Millenium Pharmaceutical
$46.19
Keep your immune defences topped up all year.
Feeling run down as the seasons change? Did you know your body cannot make or store much vitamin C, so you need a regular supply? It may help support immune function when dietary intake is inadequate.
Vitamin C, or ascorbic acid, is a water-soluble vitamin that your body cannot make or store in large amounts, so you need a regular supply from food. Citrus fruit, kiwifruit, capsicum and berries are rich sources. It is best known for supporting the immune system, but it also plays important roles in making collagen, protecting cells from oxidative stress and helping you absorb iron from plant foods.
Delivery: Usually arrives within 3 days to 2 weeks.
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Benefits & common uses
Benefits
- Helps maintain the normal function of the immune system.
- Helps support collagen formation for healthy skin, gums and connective tissue.
- A source of antioxidants to help reduce free radical damage.
- Helps increase absorption of iron from plant foods.
- May help reduce the duration and severity of the common cold when taken regularly.
- Helps relieve a dietary shortfall when intake from fruit and vegetables is inadequate.
What people commonly use it for
- Mild cold and flu symptoms (Good evidence that regular use may modestly shorten colds)
- Dull-looking skin and slow healing of minor wounds (Good evidence that vitamin C is needed for collagen)
- Tiredness and low energy where intake is low (Some clinical studies suggest benefit)
- Gums that bleed easily (Good evidence that low vitamin C is a cause)
- Needing extra support during stress, smoking or heavy exercise (Good evidence that needs are higher in these cases)
Suggested to use alongside
- Zinc: Essential for normal immune function
- Bioflavonoids: Plant compounds commonly combined with vitamin C
- Iron: Vitamin C helps the body absorb it
The science behind it
Vitamin C is an electron donor, which makes it a powerful water-soluble antioxidant. It is also a cofactor for enzymes that build collagen, the main structural protein in skin, tendons and blood vessel walls. Other enzymes that rely on it help make carnitine and certain neurotransmitters (NIH Office of Dietary Supplements).
Absorption. Vitamin C is absorbed in the small intestine through sodium-dependent transporters. These become saturated, so absorption drops as dose rises. About 70 to 90 per cent is absorbed at intakes of 200 mg or less, but under 50 per cent at doses over 1,000 mg. That is why smaller, split doses can work better than one large dose.
Forms. Ascorbic acid is the standard, well-studied form. Buffered forms such as sodium ascorbate or calcium ascorbate are gentler on sensitive stomachs. Ester-C and liposomal vitamin C are marketed for better retention or absorption, although human evidence of superiority is limited. Natural sources like acerola and camu camu provide vitamin C alongside bioflavonoids.
The common cold. A Cochrane review (Hemilä and Chalker, 2013) found regular vitamin C did not reduce how many colds people got, but modestly shortened their duration.
Very low intake over months causes scurvy, with tiredness, sore joints and bleeding gums.
Product details & ingredients
Always read the label and follow the directions for use. This information is general in nature and not medical advice. If symptoms persist, talk to your health professional.
Supplier ref: Millenium Pharmaceutical
Common questions
What is vitamin C good for?
It supports immune function, collagen formation, skin health and iron absorption, and acts as an antioxidant. It is essential to maintaining healthy gums and connective tissue.
What is the best time to take vitamin C?
Any time works. Taking it with food can reduce stomach upset, and splitting larger doses across the day improves absorption.
Which form of vitamin C is best?
Standard ascorbic acid is effective and affordable. If you find it acidic, a buffered form like calcium or sodium ascorbate is gentler. Liposomal forms may suit those wanting a different delivery format.
Can I take too much vitamin C?
Very high doses may cause loose stools, stomach cramps or nausea, because the unabsorbed vitamin stays in the gut. The extra is mostly passed in urine, but stick to the label.
Does vitamin C help with colds?
Taken regularly, it may modestly shorten a cold. Starting it only after symptoms begin has shown less benefit.
Can I take vitamin C with iron?
Yes, and it is a good pairing. Vitamin C helps your body absorb iron from plant foods and non-haem iron supplements.
Safety
High doses can cause digestive upset. Speak to your healthcare professional if you have a history of kidney stones or iron overload disorders, take blood thinners or chemotherapy medicines, or are scheduled for surgery or lab tests, as vitamin C can affect some results.
About the maker
This product comes from a smaller independent supplier. Supporting small and family-owned makers is a big part of what we do.
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