Which type of Vitamin C is right?

Vitamin C is one of the most widely recognized nutrients. Besides for immune support, vitamin C also acts as a potent antioxidant and promotes our cardiovascular health.

Vitamin C is also known as ascorbic acid, which is the form used in most supplements. Ascorbic acid occurs naturally in many fruits and vegetables, so you can get your daily vitamin C intake from foods. 

However, there are other forms of vitamin C, including:

• sodium ascorbate (a mineral ascorbate)
• calcium ascorbate (a mineral ascorbate)
• other mineral ascorbates
• ascorbic acid with bioflavonoids
• combination products that blend different forms 

Regardless of the form of vitamin C, their bioavailability (the amount that enters your blood and lymphatic system so it is able to have an impact on your body and your health) is very similar. The body of research surrounding vitamin C supplementation reflects that absorption remains high no matter which form you choose.

Vitamin C deficiency is very uncommon. Peppers, citrus fruits and even baked potatoes are easily obtainable food sources of vitamin C. Smokers and those regularly exposed to secondhand smoke, people with a severely limited diet, and individuals with health conditions that inhibit absorption of vitamin C may need increased supplementation.

For those who need very high doses of vitamin C, liposomal vitamin C is an option. Liposomes are tiny microscopic “bubbles” formed by phospholipids that act as carriers to deliver active agents right into cells and tissues. This is meant to provide optimal bioavailability for very high doses.