What is the Best Vitamin C? Our Advice and Opinions (2024)

Vitamin C, also called ascorbic acid , is found in two different forms: natural and synthetic. Depending on your use, your lifestyle, your activities, you will choose one or the other. To determine the best form of vitamin C, the one that will best suit your needs, there are a few selection criteria you should know ⤵️

There are therefore 2 types of vitamin C, ultimately quite simple.

One, natural vitamin C , comes from our diet. Indeed, a balanced and varied diet of fruits and vegetables provides most of the daily intake of vitamin C. It is the best natural vitamin C.

The other, synthesized vitamin C , is born from a chemical reaction obtained in the laboratory. Synthetic vitamin C is called artificial.

But then, what is the best form of vitamin C? Everything will depend on your food consumption and whether or not it induces a lack of vitamin C.

To avoid any lack of vitamin C, as we mentioned above, the minimum daily intake for an adult is around 110 mg , or nearly 500 g of fruits and vegetables per day. All the same ! 🍊

However, in certain specific cases, it is advisable to increase this nutritional intake. Let us cite for example:

• pregnant women: up to 120 mg/day;
• breastfeeding women: 130 to 170 mg;
• elderly people: 120 to 130 mg;
• athletes: up to 1000 mg.

As we can see, athletes greatly need vitamin C! We talk about vitamin C and sport in this article, if you want to know more.

Now that you know more about the functions and characteristics of this wonderful nutrient, the key question remains: how to find the best form of vitamin C !

To answer this question, you will first need to determine whether you prefer to consume 100% natural vitamin C or not.

The best natural vitamin C is found in our diet. Concentrations vary depending on the type of fruit or vegetable. Orange, for example, is known to be rich in vitamin C, but it is not the only one!

In this article, we explain to you where to find the best natural vitamin C. Some plants contain much more than others: this is the case of acerola .

This shrub is native to Mexico, South America and Central America. These fruits are rich in nutrients (vitamins, minerals and plant fibers), but also in magnesium, potassium and phosphorus. This is why acerola is very popular as a natural vitamin C supplement.

You will learn in this complete guide dedicated to acerola why it is undoubtedly the best natural vitamin C.

Acerola comes in the form of powder or chewable tablets. Practical, this food supplement can be consumed by the whole family (from 4 years old), at any time of the day.

Acerola can be conventional or from organic farming. Our acerola comes from Brazil, a country suitable for its production, and contains 17% natural vitamin C. Thus, for 1000 mg of acerola, we find 170 mg of vitamin C. For higher intakes, it is interesting to turn to a synthetic vitamin C.

✅ Benefits

Natural vitamin C is water-soluble and above all 100% natural! Its composition naturally improves the assimilation of vitamin C.

⛔ Disadvantages

Acerola is an acidic fruit that can become acidifying if consumed in too large quantities. In the event of an overdose, acerola could cause digestive discomfort. Furthermore, the taste of the tablets is not always appreciated. It is better to turn to neutral tastes and natural aromas. It is not recommended in cases of kidney problems.

👪 For whom?

Acerola can be ingested by all members of the family from 4 years old.

In certain circumstances, even a diet rich in fruits and vegetables may not be enough to correct a lack of vitamin C. It is also possible to take a course of food supplements based on synthetic vitamin C.

Synthetic vitamin C has the same chemical composition as natural vitamin C.

However, we cannot say that even the best synthetic vitamin C is natural, since it comes from a chemical reaction produced in the laboratory. It is called pure vitamin C , unlike the natural vitamin C contained in plants, because it is only composed of… vitamin C! It is found in various forms.

In this type of synthetic vitamins, vitamin C is combined with mineral salts such as calcium and magnesium. It is a non-acidic form of vitamin C.

✅ Benefits

The presence of mineral salts promotes the absorption of vitamin C. This formulation offers very good digestive comfort. The presence of mineral salts makes it possible to make up for certain deficiencies such as the lack of magnesium, for example.

⛔ Disadvantages

We advise you to check the mineral salt contents of the food supplement. Indeed, high concentrations of sodium or calcium ascorbate may not be recommended for certain people.

👪 For whom?

Here too, ascorbates are particularly intended for people with fragile intestines.

Ascorbyl palmitate is an organic compound formed from ascorbic and palmitic acids. It is fat soluble.

✅ Benefits

This form of vitamin C prevents stomach acid. It is well tolerated by the body. In addition, its controlled cost makes it relatively accessible.

⛔ Disadvantages

The manufacture of ascorbyl palmitate requires the use of solvents. It should not be confused with liposomal vitamin C, although both are hyposoluble.

👪 For whom?

It is intended for people with fragile intestines.

The types and nature of vitamin C are one thing, but there is another important thing to consider when choosing a vitamin C supplement: the form, or packaging. So what is the best form of vitamin C?

A quick summary of the different forms of vitamin C to help you choose the best vitamin C for you.

This is the “classic” oral form of vitamin C (or L-ascorbic acid). A classic treatment of vitamin C in capsules lasts for example 2 months, at a rate of 2 capsules per day.

This is the “classic” oral form of vitamin C (or L-ascorbic acid). It is soluble in water, and thanks to the fineness of its powder, it dissolves instantly. Practical, it is easy to dose according to your needs.

Vitamin C powder is an ideal solution to adapt the quantities to all members of the family.

For those who have difficulty with capsules or powder, there is a third form of vitamin C: the liquid form . You then simply drink the solution directly or (depending on your preferences), dilute a few milliliters of vitamin C in water, which makes the intake almost “invisible” and completely neutral for the person.