The Best Vitamin C Supplements of 2024

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Vitamin C is an essential nutrient, meaning it is a substance your body needs but cannot make on its own. Vitamin C must come from the food and vitamins you take in.

This key vitamin is necessary for collagen production, which is important to the skin and other structures within the body. Vitamin C is also vital for a healthy immune system. Some research suggests it may even help the body fight against cancer. Other benefits of vitamin C include cardiovascular health and eye health.

Unfortunately, many Americans do not get enough vitamin C in their diets. According to the National Institutes of Health, the rate of vitamin C deficiency in the United States is around 7.1 percent.

Vitamin C supplements can help you meet your body's needs. There are so many different forms and dosages on the market that it’s easy to get confused. That’s why we've put together this guide to help you understand your options and cut through the jargon. Here are the top picks for the best vitamin C supplements of 2024.

Always check with your healthcare provider before starting a new supplement to make sure it's safe for you.

Our Picks for the Best Vitamin C Supplements of 2024:

• Best Multivitamin with Vitamin C: Transparent Labs Multivitamin
• Best Vitamin C for Adults: Care/of Vitamin C
• Best Vitamin C Capsule: Thorne Vitamin C with Flavonoids
• Best Vitamin C Subscription: Care/of Vitamin C
• Best Kids' Vitamin C: Olly Kids Multivitamin
• Best Vitamin C to Support Immunity: Legion Athletics Immune Support
• Best Organic Vitamin C: Garden of Life Mykind Organics Vitamin C Organic Spray
• Best Vitamin C Powder: Swanson Vitamin C Powder
• Best Liposomal Vitamin C: Pure Encapsulations Liposomal Vitamin C
• Best Vitamin C Gummies: Nordic Naturals Vitamin C Gummies
• Best Vitamin C with Extra Antioxidants: Nature's Bounty Vitamin C with Rose Hips
• Best Vitamin C Chewable: NOW Chewable C 500

Best Multivitamin with Vitamin C: Transparent Labs Multivitamin

Taking a daily multivitamin with vitamin C can help you get your daily recommended serving, plus other key vitamins and minerals that your body craves. Aside from 100 milligrams of vitamin C with every serving, Transparent Labs Multivitamin also includes a bevy of vitamins and minerals like vitamins B5, B6 and B12, magnesium, chromium, zinc, potassium and even ashwagandha extract. The multivitamin is made to be seamlessly absorbed so that you can reap all the benefits it provides, especially vitamin C.

This multivitamin doesn't contain artificial preservatives, colors, sweeteners, gluten or sugar. For those avoiding animal byproducts, be aware that this multivitamin isn't vegan, so you may need to look elsewhere for your vitamin C and mineral needs.

• Form: Capsule
• Amount of vitamin C per dose: Four capsules contain 100 milligrams of vitamin C
• Price: $1 per dose
• Gluten and/or sugar free? Gluten-free and sugar free

Best Vitamin C for Adults: Care/of Vitamin C

Vitamin C plays many crucial roles in the body, from supporting your bones and tissue to bolstering the health of your immune system and blood. One serving of Care/of Vitamin C provides 278 percent of the recommended daily value for vitamin C. We recommend Care/of Vitamin C as the best vitamin C for adults because it is third-party tested, CLEAN certified, vegan, gluten-free and non-GMO so you can trust that there’s no added junk in this supplement.

Care/of offers personalized vitamin packs as part of a monthly subscription. To get started, you’ll take a quiz about your health goals. From there you can either pick which vitamins and supplements you’d like to take or follow the suggestions made by Care/of. Each vitamin C pack is $7 per month and comes in a 30-day supply.

Care/of recommends taking one capsule daily with food and water, but the company says you can also take it on an empty stomach since it’s formulated to be easily digestible.

• Form: Capsule
• Amount of vitamin C per dose: 250 milligrams
• Price: $0.23 per serving
• Gluten and/or sugar free? Gluten-free

Best Vitamin C Capsule: Thorne Vitamin C with Flavonoids

Thorne's Vitamin C with Flavonoids is a moderate dose option, delivering 500 milligrams of vitamin C with 75 milligrams of natural citrus flavonoids per dose. Flavonoids are a powerful complement to the vitamin C your body needs. Flavonoids are antioxidants, so they remove harmful agents from the body. They are also anti-inflammatory compounds which means they relieve inflammation caused by tissue damage.

Thorne laboratories does fairly extensive in-house testing of its products. The company uses two modern, in-house labs to perform four rounds of testing. In comparison, other supplement manufacturers may use one lab with one or two rounds of quality checks. Thorne’s teams strive to ensure that its products meet their potency, purity, and quality standards.

Thorne tests its products thoroughly and counts on reputable third party organizations to inspect its facilities. Its labs and facilities are certified by the FDA for GMP compliance and the Therapeutic Goods Association (TGA) which is the equivalent authority in Australia.

• Form: Capsule
• Amount of vitamin C per dose: One capsule contains 500 milligrams of vitamin C
• Price: $0.20 per dose
• Gluten and/or sugar free? Gluten-free and sugar free

Best Vitamin C Subscription: Care/of Vitamin C 

You’ll never have to worry about running out of your favorite vitamins again with Care/of. Care/of Vitamin C is our pick for the best vitamin C subscription because the company sends a monthly supply of supplements, divided into daily packs, right to your door.

To get started you’ll take a quiz about your lifestyle and diet. From there Care/of will provide you with a list of suggested vitamins to help you reach your personal wellness goals and health needs. We like that you can also pick specific packs of vitamins, minerals, herbs, collagen powders and protein powders to add to your order.

We love that Care/of supplements are third-party tested, CLEAN certified, non-GMO and that the vitamin C supplements are vegan and gluten-free.

• Form: Capsule
• Amount of vitamin C per dose: 250 milligrams
• Price: $0.23 per serving
• Gluten and/or sugar free? Gluten-free

Best Kids’ Vitamin C: Olly Kids Multi Worms

If you’re looking for a kids' vitamin C supplement that delivers essential nutrients while also tasting good, Olly Kids Multivitamin Gummy Worms are a fun option. One serving of Olly Kids Multi has 100 percent DV vitamin C for kids between two and three years old and 33 percent for kids ages four and older.

In addition to vitamin C, Olly Kids Multi also has 100 percent DV or more of vitamin D, which may increase bone density and lower the risk of developing autoimmune diseases, and vitamin B12, which is essential for brain development.

Olly Kids Multivitamins are not sugar-free—there are two grams of added sugar per gummy—but reviewers say their kids love the taste. Reviewer Deekat10 on the Olly website says, “My kids absolutely love these gummy vitamins! I don't have to remind them to take them every day, they ask!”

Related Post: The Best Multivitamins for Kids

• Form: Gummy
• Amount of vitamin C per dose: One gummy contains 15 milligrams of vitamin C
• Price: $0.20 per dose (ages two and three), $0.40 per dose (ages four and up)
• Gluten and/or sugar free? No

Best Vitamin C to Support Immunity: Legion Athletics Immune Support

Legion Immune is a capsule that has a heavy dose of vitamin C (1.5 grams) compared to other products on our list that have anywhere from 100 to 500 milligrams per serving. A survey of the research found that vitamin C supplements don’t necessarily lower the average person’s risk of getting a cold; however, one to two grams of vitamin C per day does lower your risk of contracting a cold if you’re an athlete exposed to intense training in cold weather—if you’re a marathon runner, for example.

Legion Immune has a 4.8/5-star rating with almost 300 reviews on Legion’s website. User William K. said taking Immune helped reduce his symptoms of colds and flu. Another verified user, William W., said, “With two kids back in school, colds are frequent in our house…having Immune…reduces how often we catch what they're sick with. If we do get sick, we recover faster compared to without taking Immune.”

The one common complaint we found among reviewers is the serving size. Immune requires six capsules per serving, and some reviewers say they are large capsules that can be difficult to swallow.

• Form: Capsule
• Amount of vitamin C per dose: 1.5 grams per 6-capsule dose (250 milligrams per capsule)
• Price: $1.67 per serving
• Gluten and/or sugar free? Sugar-free, but not gluten-free

Best Organic Vitamin C: Garden of Life Mykind Organics Vitamin C Organic Spray 

Like the name says, Garden of Life mykind Organics spray is made from organic whole-food ingredients. This easy-to-take spray form is an excellent option if you're looking for a vegan, fruit-based supplement.

A full dose of five sprays gives you 60 milligrams of vitamin C. Since each spray is approximately 12 milligrams of vitamin C, you can easily adjust your daily dose if your goal is to gently supplement your usual dietary intake. On the other hand, if you consume a diet low in vitamin C-rich foods, this might not be the best choice — several other options on this list, like the Thorne Vitamin C and Now Chewable Vitamin C, provide significantly more vitamin C.

Garden of Life's vitamin C spray is allergy-friendly and suitable for adults and children over the age of four. It comes in two flavors: tangerine-orange and cherry-tangerine.

A final note: The spray must be refrigerated after opening, so it is not as portable as the other vitamin C choices on the list.

• Form: Spray
• Amount of vitamin C per dose: Five sprays contain 60 milligrams of vitamin C
• Price: $0.40 per dose
• Gluten and/or sugar free? Gluten-free and no added sugars

Best Vitamin C Powder: Swanson Vitamin C Powder 

Another high-quality supplement that is easy to take is Swanson's 100 Percent Pure Vitamin C powder. You can add this powdered form to smoothies, mix in yogurt or pudding and even stir it into your orange juice for a mega boost of C. The fine white powder is citrus flavored and can even be mixed with straight water if desired.

That said, it's not everyone's first choice because preparation requires slightly more time and effort than simply taking a pill. You cannot ingest the powder alone, so you must mix it with food or liquid before consuming it.

Swanson's Vitamin C powder is a high-dose option. Each scoop delivers 1,000 milligrams of vitamin C, the highest dose on our list. Yet the powder form lends itself to adjustable dosing. You can start with a half or even a quarter scoop daily if you prefer.

• Form: Powder
• Amount of vitamin C per dose: One scoop contains 1,000 milligrams of vitamin C
• Price: $0.04 per dose
• Gluten and/or sugar free? Gluten-free and no added sugars

Best Liposomal Vitamin C: Pure Encapsulations Liposomal Vitamin C

Pure Encapsulations Vitamin C is an easy-to-take liquid form that may be better absorbed by the body than other vitamin C supplements thanks to its lipsomal format.

Lipo- is from Greek, meaning "fat." A liposome is a fatty molecule that encapsulates a particle, in this case, a vitamin, to transport it through the body. The latest research suggests that liposomal vitamins have greater bioavailability and deliver more nutrition in each dose.

To take this liquid vitamin C, take one teaspoon of the formula into your mouth and hold it there for 30 seconds before swallowing or as directed by your healthcare provider. Don't forget to shake the bottle to mix the active vitamin C with the phospholipid particles derived from sunflower oil. A full dose is one teaspoon or 1000 milligrams. Then again, you can easily adjust your dose by taking one-quarter or one-half teaspoons as directed by your healthcare provider.

People on sodium restriction should be aware that this supplement contains 125 milligrams of sodium per serving. Pure Encapsulation’s Liposomal C is also non-GMO, vegan, and allergy-friendly. However, it is not organic.

• Form: Liquid
• Amount of vitamin C per dose: One teaspoon equals 1,000 milligrams of vitamin C
• Price: $1.28 per dose
• Gluten and/or sugar free? Not gluten-free, no added sugar

Best Vitamin C Gummies: Nordic Naturals Vitamin C Gummies

Nordic Naturals vitamin C gummies are great for children over four years old and adults. This supplement is non-GMO and 100 percent vegan since it is pectin-based (gelatin-free).

It comes in a tart-tangerine flavor that is sweetened with cane sugar and colored with natural fruit and vegetable juices. But sugar-conscious individuals should note that it contains four grams of added sugar—more than many other brands.

Many consumers trust Nordic Naturals supplements for their commitment to safe and effective ingredients. In fact, when you buy a vitamin from Nordic Naturals, you can enter the bottle's lot number on their website to see a Certificate of Analysis report. This report shows every bottle's potency, purity, and freshness details. Some brands post certificates on their websites but not all.

If you value transparency, you can appreciate this Nordic Naturals feature that other brands aren’t providing.

• Form: Gummy
• Amount of vitamin C per dose: Two gummies contain 250 milligrams of vitamin C
• Price: $0.50 per dose
• Gluten and/or sugar free? Gluten-free and contains added sugar

Best Vitamin C with Extra Antioxidants: Nature's Bounty Vitamin C with Rose Hips

Nature's Bounty is a great choice for those looking for a simple vitamin with good quality at an affordable price. Nature's Bounty Vitamin C with Rose Hips is non-GMO, sodium-free and does not contain any artificial colors or sweeteners. It is also allergy-friendly since it does not contain dairy, soy, gluten, wheat, yeast or fish products.

As cautioned earlier, the added rose hips may not be safe for everyone. Rose hips are the part of the rose just below the petals that contain rose seeds. They contain vitamin C and have been used to prevent osteoarthritis. If you have a history of kidney stones or take other medications, you should run this supplement by your healthcare provider before you add it to your vitamin regimen.

• Form: Caplet
• Amount of vitamin C per dose: One caplet contains 1,000 milligrams of vitamin C
• Price: $0.09 per dose
• Gluten and/or sugar free? Gluten-free and sugar-free

Best Vitamin C Chewable: NOW Chewable C 500

Chewable tablets are a great choice for individuals who have trouble swallowing capsules or tablets. Also, chewable vitamins are absorbed more quickly than time released capsules.

Plus, these vitamin C tablets have another benefit: They are easier to travel with than liquid bottles, jars of vitamin powder or sprays, and they don't require refrigeration or other special storage. You can keep your doses of vitamin C at home, at the office or even in your gym bag.

It is vegan and allergy-friendly. It is low in sodium and sweetened with xylitol, but it does contain one gram of added sugar per tablet. It comes in an orange flavor. All-in-all, this is an affordable, easy-to-take choice to get your daily vitamin C in.

• Form: Chewable tablet
• Amount of vitamin C per dose: One tablet contains 500 milligrams of vitamin C
• Price: $0.07 per dose
• Gluten and/or sugar free? Gluten-free, not sugar free

What Is Vitamin C?

Vitamin C is also called ascorbate or ascorbic acid. It is also an essential vitamin, meaning it cannot be synthesized in the body. A balanced diet with good vitamin C sources like citrus fruits and berries can help meet the body's vitamin C requirements. Other fruits and vegetables high in vitamin C include broccoli, cauliflower, kiwis, peppers, strawberries, kale and pineapples.

Ascorbate is a water-soluble vitamin, meaning that it can be dissolved in water and is easily absorbed by the body. At the same time, water-soluble vitamins are easily lost because they can be excreted in the urine. In other words, you must constantly supply your body with new vitamin C. You must take it daily to see the effects.

What Does Vitamin C Do?

Vitamin C is essential for immune function and skin health. Without Vitamin C, the body cannot make collagen. Collagen is a fiber-like protein used to make connective tissue in the body, which forms bones, skin, muscles, and joints. In this way, vitamin C directly supports the musculoskeletal, integumentary, and cardiovascular systems with health benefits.

Ascorbic acid may also reduce DNA damage that leads to the aging and development of certain cancers. Vitamin C's antioxidant properties neutralize free radicals. In this way, vitamin C is believed to protect skin from ultraviolet radiation, smoke exposure, and other environmental toxins.

Vitamin C also plays a role in immune support. One thing that vitamin C may not do, however, is save you from getting sick. Although many believe taking vitamin C can prevent sickness, studies show that is not the case. But keeping your vitamin C levels in a healthy range before you catch a cold may reduce the duration and severity of the illness.

Some people also buy skin creams with vitamin C because it can reduce signs of skin aging.

How Much Vitamin C Do I Need?

While it is always best to talk to your healthcare provider about your unique needs, here are some general guidelines for vitamin C intake.

Interestingly, recommendations for daily vitamin C intake are inconsistent worldwide, but most countries advise that you need between 40 and 220 milligrams daily. In America, the Food and Nutrition Board recommended a daily allowance (RDA) of 75 milligrams daily for women and 90 milligrams for men. Children under 18 have needs ranging from 15–65 milligrams daily, depending on age. Still, individual vitamin C requirements may vary. So, consult your healthcare provider to find out the correct amount you should take.

Another helpful number to know is the tolerable upper intake level, or upper level (UL). This number represents the maximum daily limit one can take without experiencing adverse health effects. The UL for vitamin C is 2000 milligrams daily for adults.

What Is the Best Form of Vitamin C?

The best form of vitamin C is whole foods like fruits and vegetables. That said, if you cannot get enough vitamin C from your diet, a supplement can help you meet your body's daily needs.

How to choose a vitamin C supplement

Today's supplements come in many forms, but don't worry. You can cut through the confusion by looking at the vitamin's use, form, dosage, and price.

Use

Consider how you will use the supplement. For instance, maybe you need a vitamin only short-term to supplement your dietary needs due to where you live and the availability of fresh fruits. Or perhaps you need a high-dose vitamin to correct a diagnosed deficiency. Knowing why you need a vitamin supplement can help you choose one to fit your needs.

Form

Vitamin C comes in a few different forms. Here are common names you might see on vitamin labels.

• Ascorbic acid is the most common form used in supplements, and it is an easily-absorbed form of vitamin C
• Calcium ascorbate is a mineral form of vitamin C in which the molecule contains vitamin C and calcium
• Sodium ascorbate is an organic compound that is also a mineral form of salt and vitamin C

Other less common vitamin C forms include potassium ascorbate, magnesium ascorbate, zinc ascorbate and chromium ascorbate.

When reading vitamin labels, look for high-quality ingredients with names you recognize. Skip the supplements with long lists, artificial flavors, fillers or colors, added sugars and dyes.

Dosage

Vitamin C supplements also come in different doses.

• Low doses can be considered 50–100 milligrams daily to supplement a balanced diet.
• Moderate doses range from 100-500 milligrams daily for diets low in vitamin C.
• High doses are over 500 milligrams daily. You're consuming over five times the RDA of vitamin C at this dose.

Supplements in powder and liquid forms are more versatile than pills and capsules because you can adjust the dose as needed. On the other hand, gummies, capsules and tablets come at a set dose.

Although liposomal vitamin C might be a more effective form of delivery, the different formulations are generally equal when it comes to how your body uses the vitamin.

Price

Vitamins vary in price. A one-month supply of vitamin C can range from $2–40.

How to Take Vitamin C

After you decide on the right vitamin C supplement for you, you'll want to be sure to take your vitamin C for maximum effects.

When to take vitamin C

The best time to take vitamin C is in the morning before you've eaten anything. According to family medicine doctor Rodolfo Perez-Gallardo, MD for Cleveland Clinic, water-soluble vitamins, like vitamin C, should be taken on an empty stomach with a glass of water.

How much vitamin C to take daily

Since vitamin C is water-soluble, it is not stored in the body and must constantly be replaced. The daily recommended intake for adults is between 75 and 100 milligrams.

Daily need increases with certain conditions, such as:

• Gingivitis
• Asthma
• Collagen disorders
• Arthritis
• Infections
• Wounds
• Burns
• Some chronic illnesses

Smokers and passive smokers need 35 milligrams per day more vitamin C than nonsmokers. The increased nutritional need is related to oxidative stress from cigarette smoke.

Vitamin C Supplement FAQs

What form of vitamin C is best?

Some studies suggest that liposomal vitamin C is better absorbed, yet it is more expensive, so it may not be the best choice for everyone.

Other forms of vitamin C are made with synergistic ingredients like elderberry, calcium, rosehips or flavonoids. But these added ingredients may interact with some medications. And while some research suggests that they boost the action of vitamin C, more research is needed.

The best form of vitamin C is the one that works for you. You might need a form that travels easily (chewable tablets) or one that is easy to take (spray form). Whichever form gets you to take your vitamins every day is the best vitamin C form.

How much does vitamin C cost?

Vitamin C is sold over-the-counter, and at online retailers, so prices can dramatically vary. The top dietary supplements on our list represent a sample of what's available on the market, and they range in cost from $0.04–$1.28 per dose.

Can you take too much vitamin C?

Since vitamin C is water-soluble, your body normally gets rid of excess amounts before you have problems. However, it is possible to take too much vitamin C. According to the Mayo Clinic, getting too much of this vitamin may cause side effects, including:

• Fatigue
• Flushed skin
• Headaches
• Heartburn
• Nausea
• Vomiting

The tolerable upper limit (UL) for vitamin C is set at 2,000 milligrams daily for adults. Higher doses of vitamin C may increase your risk for side effects. However, some individuals may experience side effects at lower amounts. One study linked vitamin C supplement use of over 1,000 milligrams daily to an increased risk of kidney stones in men.

It’s important to consult a doctor before taking any supplements, so you can be sure you’re taking the correct amount for you.

What is the best time to take vitamin C?

As mentioned earlier, the best time to take vitamin C is on an empty stomach. For you, that may be in the morning, about 30–45 minutes before breakfast, or in the evening, at least two hours after your meal. Vitamin C is effective whether taken in the morning or at night.

Can I take vitamin C at night?

New research suggests that taking a vitamin C supplement actually helps you improve your sleep, relieves restless leg syndrome, and decreases the effects of sleep apnea.

But before you decide to take your dose at night, be aware that ascorbic acid is acidic. If you have a history of acid reflux, you probably want to take your vitamin in the morning to lower the risk of getting heartburn symptoms that interfere with sleep.

Prices are accurate and items in stock at time of publishing.