We analyzed 12 products sold on the Internet and shortlisted these three supplements:
Best Vitamin C
> Liposomal Vitamin C Quali-C – Novoma
Best Value for Money
> Pure Vitamin C Quali-C – Nutripure
Best Natural Vitamin C
> Organic Acerola Pure 34% Natural Vitamin C – Dynveo
Best Vitamin C
Our Selection Criteria
- Form: the form in which the vitamin C is presented.
- Dosage: amount of vitamin C contained in a recommended daily dose.
- Usage: method of use.
- Price / Day: the price for 1 day of supplementation, with the recommended daily dose according to the brand.
- Customer Reviews: this average of customer reviews on the brand comes from the laboratory’s site, review platforms, or marketplaces like Amazon.
- Our Opinion on the Brand: based on the tests of supplement brands we conduct each month and the analysis of 6 criteria like transparency and expertise.
All the supplements selected below are made in France, are vegan, and contain no additives or excipients.
BEST VITAMIN C
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Darwin Nutrition®
Brand: Novoma
Form: liposomal
Dosage: 1000 mg
Usage: 3 capsules per day
Price / Day: 0.93 €
Customer Reviews: 4.8/5 (ekomi.fr)
Novoma’s liposomal Vitamin C is, in our opinion, the best option.
The liposomal process involves encapsulating vitamin C in liposomes (fat bodies) that protect it and make it soluble in fats. This innovative form of vitamin C has 3 advantages: better absorption, excellent intestinal tolerance, and gradual release in the body.
The 1000 mg daily vitamin C dosage is optimal and higher than many other similar supplements.
This supplement contains Quali-C vitamin C, which is the highest grade of pharmaceutical purity to date, and is European certified.
Novoma is a French brand founded in 2012 that offers supplements focused on active ingredients at controlled prices (read our full review here).
BEST VALUE FOR MONEY
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Darwin Nutrition®
Brand: Nutripure
Form: L-ascorbic acid
Dosage: 750 mg
Usage: 1 capsule per day
Price / Day: 0.23 €
Customer Reviews: 4.3/5 (amazon.fr)
We chose the vitamin C from Nutripure laboratory for its unbeatable quality / price ratio.
This form of vitamin C has fewer advantages than liposomal vitamin C but has the advantage of being much more affordable. The active ingredient used is certified Quali-C (purity, European origin).
The form of vitamin C used is L-ascorbic acid, the form naturally present in foods. The manufacturing is done in Scotland, unlike most vitamin C on the market, which is made in China.
1 capsule contains 750 mg of vitamin C, a satisfactory amount for the body.
Nutripure was co-founded by a top-level athlete, five-time world champion in karate. The ingredients offered by the laboratory are of quality and minimize food additives as much as possible.
The manufacturing is French and the prices are fair (see our full brand review).
BEST NATURAL VITAMIN C
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Darwin Nutrition®
Brand: Dynveo
Form: natural (organic acerola)
Dosage: 340 mg
Usage : 2 capsules per day
Price / Day: 0.7 €
Customer Reviews: 4.8/5 (verified-reviews.com)
We have selected natural vitamin C from the brand Dynveo.
This is an acerola extract standardized to 34% vitamin C – an exceptional concentration compared to other acai berries sold in pharmacies or online. The acerola used comes from the Amazon, its native region, and is harvested when its vitamin C content is at its peak.
The extraction is organic and ecological, using water and without solvents, from fruits sourced from a very strict program that ensures ethical and sustainable resource management.
Dynveo is a dietary supplement laboratory recognized for its expertise and the dosage of its products. We have tested and approved its customer service, which is responsive and relevant (read our full test here to learn more).
What is vitamin C?
Vitamin C is also known as “ascorbic acid.” It gets its name from the disease it prevents, scurvy, which is caused by a vitamin C deficiency. It plays a major role in the body and participates in numerous biological functions.
It strengthens and energizes the immune system. That’s why it is considered the vitamin of energy and vitality.
It also protects against free radicals thanks to its antioxidant action. It contributes to the synthesis of collagen, enhances iron absorption, and contributes to the prevention of hypertension and cardiovascular diseases.
What are the dietary sources of vitamin C?
Our bodies do not synthesize this water-soluble vitamin. Therefore, it must be ingested through food, focusing on foods rich in vitamin C.
Some fruits, such as camu camu and rose hips, for example, contain an exceptional amount. It is also found in blackcurrants, kiwi, guava, goji berries, and red fruits in general.
Vegetables are also important sources of vitamin C, notably bell peppers, broccoli, Brussels sprouts, spinach, and cherry tomatoes.
Finally, herbs like fresh parsley also contain it.
Taking dietary supplements can also meet the necessary daily intake or fill a deficiency. This is common among immunocompromised individuals, pregnant women, smokers, and athletes.
What are its benefits?
It strengthens the immune system
This vitamin contributes to the normal functioning of the immune system. It strengthens natural defenses and promotes the production of white blood cells.
As shown in this study, it especially increases the number of lymphocytes and neutrophils.
It accumulates in white blood cells to enhance their effectiveness against microbes. Thus, it helps the body fight colds, infections, and other winter ailments.
Regular administration of vitamin C reduces the duration of colds, at sufficiently high doses, as shown in this review.
This is why it is often recommended to increase intake of vitamin C during the winter period.
Protects against free radicals
Thanks to its antioxidant effects, it is capable of fighting free radicals. These accelerate cellular aging and increase the risk of diseases.
On one hand, it prevents their establishment within the body, thereby preventing their damage.
On the other hand, it traps excess free radicals and promotes their elimination. For this, it works in synergy with vitamin E and provitamin A, which are also antioxidants.
This study shows the effectiveness of vitamin C in neutralizing free radicals.
Supports the cardiovascular system
Vitamin C plays a central role in the onset of cardiovascular pathologies.
A review of trials concludes that a supplementation of 500 mg of vitamin C for 6 weeks helps to lower overall blood pressure in hypertensive patients.
Furthermore, the risk of heart disease would be reduced with sufficient vitamin C intake. Thus, a study on a population aged 39 to 79 years shows that a high level of vitamin C (from food sources) in the body could reduce the risk of heart failure.
Promotes collagen production
It is also involved in the biosynthesis of collagen. This structural protein is found notably in the skin, bones, and muscles. It ensures the maintenance and cohesion of tissues.
To produce collagen fibers, the body must modify certain amino acids, like proline and lysine, through a hydroxylation reaction. This process is only possible in the presence of vitamin C.
It indirectly participates in the production of tissues, the beauty of the skin, and even in wound healing.
This study shows the action of vitamin C on collagen production.
Prevents skin aging
Vitamin C stimulates collagen synthesis and combats oxidants that promote premature aging of skin tissues.
Furthermore, vitamin C also helps reduce melanin synthesis, the “colorant” of our skin, which leads to the appearance of unattractive brown spots, called “age spots” or “liver spots.”
Improves mood
Vitamin C, or ascorbic acid, influences the effect of certain catecholamines, neurotransmitters particularly linked to mood.
A daily intake of 3 grams of vitamin C (a dose exceeding the maximum recommended doses) over 14 days in 42 adults, reported a reduction in depression symptoms, as well as an increase in sexual activity, according to this clinical trial.
Reduces fatigue
Vitamin C is essential for the production of hormones and neurotransmitters, thus influencing the overall state of vitality and alertness.
A vitamin C deficiency has been demonstrated in various acute infections, especially in cases of long COVID.
In a scientific study, high-dose vitamin C administration in patients with cancer or infections showed a reduction in fatigue and associated symptoms (sleep disorders, cognitive disorders, depressive symptoms).
Where to buy vitamin C?
- Pharmacies and drugstores
- Health food stores
- Specialty stores (sports nutrition, dietary supplements…)
- Specialized e-commerce
In what form?
In capsules and tablets
Capsules and tablets have the advantage of being convenient and easy to find. However, this format generally has limited bioavailability.
Furthermore, they are often either too weakly or too strongly dosed in vitamin C. Overdoses are common.
Finally, they may contain synthetic additives. Effervescent tablets, for example, might contain sweeteners, flavors, and artificial colors.
In drops
The liquid form generally offers a higher concentration of vitamin C. Moreover, it is quickly assimilated by the body. This format is interesting for those who have difficulty swallowing tablets or capsules.
In powder
The powder format allows for more balanced and precise dosing than with capsules or tablets. It thus reduces the risk of excessive consumption.
The powder is also less processed, more pure and natural. Its price is often more affordable.
In gummies
Gummies are chewable gums. They contain vitamin C combined with other vitamins, minerals, and/or plant extracts.
It is a convenient format, easy to take, and fun. However, the risk of overdose remains significant if they are snacked on throughout the day.
They are generally poorly concentrated in active ingredients and contain sugar.
What is liposomal vitamin C?
Vitamin C is water-soluble, meaning it is only soluble in water. The liposomal process involves encapsulating it in tiny fatty beads called “liposomes.”
Thus, it is protected and becomes fat-soluble.
Liposomal vitamin C offers better absorption by the intestinal mucosa and cell walls. It also has excellent stability: it does not degrade once in the body.
Finally, it is distributed in a more gradual manner in the body.
Beware, the effectiveness of liposomal forms depends on the quality of the product.
Precautions to take
Excessive intake of vitamin C (more than 2 g per day for an adult) can induce digestive disorders.
The role of vitamin C in cancer is not established and taking a supplement in vitamin C or antioxidants should be done after medical advice.
Other studies suggest that taking vitamin C combined with other antioxidants (selenium and beta-carotene) could interact with antiarrhythmic and cholesterol-lowering medications, to be confirmed.
Seek advice from a healthcare professional before any self-medication.
What criteria should be considered?
1. Form of Vitamin C
- Natural Vitamin C
When naturally sourced, vitamin C comes from a food source and is made from fruit extracts such as acerola, rosehip, or camu camu.
This form has the advantage of containing bioflavonoids that promote the absorption of vitamin C. Natural vitamin C can be acidic if taken in large amounts.
Some manufacturers add synthetic forms among the natural extracts, be attentive and read the label carefully!
This form is suitable for people who want a natural product and do not suffer from gastric acidity.
- Bio-identical Vitamin C
This is a synthetic form of vitamin C that synthetically replicates the natural form of vitamin C. It is obtained through fermentation of cereals (corn or wheat).
It has a similar bioavailability to natural vitamin C, as shown in this study.
This is a vitamin C identical to that found in food: L-ascorbic acid. Its production involves various chemical transformations, and thus, this form is not considered natural. Quality can vary greatly between manufacturers.
The advantage is its good assimilation, the price, and the concentration of vitamin C, which is often higher than natural vitamin C supplements.
Choose a product without solvent, 100% pure, and in the form of dextrogyrous L-ascorbic acid, the only active form.
- Calcium Ascorbate
Here, vitamin C is chemically linked to calcium, making it non-acidic and limiting digestive problems. It exists in a patented form called ester-C.
This form is not natural because its synthesis requires the addition of calcium under high temperature, oxidizing the vitamin C.
This form may be interesting for people deficient in calcium and vitamin C.
- Liposomal Vitamin C
The encapsulation of vitamin C allows for very good assimilation of the supplement and reduces digestive disorders. This form is suited for large intakes.
The technology used to produce it makes it the most expensive form on the market.
Beware, quality varies greatly depending on the manufacturer. Be attentive to the origin of the products, absence of controversial preservatives, dosage, and form of vitamin C used.
Check that lecithin (a fat used as an additive for optimal vitamin C absorption) appears as the second ingredient in the formula, validating the liposomal nature of the product.
Indeed, some laboratories add it in small doses and do not have the properties of liposomal vitamins.
2. Vitamin C Content
ANSES (French Agency for Food, Environmental and Occupational Health & Safety) recommends 110 mg/day for men and women.
It is therefore unnecessary to choose a highly dosed supplement or even an overdose.
We advise you to choose a product containing between 500 and 1000 mg. It is suitable for short-term intake, as a cure.
For prevention, 500 mg per day is sufficient. In case of infections, a daily intake of 1000 mg will be more suitable.
Attention to the trap! On boxes of natural vitamin C derived from fruits, concentrations can indicate a dosage in fruits and not in vitamin C. For a dietary supplement based on acerola, for example, “1000” may mean that the product contains 1000 mg of acerola, corresponding to 170 mg of vitamin C.
3. Manufacturing Mode
If naturally sourced, check the origin of the fruits used. They should be grown without chemicals or pesticides.
If you opt for synthetic vitamin C, it must be obtained by fermenting non-GMO grains, and it must not be irradiated or ionized.
4. Composition
The product should be as natural as possible, without preservatives, flavors, and artificial coloring. Prefer capsules with a vegetable-based shell.
Since ascorbic acid is a molecule, it doesn’t have organic certification.
5. Price
Expect to pay between 15 and 30€ for 120 capsules.
Liposomal vitamin C is generally more expensive: around 30€ for 60 capsules.
It can be found for approximately 25€ for 500 g of powder and 40€ for 300 ml of liquid.
Finally, you can find vitamin C gummies for about 15€ for 120 chewable gummies.
In Summary
To ensure you choose quality vitamin C, check the following points:
- Form: choose a natural or liposomal form
- Vitamin C content: choose a supplement providing 500 to 1000 mg per day
- Manufacturing process: without chemicals, solvents, pesticides, or GMOs
- Composition: the product must be without preservatives, flavors, or synthetic coloring. Prefer liposomal vitamin C
- Price: it is between 20 and 30€ for 120 capsules. It is about 25€ for 500 g of powder or 40€ for 300 ml. Count 15€ for 120 gummies.
BEST VITAMIN C
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Darwin Nutrition®
Brand: Novoma
Form: liposomal
Dosage: 1000 mg
Usage: 3 capsules per day
Price / Day: 0.93 €
Customer Reviews: 4.8/5 (ekomi.fr)
BEST NATURAL VITAMIN C
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Darwin Nutrition®
Brand: Dynveo
Form: natural (organic acerola)
Dosage: 340 mg
Usage : 2 capsules per day
Price / Day: 0.7 €
Customer Reviews: 4.8/5 (verified-reviews.com)
BEST VALUE FOR MONEY
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Darwin Nutrition®
Brand: Nutripure
Form: L-ascorbic acid
Dosage: 750 mg
Usage: 1 capsule per day
Price / Day: 0.23 €
Customer Reviews: 4.3/5 (amazon.fr)
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