Vitamin C, aka ascorbic acid, is a master multitasker. It plays a clutch role in supporting brain and heart health, boosting collagen production, and guarding against UV-induced oxidative damage (for healthy, glowy skin!). Vitamin C also supports your immune system by protecting and boosting the activity of certain immune cells.
It’s an essential nutrient, meaning our bodies can’t produce it, so we need to get it from food and/or supplements. And yes, you can get the recommended dietary allowance (RDA) of vitamin C from fruits and veggies.
Oranges, bell peppers, broccoli, spinach, kiwi, and berries are all kick-ass sources of vitamin C, but taking a supplement can help if your diet’s looking a little beige or if you need more as a result of a health condition.
We’ve rounded up our favorite high quality supps for your convenience!
1. Best overall vitamin C supplement
Thorne Vitamin C with Flavonoids
Thorne offers some of the highest-quality supplements around — doctors love them, and they’re tested for potency, purity, and quality multiple times during manufacturing.
Each capsule provides 500 milligrams of vitamin C plus 75 milligrams of citrus bioflavonoids to mimic the way vitamin C is found in nature, which may help optimize the positive effects of vitamin C and improve absorption.
Price: $
2. Best plant-based vitamin C supplement
Garden of Life Vitamin Code Raw Vitamin C
Garden of Life products are known for their sustainably sourced, non-GMO (and often organic), plant-based ingredients, and this supplement is no exception.
Each 2-capsule serving provides 500 milligrams of vitamin C, 23 organic fruits and veggies for additional antioxidants, and probiotics and enzymes to support digestion. Plus, it’s free of funky binders and fillers!
Reviewers have noticed improvements to their digestive health and fewer colds than usual. We call that a win-win!
Price: $$$
