Who Should Buy Vitamin C
You should buy vitamin C if you are looking for a simple, straightforward, and effective anti-inflammatory supplement that is very well-researched and has a broad range of applications. In contrast to products like a joint supplement, vitamin C is a supplement that has potent antioxidant effects across your body.
Its used in a wide range of biological processes, so it finds applications in everything from boosting your immune system to preventing muscle damage and soreness during and after exercise to potentially reducing the risk of dementia and cognitive decline.
However, since its been so well-studied, we also know that vitamin C exerts relatively small to moderate-sized effects in most cases where its been studied.
So, in this sense, its an old school supplement that is just trying to nudge your body in the direction of better health. Its not a cutting-edge, innovative supplement thats going to radically change the direction of your health, and its definitely no substitute for a healthy diet and a physically active lifestyle.
Looking for a supplement that could completely rewire your brain and boost your cognitive performance beyond its natural levels? Then vitamin C isnt going to do the trick .
One final thing to note is that vitamin Cs antioxidant benefits arent confined to inside your bodyvitamin C also exerts cosmetic benefits when applied to your skin. See our article on vitamin C serums for more on the cosmetic applications and benefits of vitamin C.
Garden Of Life Vitamin Code Raw C
Garden of Life uses naturally-produced ascorbic acid as the source for their vitamin C, but they go above and beyond other brands by including a huge range of extracts from fruits and vegetables like broccoli, apple, carrot, bell pepper, and kale.
These ingredients give you phytonutrients you wouldnt be getting if you just took pure vitamin C. And, at 500 mg of vitamin C per serving, youre not skimping on dosage, either.
Which Vitamin C Products Are The Best
The vitamin C formulas that pack the biggest punch come in serum form, although you can also try moisturisers infused with the ingredient, as well as cleansers. The most effective combine vitamin C with other antioxidants, such as vitamin E or ferulic, so keep an eye out for those as well on ingredients labels. Its also worth noting that vitamin C is ultra unstable, so when its exposed to light and air, it breaks down youll find that most vitamin C formulas as a general rule are, therefore, housed in dark packaging to preserve the ingredient, however this will depend on how the serum is formulated.
Below, find British Vogues edit of the best vitamin C serums to try now.
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Synthetic Vitamin C Is Less Absorbable And Less Active
Many people take large doses during the cold and flu season, hoping to minimize the chances of getting sick. Theres a large problem with this.
As the dose of synthetic Vitamin C increases, the absorption decreases. The benefits of Vitamin C are also negated by the synthetic version.
Ascorbic acid has been linked to DNA damage and may actually increase oxidation instead of counteracting it.
Ascorbic acid also kills the beneficial bacteria in the intestines that aid in digestion and combat more dangerous bacterial infections. Ascorbic acid is also mainly derived from GMO corn, which has a host of problems too.
First Off What Is Vitamin C
As far as your skin is concerned, vitamin C is “a potent antioxidant that can neutralize free radicals,” explains board-certified dermatologist Patricia Wexler, M.D. “Because of its antioxidant properties, vitamin C aids in your skin’s natural regeneration process, which helps your body repair damaged skin cells.”
So, in the same way that consuming antioxidant-rich foods aids your body in fighting off free radicals, topical antioxidants do the same for your skin by helping to offset daily aggressors like UV damage and exposure to air pollution. Quick refresher course on antioxidants: They prevent or reduce damage to our cells by neutralizing the production of highly reactive molecules called free radicals. In other words, antioxidants help keep our body and our skin cells healthy.
This free-radical-fighting power isn’t just important for helping to keep signs of premature aging at bay. In neutralizing these free radicals, vitamin C may also help protect skin from precancerous changes caused by UV exposure, Joshua Zeichner, M.D., the director of cosmetic and clinical research at Mount Sinai Hospital in New York City, previously told Allure.
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Why Is Liposomal Vitamin C A Better Option
Vitamin C is a water-soluble vitamin and the cell membrane is fat-soluble. The water-soluble vitamin C has a hard time penetrating the fat-soluble cell the same way that oil and water dont mix. Because oral vitamin C is water-soluble, the absorption rate is about 20% with the other 80% accumulating in the colon. This is where the liposomes are valuable. Liposomes are nano-size microscopic fat-soluble vehicles that carry the vitamin C past the digestive system and directly into the cells. This allows for about 80% absorption rate v/s the 20%! The amazing thing is this method of intaking vitamin C is superior to IV vitamin C! Not only is making this vitamin C easy but very cost-effective and will save you money.
As you can see DIY liposomal vitamin C is better absorbed by your body and well worth the money to make it on your own. It takes only a few minutes and purchasing a few items to get started!
Types Of Vitamin C Supplements
The easiest way to get the proper amount of vitamin C is to eat it with your meals. Its well-known to be in citrus fruits and berries, but you can also get it in veggies like potatoes, tomatoes and spinach, says Pouya Shafipour, M.D., board-certified physician with Paloma Health. To get all of the antioxidant properties as well as the benefits of the vitamin itself, its best to eat foods with vitamin C in them.
Sometimes, though, vitamin C supplementation may be necessary, especially if youre not feeling your best. Our food intake often declines when were sick, so a supplement can help us meet daily needsand then some, says Dr. Shafipour.
Vitamin C supplements come in a few different forms, and according to Dr. Shafipour, one is not necessarily better than another.
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Bulk Supplements Vitamin C
Bulk Supplements is a company that is widely known for their low cost, high quality philosophy. Bulk supplements sells its products in a loose powder form in a simple resealable foil bag, always in a highly purified form without any flavoring agents or adulterants.
Thats the case with their vitamin C supplement too. Its 100% ascorbic acidin independent lab testing, it easily lives up to its claim.
The advantage of this is that you can determine exactly how much you need, at what time, and in what format. Since ascorbic acid is water soluble, you can dissolve the exact amount of vitamin C that you need in water, a protein shake, a smoothie, or pretty much any other liquid you want.
If you dont mind taking the time to measure out the supplement with a scoop or a scale, Bulk Supplements should be your number one choice if you are looking for bulk vitamin C.
Whats The Best Vitamin C Supplement
Cold and flu season is upon us and stocking up on a good vitamin C supplement is one way thats believed to keep sickness at bay.
Vitamin C is best known for boosting the immune system, but its also a powerful antioxidant with many other benefits, including fighting inflammation.
Your body doesnt produce vitamin C on its own, so if youre not getting enough vitamin C through your diet, youll want to consider a supplement. This shopping guide will help you navigate through all the types of vitamin C available and includes a few reviews at the end. Our top pick is HUM Nutrition Air Patrol, a vegan vitamin that features added bioflavonoids for increased absorption.
Considerations when choosing vitamin C supplements
Types of vitamin C
Vitamin C comes either in a pure form or bound to minerals to create an “ascorbate” form. The following are the most common types of vitamin C supplements:
Ascorbic acid: Also called L-ascorbic and L-ascorbate, ascorbic acid is vitamin C in its purest form. It’s the most bioavailable form, meaning it is readily absorbed by the body through the bloodstream.
Sodium ascorbate: Pure ascorbic acid can be too acidic for some people’s stomach . If this is the case, opt for ascorbic acid that is attached to a sodium molecule, which minimizes the acidity. Be aware that sodium ascorbate forms of vitamin C will raise your levels of sodium if you’re watching your salt intake.
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Price
Q. What’s the recommended dosage of vitamin C?
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More Benefits Of Vitamin C
Did you know that vitamin C does more than boost the immune system? Your body needs vitamin C to produce collagen , help the brain transmit messages properly, as well as help the body absorb iron. The antioxidants in vitamin C help the body fight certain cancers, along with aiding in wound care.
Repeat after me: I promise to make sure my diet has enough vitamin C every day!
Ascorbic Acid Product Recommendations
Lixir Vitamin C Paste 10%Opaque Squeeze tube. This is a gel-like balm thats meant to be washed off after a few minutes. Tingles slightly, but leaves skin noticeably softer and brighter immediately afterwards. Smells like ass, but the results more than make up for it!
The Inkey List Vitamin C Serum* 30%A waterless cream that needs to be mixed with a hydrating serum or moisturizer to minimize irritations, but its an incredibly stable formula. Its also the most effective ascorbic acid serum Ive tried yet, and one of the most affordable too! Full review here.
Paulas Choice C15 Super Booster* 15%Opaque bottle and the classic vitamin e + ferulic acid formula. Has a slightly greasy texture but absorbs well and isnt irritating or sticky. Didnt oxidize until I almost finished the bottle. One of the most well-rounded AA products here.
Algenist Blue Algae Vitamin C*Expensive but just a few weeks of using this and Ive noticed brightening results already. Its also quite gentle on the skin and comes in an airtight bottle.
My thoughts:
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Pure Encapsulations Liposomal Vitamin C Liquid
Price: $$$
Pure Encapsulations liquid vitamin C is made with a unique, liposomal form of vitamin C thats encapsulated in sunflower oil.
Research suggests that liposomal forms of vitamin C may boost your bodys absorption, so you get more out of each dose .
Each teaspoon provides 1,000 mg of vitamin C and doesnt contain any added sugars or artificial sweeteners.
All Pure Encapsulations products are certified gluten-free and third-party tested for quality, purity, and potency.
What Are The Different Types Of Vitamin C Supplements
Vitamin C, a dietary compound found in many foods that humans eat, can be taken in supplement form as a complement to the vitamin C obtained through regular diet. Because it is an essential nutrient, in that it cannot be manufactured by the human body, vitamin C must be ingested via foods, such as citrus fruits, as well as through supplementation. In fact, some consider it to be the most popular of all nutritional supplements. Vitamin C supplements are available in many forms, from powdered drink mixes to chewable tablets, and have numerous associated health benefits, including boosting immune response, reducing inflammatory diseases, and slowing the aging process.
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Does Vitamin C Work For All Skin Types
One of the most Googled questions about vitamin C is whether it causes pimples or prompts the skin to peel. The answer to both questions cant be one hundred per cent certain, but in general irritation is unlikely to occur. It delivers multiple benefits for all skin types, ethnicities and skin concerns, from dullness to dark spots, wrinkles and loss of firmness, says Begoun.
A small percentage of people may experience temporary irritation when first starting a product with high concentrations of ascorbic acid , but that should easily resolve over time as skin acclimates to it. As you do with retinoids, she recommends slowly introducing it into your routine while monitoring the skins response, increasing regularity when you know it can tolerate it. Dr Zamani adds that vitamin C should actually improve many of these much-Googled issues because of its strong anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, which help protect and heal skin.
What Should You Not Mix With Vitamin C
Once vitamin C was thought to be incompatible with lots of other ingredients, including retinol, but now there is plenty of research to suggest the opposite is true. This myth has been around for a long time and still lives on several websites and blogs, says Begoun. You can absolutely apply vitamin C with niacinamide, peptides, AHA and BHA exfoliants and retinol there is no single ingredient it shouldnt be used with. In fact, the science now shows that retinol and vitamin C actually work synergistically together to create healthier looking and functioning skin. Begoun references studies that have shown that applying both actives at the same time is great for ageing skin, particularly for women undergoing changes due to menopause.
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Confused About The Different Types Of Vitamin C
on 20th May 2020
Vitamin C is an essential nutrient for many aspects of health including your immune system
Your body uses extra vitamin C during times of increased need such as illness or infection so unless extra care is taken to increase dietary intake during these times, daily supplies are likely to fall short. This is when supplemental vitamin C may be a useful addition to your diet.
Ascorbic acid is the form of vitamin C found naturally in food. It has good bioavailability but some people find it too acidic on their gut and cant tolerate higher doses.
Bioflavonoids are beneficial plant compounds often added to vitamin C supplements. They deliver extra immune benefits and may help to increase bioavailability.
Mineral ascorbates such as calcium and magnesium ascorbate are often called buffered vitamin C. Many people find these to be gentler forms of vitamin C that are better tolerated by the gut. It is important however to consider the accompanying dose of mineral when taking higher levels.
Time-release vitamin C is often the preferred choice since vitamin C has better bioavailability when taken in smaller doses throughout the day. A time-release formula aims to solve this problem without taking multiple tablets, by releasing the vitamin C slowly throughout the day.
Ester-C® is a patented form of buffered vitamin C that has been shown to be well absorbed and tolerated in the gut like other mineral ascorbates.
Why do we need extra vitamin C?
Learn More
Bulk Supplements Vitamin C Powder
Price: $
Bulk Supplements vitamin C powder is pure vitamin C without any added ingredients, such as preservatives, sugars, or fillers.
Each scoop provides a 750-mg dose, but like other powdered supplements, its easy to adjust the serving to meet your needs.
All Bulk Supplements products are produced in an FDA-approved facility and third-party tested for purity and potency.
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Start by considering how youll be using the supplement.
For instance, if you prefer to take a pill, youll want to check out encapsulated vitamin C supplements.
If you dont like swallowing pills or want to mix the supplement into beverages, your best option is to consider liquid or powdered supplements.
Next, you want to check the supplements quality.
Evaluate whether a brand is reputable by exploring their ingredient sourcing and manufacturing standards. A good product will also be tested by third-party organizations, such as USP, Consumer Labs, or NSF International.
Take a look at added ingredients, too. If youre trying to limit your intake of added sugars, you want to opt for a supplement that doesnt contain sugar.
Another factor to consider is the dosage.
The recommended daily amount of vitamin C for adults is 90 mg for men, 75 mg for women, and up to 120 mg for women who are pregnant or breastfeeding. However, certain medical conditions may require that you take much higher doses .
Vitamin C supplements come in a wide range of dosage options.
Finally, you want to consider your budget.
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How To Choose The Best Vitamin C Product For Your Needs And Budget
There are a variety of vitamin C products available on the market, and the ideal vitamin C supplement will depend on your specific requirements.
The most affordable vitamin C products are frequently available over-the-counter. These products frequently contain L-ascorbic acid or magnesium ascorbyl phosphate, both of which are known to have similar effects when applied topically to the skin. An L-ascorbic acid is a form of vitamin C, while magnesium ascorbyl phosphate is a form of vitamin C. As a result, you dont have to be concerned about how much these types of products will cost you because they are freely available at pharmacies and groceries stores all across the country.
Even though the most expensive vitamin C supplements are more expensive, they are also excellent for keeping up with a cosmetic routine. Advanced vitamins typically feature technological breakthroughs such as nanotechnology, which allow them to provide more benefits in a single bottle.
