Ascorbic Acid (Vitamin C)
Ascorbic acid is vitamin C—the classic, well-studied essential nutrient. Vitamin C supports immune function, collagen formation (skin, gums, connective tissue), and antioxidant balance. It’s effective, but more isn’t always better: higher doses can cause GI upset and aren’t necessary for everyone.
Key Benefits
- Supports immune function and normal immune response
- Supports collagen formation (skin, gums, connective tissue)
- Supports antioxidant balance and recovery routines
- Can improve iron absorption when taken with iron-containing foods
Common Issues It May Help With
- Low vitamin C intake
- Immune support (general)
- Slow wound healing risk from low vitamin C (nutrient support)
- Low collagen support (nutrient role)
How To Use (Simple)
- Food first when possible (fruits/vegetables). Supplements: follow label directions
- many people split doses (morning/evening) if using higher amounts. If it upsets your stomach, reduce dose or take with food.
Taste / Notes
Sharp sour/tart (powder).
Evidence Level
Strong evidence for vitamin C as an essential nutrient. Supplement benefits depend on baseline deficiency risk, diet quality, and dose.
Cautions
High doses can cause diarrhea or stomach upset. If you have a history of kidney stones (especially oxalate stones), discuss high-dose vitamin C with a clinician. If you have iron overload disorders, use caution (vitamin C increases iron absorption).
Interactions
May increase iron absorption—use caution with hemochromatosis/iron overload High-dose vitamin C can affect some lab tests (tell clinicians if supplementing heavily) If prone to kidney stones, avoid megadoses unless clinician-guided
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