Description
Vitamin C (ascorbic acid) is an essential water-soluble vitamin that the human body cannot produce or store in significant amounts, making regular dietary intake or supplementation necessary.* This vitamin functions as a powerful antioxidant, protecting cells from oxidative damage caused by free radicals generated through normal metabolism and environmental exposures.* Beyond its antioxidant properties, vitamin C is essential for numerous biological processes including collagen synthesis (important for skin, blood vessels, bones, and connective tissue), immune system function, iron absorption enhancement, and supporting neurotransmitter production.* The body’s vitamin C needs increase during times of stress, illness, smoking, or intense physical activity.*
Vitamin C plays a particularly vital role in immune system function by supporting various cellular functions of both the innate and adaptive immune systems.* It accumulates in phagocytic cells like neutrophils and enhances their function, supports lymphocyte proliferation and differentiation, and protects immune cells from oxidative damage during inflammatory responses.* Research suggests adequate vitamin C status may help reduce the duration and severity of common cold symptoms, though it doesn’t necessarily prevent colds in the general population.* The vitamin’s role in collagen synthesis makes it crucial for wound healing and maintaining healthy skin, and its antioxidant properties may help protect against cellular aging processes.*
Vitamin C is available in various supplemental forms, each with different characteristics. Ascorbic acid is the most common and economical form. Buffered vitamin C (often combined with minerals like calcium or magnesium) offers reduced acidity, making it gentler on sensitive stomachs. Ester-C® is a patented form containing primarily calcium ascorbate and vitamin C metabolites that may offer enhanced bioavailability. The vitamin C supplement market maintains strong, consistent demand year-round, with seasonal increases during cold and flu season when immune support tops consumer priorities.* It’s one of the most widely recognized and trusted supplements with nearly universal consumer familiarity.*
For your private label brand, vitamin C represents a foundational supplement with broad demographic appeal and consistent demand. With various potencies (from 500 mg to 1,000 mg or more), multiple delivery formats including tablets, capsules, chewables, and powders, buffered options for sensitive stomachs, and GMP manufacturing, you can provide customers with this essential nutrient supplement backed by decades of research and strong consumer recognition.*
*These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease.
