Penn Herb Wellness Guide

Vitamin CFind Products

Also indexed as:Ascorbate, Ascorbic Acid (Vitamin C), C Vitamin, Ascorbyl Palmitate, Ester-C
Vitamin C: Main Image

Vitamin C is a water-soluble vitamin that has a number of biological functions.

  • Reliable and relatively consistent scientific data showing a substantial health benefit.
  • Contradictory, insufficient, or preliminary studies suggesting a health benefit or minimal health benefit.
  • For an herb, supported by traditional use but minimal or no scientific evidence. For a supplement,little scientific support.

Our proprietary “Star-Rating” system was developed to help you easily understand the amount of scientific support behind each supplement in relation to a specific health condition. While there is no way to predict whether a vitamin, mineral, or herb will successfully treat or prevent associated health conditions, our unique ratings tell you how well these supplements are understood by the medical community, and whether studies have found them to be effective for other people.

For over a decade, our team has combed through thousands of research articles published in reputable journals. To help you make educated decisions, and to better understand controversial or confusing supplements, our medical experts have digested the science into these three easy-to-follow ratings. We hope this provides you with a helpful resource to make informed decisions towards your health and well-being.

This supplement has been used in connection with the following health conditions:

Used for AmountWhy
Bronchitis
200 mg daily3 stars[3 stars]
In a double-blind study of elderly patients hospitalized with acute bronchitis, those given vitamin C improved to a significantly greater extent than those who were given a placebo.
Bruising
400 to 800 mg daily, with flavonoids3 stars[3 stars]
Vitamin C supplements have been shown to reduce bruising in people with low vitamin C intake.
Capillary Fragility
Treat deficiency with up to 1 gram daily3 stars[3 stars]
In cases of deficiency, vitamin C has been shown to increase capillary strength, in seniors and people with diabetes in particular.
Common Cold and Sore Throat
1 to 4 grams daily3 stars[3 stars]
Studies have shown that taking vitamin C may make your cold shorter and less severe.
Gingivitis
300 mg daily3 stars[3 stars]
If you are deficient in vitamin C, supplementing with this vitamin may improve your overall gum health.
Glaucoma
At least 2 grams daily3 stars[3 stars]
Supplementing with vitamin C may help reduce intraocular pressure.
Hypertension
500 to 1,500 mg daily3 stars[3 stars]
Higher intake of vitamin C is associated with reduced risk of high blood pressure, and some doctors recommend people with hypertension supplement with vitamin C.
Infection
1 to 4 grams daily3 stars[3 stars]
Vitamin C has antiviral activity, and may help prevent viral infections or, in the case of the common cold, reduce the severity and duration of an infection.
Male Infertility and Sperm Agglutination
1,000 mg daily3 stars[3 stars]
Vitamin C protects sperm from oxidative damage and keeps sperm from sticking together.
Scurvy
Refer to label instructions 3 stars[3 stars]
Although scurvy is uncommon in Western societies, many doctors believe that most people consume less than optimal amounts of vitamin C, especially smokers.
Stress
100 to 3,000 mg daily3 stars[3 stars]
Studies have shown that supplementing with vitamin C helps to normalize stress-hormone levels.
Sunburn

(Vitamin E)
2,000 to 3,000 mg vitamin C and 1,000 to 2,000 IU vitamin E3 stars[3 stars]
Antioxidants may protect the skin from sunburn due to free radicalproducing ultraviolet rays. Combinations of vitamin E and C offer protection against ultraviolet rays.
Wound Healing
1 to 3 grams daily3 stars[3 stars]
Taking vitamin C may promote connective tissue repair.
Age-Related Cognitive Decline
Refer to label instructions 2 stars[2 stars]
Use of vitamin C, alone or with vitamin E, has been associated with better cognitive function and a reduced risk of certain forms of dementia (not including Alzheimer’s disease).
Asthma
1,000 to 1,500 mg daily2 stars[2 stars]
Supplementing with vitamin C reduces the tendency of the bronchial passages to go into spasm, an action that has been confirmed in double-blind research.
Atherosclerosis
250 mg twice per day 2 stars[2 stars]
Supplementing with vitamin C may help reverse the progression of atherosclerosis and protect against heart disease.
Autism
1 gram per 20 lbs (9 kg) body weight per day 2 stars[2 stars]
In one trial, autistic children given vitamin C had less severe symptoms than those taking placebo, possibly because vitamin C affects a hormone pathway typically disturbed in children with autism.
Cold Sores

(Flavonoids)
200 mg with 200 mg flavonoids, three to five times daily2 stars[2 stars]
Vitamin C plusflavonoids may help speed cold sore healing.
Depression
500 mg twice a day2 stars[2 stars]
In a double-blind study, the combination of vitamin C and an antidepressant drug (fluoxetine) was significantly more effective than the antidepressant alone.
Dysmenorrhea

(Rutin, Vitamin B3 (Niacin))
200 mg niacin daily, 300 mg vitamin C daily, and 60 mg rutin daily througout menstrual cycle; for cramps: 100 mg niacin every two to three hours2 stars[2 stars]
Supplementing with a combination of vitamin B3, vitamin C, and the flavonoid rutin resulted in a 90% effectiveness for relieving menstrual cramps in one study.
Endometriosis

(Vitamin E)
1,000 mg vitamin C and 1,200 IU vitamin E daily2 stars[2 stars]
A combination of vitamin C and vitamin E can help lessen the pain of endometriosis.
Female Infertility and Luteal Phase Defect
750 mg daily2 stars[2 stars]
Vitamin C has been shown to improve fertility in woman with a uterine condition known as luteal phase defect.
Gastritis
5 grams daily2 stars[2 stars]
Vitamin C may reduce free radical damage in the stomach lining in the case of gastritis caused by the bacteriaH. pylori.
Gingivitis

(Flavonoids)
300 mg of vitamin C, plus 300 mg of flavonoids daily2 stars[2 stars]
In one study, supplementing with vitamin C plus flavonoids improved gum health in a group of people with gingivitis.
Gout
0.5 to 8 grams daily2 stars[2 stars]
Supplementing with vitamin C might reduce the risk of gout attacks, as it appears to help reduce uric acid levels.
Immune Function
Consult a qualified healthcare practitioner2 stars[2 stars]
Vitamin C stimulates the immune system. While taking it has only a small effect in preventing colds, it does significantly reduce the duration of a cold when taken at the onset.