicals is a topical skincare product formulated to improve skin brightness and support antioxidant defense. Despite its name, vitamin C and ferulic acid were not detected in the ingredient analysis, raising concerns about formulation integrity and efficacy. The product falls short of delivering clinically relevant concentrations of key active ingredients necessary for visible skin benefits.

Gold C® is a high-dose vitamin C supplement providing 1,000 mg per serving, formulated to support immune function, antioxidant defense, and collagen synthesis. The dose aligns with clinically studied levels shown to reduce the severity and duration of respiratory infections, particularly in individuals under physical stress or with low baseline vitamin C status.

CollagenUP® is a marine collagen peptide supplement designed to support skin and joint health. The primary ingredient, hydrolyzed marine collagen peptides (5 g per serving), is supported by hyaluronic acid and vitamin C to enhance collagen synthesis and tissue hydration. While the collagen dose is below typical clinical levels, it is formulated for daily use as part of a broader nutritional strategy.

This supplement delivers 1000 mg of creatine monohydrate per serving, the most extensively researched and effective form of creatine for enhancing high-intensity exercise performance, muscle strength, and lean mass gains. The addition of a small amount of vitamin C provides antioxidant support but does not significantly contribute to the primary performance-focused benefits.

This supplement delivers a high-dose of elemental iron (29 mg) as the primary active ingredient, formulated with cofactors such as vitamin C, riboflavin, copper, and biotin to support iron metabolism and red blood cell formation. The dose of iron is within the therapeutic range for treating iron deficiency, particularly in at-risk populations such as women of reproductive age and pregnant individuals.

Anti-Alcohol Complex is a dietary supplement formulated to support liver health, antioxidant defense, and metabolic recovery in individuals with alcohol use or exposure. The formula features high-dose N-acetyl-L-cysteine (NAC) and benfotiamine as primary ingredients, both of which are clinically studied for mitigating alcohol-related oxidative stress and thiamine deficiency. These are supported by antioxidants like vitamin C, selenium, and glutathione precursors to enhance detoxification and cellular protection.

This supplement delivers high-dose vitamin D (25µg/1000 IU) as a primary ingredient, supported by a full B-complex, vitamins C and E. The formulation is designed to support immune function, metabolic health, and antioxidant defense, with clinically relevant dosing of key micronutrients.

This supplement combines Cordyceps militaris powder with two strains of Bifidobacterium animalis subsp. lactis (CECT8145 and B420) in a solid beverage format. The formulation is designed to support immune function, gut health, and metabolic balance, with Cordyceps militaris as the primary active ingredient based on product naming and traditional use.

This multivitamin formulation delivers essential vitamins at moderate doses, with vitamin D3, vitamin A, and B-complex vitamins as primary contributors to nutritional support. The inclusion of clinically relevant forms such as D3 (cholecalciferol) and methylfolate-capable dosing suggests a focus on bioavailability and metabolic utility.

This multivitamin provides a comprehensive blend of essential vitamins at doses aligned with recommended dietary allowances and evidence-based clinical ranges. Vitamin D, B12, and folate are included at levels shown to support immune, neurological, and cardiovascular health, particularly in at-risk populations.

This multivitamin supplement from Nestlé provides clinically relevant doses of vitamin D and calcium as primary nutrients, supporting bone and immune health. Vitamin D (12 mcg) aligns with therapeutic dosing for insufficiency, while calcium (350 mg) contributes meaningfully to daily requirements. Other vitamins and minerals are included at supportive levels, enhancing overall micronutrient intake without targeting specific deficiencies.