{"product_id":"now-foods-vitamin-c-500-ascorbate-250-capsules-pack-of-3-b0041uoge6","title":"NOW Foods Vitamin C-500 Ascorbate, 250 Capsules (Pack of 3)","description":"\u003ch2\u003eUnderstanding Vitamin C and Its Role in Health\u003c\/h2\u003e\u003cp\u003eVitamin C is an essential water-soluble nutrient that the body cannot produce on its own. It plays a vital role in maintaining overall health. According to the European Food Safety Authority, vitamin C contributes to the normal function of the immune system, protection of cells from oxidative stress, normal collagen formation for healthy skin, bones, and blood vessels, and increased iron absorption. Because your body does not store vitamin C, regular intake through diet or supplementation is crucial to maintain optimal levels.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eNOW Foods Vitamin C-500 Ascorbate provides 500 mg of vitamin C per capsule in a buffered mineral ascorbate form, making it gentle on the stomach and ideal for daily use. This pack of three bottles ensures you have a convenient long-term supply.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003ch2\u003eKey Benefits of Vitamin C\u003c\/h2\u003e\u003cp\u003eVitamin C offers several well-established health benefits, supported by scientific research and approved health claims:\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eImmune System Support:\u003c\/strong\u003e Vitamin C contributes to the normal function of the immune system, helping to maintain your body's natural defences.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eAntioxidant Protection:\u003c\/strong\u003e Vitamin C contributes to the protection of cells from oxidative stress caused by free radicals.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eHealthy Collagen Formation:\u003c\/strong\u003e Vitamin C contributes to normal collagen formation for the normal function of blood vessels, bones, cartilage, gums, skin and teeth.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eEnhanced Iron Absorption:\u003c\/strong\u003e Vitamin C increases the absorption of non-heme iron from food, which can help maintain healthy iron levels.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\u003cp\u003eThese benefits make vitamin C a valuable addition to any daily supplement regimen, especially for those with increased needs due to stress, smoking, or limited dietary intake.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003ch2\u003eTypes of Vitamin C Supplements\u003c\/h2\u003e\u003cp\u003eVitamin C supplements come in several forms, each with unique characteristics. Understanding these differences can help you choose the right option for your needs.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eAscorbic Acid:\u003c\/strong\u003e The most common and cost-effective form. It is highly bioavailable but can be acidic and may cause gastrointestinal discomfort in some individuals.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eMineral Ascorbates (Buffered Vitamin C):\u003c\/strong\u003e These are less acidic and are formed by combining ascorbic acid with a mineral such as calcium, sodium, or potassium. NOW Foods Vitamin C-500 use ascorbate, making it gentler on the stomach while still providing excellent absorption.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eLiposomal Vitamin C:\u003c\/strong\u003e Encapsulated in liposomes for enhanced cellular delivery, but typically more expensive.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eWhole Food Vitamin C:\u003c\/strong\u003e Derived from fruits like acerola or camu camu, containing natural bioflavonoids that may enhance absorption.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\u003cp\u003eMineral ascorbates are an excellent choice for those who want a well-tolerated, effective vitamin C supplement without the acidity of ascorbic acid.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003ch2\u003eHow to Choose the Best Vitamin C Supplement\u003c\/h2\u003e\u003cp\u003eWhen selecting a vitamin C supplement, consider the following factors to ensure you get the most benefit:\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eForm:\u003c\/strong\u003e If you have a sensitive stomach, opt for a buffered form like ascorbate or a whole food source. For general use, ascorbic acid may be sufficient.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eDosage:\u003c\/strong\u003e A standard dose ranges from 500 mg to 1000 mg per day. Higher doses may be used for short periods but can cause digestive upset. NOW Foods Vitamin C-500 provides 500 mg per capsule, a moderate and effective amount.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003ePurity and Quality:\u003c\/strong\u003e Look for brands that follow good manufacturing practises (GMP) and test for purity. NOW Foods is a trusted brand known for high quality standards.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eAdditives:\u003c\/strong\u003e Choose products with minimal fillers, binders, or artificial ingredients. This formula is vegetarian and free from common allergens.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\u003cp\u003eThe pack of three bottles offers convenient long-term supply, ensuring you always have vitamin C on hand.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003ch2\u003eRecommended Dosage and Safety\u003c\/h2\u003e\u003cp\u003eThe recommended dosage for NOW Foods Vitamin C-500 is one capsule daily, preferably with a meal to enhance absorption. Each bottle contains 250 capsules, providing an 8-month supply per bottle (or 750 capsules total in the pack of three).\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eVitamin C is generally safe and well-tolerated. However, taking more than 2000 mg per day may cause digestive discomfort, including diarrhoea and nausea. If you are pregnant, nursing, or taking medication, consult your health care provider before starting any new supplement.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eThis product is not intended to diagnose, treat,  or prevent any disease. Food supplements should not be used as a substitute for a balanced diet and a healthy lifestyle.\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003ch2\u003eFrequently Asked Questions\u003c\/h2\u003e\u003ch3\u003eIs ascorbate better than ascorbic acid?\u003c\/h3\u003e\u003cp\u003eMineral ascorbate is a buffered form of vitamin C, meaning it is less acidic and may be easier on the stomach. Both forms are effectively absorbed, but ascorbate is often preferred by those with digestive sensitivity.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003ch3\u003eCan I take this on an empty stomach?\u003c\/h3\u003e\u003cp\u003eYes, because it is a buffered form, it is less likely to cause stomach upset. However, taking it with food may further enhance tolerance and absorption.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003ch3\u003eHow long does one bottle last?\u003c\/h3\u003e\u003cp\u003eEach bottle contains 250 capsules. With a recommended dose of one capsule per day, each bottle lasts approximately 8 months.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003ch3\u003eIs this product gluten-free and non-GMO?\u003c\/h3\u003e\u003cp\u003eNOW Foods tests their products for quality and purity. While this specific version is not labelled as such, many NOW Foods supplements are manufactured without gluten or GMO ingredients. Check the product label for current certifications.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"NOW Foods","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":46715537031329,"sku":null,"price":61.26,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"url":"https:\/\/ukvitalityvitamins.co.uk\/products\/now-foods-vitamin-c-500-ascorbate-250-capsules-pack-of-3-b0041uoge6","provider":"UkVitalityVitamins","version":"1.0","type":"link"}