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What is the healthiest form of vitamin C?

The best sources of vitamin C include fruits like oranges, strawberries, kiwi, and cantaloupe as well as vegetables such as bell peppers, spinach, tomatoes, broccoli, and Brussels sprouts. 1 Because these are very common foods, vitamin C deficiency is relatively rare in the United States.

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Vitamin C is an essential nutrient that is found primarily in fruits and vegetables. Among many other things, it "has antioxidant properties, which may play a role in preventing certain cancers and heart disease, as well as immunity and healthy aging,” says Beth Stark, RDN, LDN. The best sources of vitamin C include fruits like oranges, strawberries, kiwi, and cantaloupe as well as vegetables such as bell peppers, spinach, tomatoes, broccoli, and Brussels sprouts. Because these are very common foods, vitamin C deficiency is relatively rare in the United States. However, “individuals that don’t eat many fruits and vegetables, smoke, or have certain gastrointestinal issues may benefit from a supplement,” says Stark. Supplements come in a variety of forms from capsules and gummies to powders and liquids, offer differing amounts of vitamin C, and contain different forms of the vitamin, so you’ll want to choose one that’s right for you. As with all supplements, we recommend choosing one that is third-party verified so you know that you’re getting what the label says—and nothing more. Verywell Health Approved Vitamin C Supplements Best Overall: Megafood Complex C is certified non-GMO, free from common allergens, and contains 250 milligrams of vitamin C and an organic fruit antioxidant blend. Megafood Complex C is certified non-GMO, free from common allergens, and contains 250 milligrams of vitamin C and an organic fruit antioxidant blend. Best Gummy: Nordic Naturals Vitamin C Gummies are NSF Certified for Sport and contain 250 milligrams of vitamin C with no artificial colors or flavors. Always speak with a healthcare professional before adding a supplement to your routine to ensure that the supplement is appropriate for your individual needs and which dosage to take.

Is a Vitamin C Supplement Beneficial?

Your body cannot make vitamin C, so it has to come from food or supplements. Supplements are effective at increasing blood levels of the vitamin in those that don’t consume enough through food. While consuming extra vitamin C is unlikely to offer benefits in healthy people, vitamin C supplements may help some people reach the recommended 75 milligrams (for women) to 90 milligrams (for men) per day for adults. Some people take high doses of vitamin C in hopes of boosting their immune system, especially during cold and flu season. “Vitamin C is often thought of as a miracle immune-booster, but this isn’t the case,” says Stark. In fact, research suggests that vitamin C supplements don’t prevent colds unless you are exposed to extremely cold temperatures. regularly engage in extreme exercise, or have low vitamin C intake or absorption. They may slightly reduce a cold's duration or severity if taken regularly before the cold starts (but not after symptoms arise). Research has also shown that vitamin C supplements do not help prevent or treat COVID.

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In general, the following populations may benefit from a vitamin C supplement:

Those that don’t eat a balanced diet. If you don’t eat many fruits and vegetables, a supplement may be helpful or even necessary. Smokers. Smokers need an additional 35 mg of vitamin C per day, so if you don’t get that from food, a supplement may be helpful. People with digestive or malabsorptive disease. Digestive diseases can reduce vitamin absorption as can some cancer treatments and dialysis for kidney disease. Vitamin C supplements can be helpful in increasing blood levels of the vitamin. Endurance athletes. While vitamin C supplements have not been shown to prevent colds in the general healthy population, some research suggests benefits during periods of intense exercise among endurance athletes. Research on vitamin C supplements in helping prevent or treat chronic diseases is inconclusive. Studies show a role of vitamin C in treating cancer, cardiovascular disease, and type 2 diabetes; however, there is not enough evidence to support taking high dose supplements or aiming to get more than the adequate amount. Research does support eating more fruits and vegetables to prevent and manage chronic disease, so reach for an extra serving of produce before you grab supplements.

Who May Not Benefit from Vitamin C Supplements

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"When taken as recommended, vitamin C supplements are generally safe for most healthy people,” says Stark. However, that doesn’t mean that you need a supplement. Those that eat a balanced diet. If you eat fruits and vegetables or drink orange or other fortified juices, it’s unlikely a supplement will offer much benefit. A half-cup of red peppers, six ounces of orange juice, or a large orange can provide all the vitamin C you need. Most fruits and vegetables offer some vitamin C, so if you don’t eat those foods but eat a variety of other produce, you’re likely getting enough from your diet. In addition, supplements are not designed to replace a healthy diet. If you rely on supplements to get your vitamins, you may miss out on all of the benefits of eating nutrient-rich foods. Research suggests that the sum of all of the nutrients found in food is greater than the individual vitamins on their own as they are in supplements. Those prone to kidney stones or taking certain medications. “Those that are prone to kidney stones or taking medications like statins, chemotherapy treatments, blood thinners, or estrogen should talk to their healthcare provider first to prevent possible interaction or negative side effects,” says Stark. Those that take other supplements. If you take a multivitamin or other supplement that contains vitamin C, taking additional vitamin C is unnecessary and may even lead to negative side effects like nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea.

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