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Buffered Vitamin C 500 mg

Solaray
4.9
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
(10858 ratings)
Vitamin C 500 mg
Rutin 50 mg
Product Image
Score85
A long-supply vitamin C capsule with partial buffering and a useful supporting flavonoid blend. Rutin potency and concentrate quality remain moderate rather than targeted.
How scoring works
Quantity:250 VegCap(s) • (250 servings)
Goals:
General Health
Immunity
Anti-Inflammatory Support
Skin Health

Score 85

A long-supply vitamin C capsule with partial buffering and a useful supporting flavonoid blend. Rutin potency and concentrate quality remain moderate rather than targeted.
How scoring works

Also available as

1 option
100 servings C 500 mg, Rutin 50 mg • 100 VegCap(s) • 100 servings $11.99 ($0.11 per serving)
$24.99($0.09 per serving)
Amazon
$ 24.99
iHerb
$ 24.99
Vitacost
$ 24.99
iHerb
$ 24.99
Report prices

Analysis

Ascorbic acid provides the core vitamin C serving, with calcium carbonate and magnesium oxide contributing partial buffering. Lemon bioflavonoids, rutin, hesperidin, acerola, and rose hips extend the antioxidant profile without shifting the formula away from its clear main purpose.

Every ingredient weight is listed, and the larger bottle provides a long supply. The botanical concentrates do not state purity or marker percentages, while the calcium and magnesium amounts are too small to count as meaningful mineral support.

The formula fits regular users who want vitamin C plus supporting flavonoids in one capsule. It is less attractive for targeted rutin use or for people who specifically need a fully buffered mineral-ascorbate product.

Who is it for
  • Regular vitamin C users who want a larger bottle
  • Adults seeking partial buffering with citrus compounds
Best for
  • Long-term everyday vitamin C use
  • Antioxidant support with rutin and hesperidin

Pros

  • Meaningful vitamin C amount
  • Large supply
  • Partial mineral buffering
  • Clearly listed active weights

Cons

  • Rutin dose is only supportive
  • Concentrate purity is not stated
  • Not fully buffered as a mineral ascorbate
  • Mineral contribution is small

Warnings

  • Vitamin C may still cause digestive discomfort in sensitive users despite partial buffering.
  • Vitamin C can increase iron absorption, which matters for people with iron-overload conditions.
  • People prone to calcium-oxalate kidney stones should avoid unnecessary stacking with other vitamin C products.

Nutrient quality

87 Highest impact

The vitamin C amount is practical and partial mineral buffering may improve comfort. Supporting flavonoids are useful but lack source and purity detail.

Ingredient transparency

86 Highest impact

Every active amount is disclosed without a hidden blend. Detailed use directions and inactive ingredients are not included in the supplied facts.

Customer satisfaction

74 High impact

The aggregate rating is exceptionally strong and backed by extensive feedback volume. Detailed comments are absent, so repeated experiences cannot be assessed.

Value for money

93 Highest impact

The well-dosed buffered formula has an especially low serving cost. The larger package is highly competitive within the category.

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Goals

General Health
General Health
Impact
Highest effect
A- Goal FitA Strength of SupportC+ CoverageB+ Formula Quality
Magnesium · 37 mgVitamin C · 500 mg

Vitamin C supports antioxidant defenses, immune function, and collagen production. Its foundational nutritional role is well established, while the flavonoids provide plausible secondary support.

The 500 mg vitamin C amount is well targeted for a substantial supplemental serving. Mineral carbonates partly buffer the ascorbic acid, and the active amounts are clearly disclosed.

Study evidence
Vitamin C Supportive 56 studies
Immunity
Immunity
Impact
Highest effect
A- Goal FitB+ Strength of SupportC+ CoverageB+ Formula Quality
Magnesium · 37 mgVitamin C · 500 mg

A targeted vitamin C amount directly supports antioxidant protection and normal immune-cell function. Mineral buffering and added citrus compounds may improve practicality and complement the main nutrient.

The formula remains centered on one immune pathway rather than broad coverage. Magnesium oxide and calcium carbonate act mainly as buffers, while the botanical support ingredients lack active-marker standardization.

Study evidence
Magnesium Supportive 8 studies
Vitamin C Supportive 53 studies
Anti-Inflammatory Support
Cellular Defense
Anti-Inflammatory Support
Impact
High effect
C+ Goal FitB Strength of SupportC+ CoverageB+ Formula Quality
Vitamin C · 500 mg

Vitamin C at 500 mg supplies useful antioxidant support, while rutin, hesperidin, and citrus bioflavonoids broaden vascular protection. Mineral carbonates provide partial buffering for stomach comfort.

Rutin remains a supporting amount and the formula lacks a direct inflammatory-enzyme inhibitor. The compact ingredient panel is coherent and avoids excessive label padding.

Study evidence
Rutin Supportive 6 studies
Vitamin C Supportive 50 studies
Skin Health
Skin Health
Impact
High effect
C Goal FitC+ Strength of SupportB- CoverageB- Formula Quality
Vitamin C · 500 mg

Vitamin C provides a useful but incomplete connection to skin health. The main relevant amounts appear substantial enough to contribute in practice.

Coverage reaches collagen synthesis and oxidative defense. Some pathways remain less complete than the formula’s strongest area.

Study evidence
Vitamin C Supportive 53 studies
Vision Support
Macular and Blue Light Defense
Vision Support
Impact
Moderate effect
F Goal FitB- Strength of SupportF CoverageC- Formula Quality
Vitamin C · 500 mg

Vitamin C and bioflavonoids provide antioxidant support but do not specifically target the macula, retina, or lens. Vitamin C appears in established ocular antioxidant frameworks, yet evidence does not support it as a complete vision formula by itself.

The formula addresses antioxidant defense without macular pigments, DHA, vitamin E, zinc, or copper balance. Vitamin C with rutin, hesperidin, and citrus bioflavonoids forms a compatible antioxidant blend.

Study evidence
Rutin Not classified 1 study
Vitamin C Disputed 24 studies

Ingredients

IngredientAmount per serving
Vitamin C (Ascorbic Acid)
 500 mg
Calcium (Calcium Carbonate)
 20 mg
Magnesium (Magnesium Oxide)
 37 mg
Vitamin C Support Base (Acerola Cherry, Rose Hips)
 95 mg
Bioflavonoid Concentrate (Lemon)
 100 mg
Rutin concentrate
50 mg
Hesperidin concentrate
25 mg
Adults 18–50 Vegan Dairy Free Vegetarian
Report overview
Vitamin C (Ascorbic Acid) · 500 mg OverallScore80
C Active Ingredient Quality & BioavailabilityA+ Dose, Safety & Label TransparencyB+ Value

Mineral carbonates partially buffer the ascorbic acid, offering better comfort than plain unbuffered vitamin C. A well-targeted dose, concise panel, and clear mineral amounts make the capsule practical and transparent. The larger bottle delivers especially good cost efficiency within the buffered category.

View ingredientView products
Rutin · 50 mg OverallScore49
D- Active Ingredient Quality & BioavailabilityD- Dose, Safety & Label TransparencyB Value

The clearly disclosed rutin concentrate supplies a small supportive amount rather than a targeted dose. Its botanical source and purity percentage are not identified, limiting confidence in ingredient quality. The larger package keeps the rutin cost efficient, but it does not address the low dose.

View ingredientView products
Loading alternative details
82 Performance

Ester-C 500 mg With Citrus Bioflavoinds

American Health
<p>The ingredient profile is well aligned with the original’s vitamin C and rutin focus, supplying 1000 mg of vitamin C as Ester-C Calcium Ascorbate with calcium and citrus bioflavonoids. Both vitamin C and rutin are disclosed, so it covers the original’s two named collections with clearly identified ingredients.</p>
79 Performance

AlphaSorb-C 500

NOW
<p>The ingredient profile is well aligned with the original’s vitamin C and rutin focus, supplying 500 mg of vitamin C as Threonic Acid enhanced buffered Calcium Ascorbate with calcium, citrus bioflavonoids, rose hips and 25 mg of rutin. Both vitamin C and rutin are disclosed, so it covers the original’s two named collections with clearly identified ingredients.</p>
70 Performance

Ester-C Plus 1000 mg Vitamin C

Solgar
<p>The ingredient profile is well aligned with the original’s vitamin C and rutin focus, supplying 1000 mg of vitamin C as Ester-C with calcium and citrus bioflavonoids. The buffered vitamin C form and disclosed bioflavonoid complex create a focused formula, but no separate rutin amount is given, so rutin coverage is less direct than in the original.</p>
89 Budget

Pure Buffered Calcium Ascorbate

NOW
<p>A lower cost per serving makes this a practical budget alternative, while it supplies 890 mg of vitamin C as Calcium Ascorbate with calcium. The vitamin C amount matches or exceeds the original's 500 mg serving. Its mineral ascorbate form may also be gentler than the original’s plain ascorbic acid.</p>
87 Budget

100% Pure Vitamin C Powder

Swanson Premium Brand
<p>A lower cost per serving makes this a practical budget alternative, while it supplies 1000 mg of vitamin C as Ascorbic Acid. The vitamin C amount matches or exceeds the original's 500 mg serving.</p>
85 Budget

Gold C Vitamin C 1000 mg

California Gold Nutrition
<p>A lower cost per serving makes this a practical budget alternative, while it supplies 1000 mg of vitamin C as Ascorbic Acid. The vitamin C amount matches or exceeds the original's 500 mg serving.</p>
89 Value

Ester-C 500 mg With Citrus Bioflavoinds

American Health
<p>Strong serving value is paired with 1000 mg of vitamin C as Ester-C Calcium Ascorbate with calcium and citrus bioflavonoids. It matches or exceeds the original’s vitamin C amount and adds a potentially gentler mineral ascorbate form, balancing cost-effectiveness with a useful ingredient profile.</p>
83 Value

Pure Buffered Magnesium Ascorbate

NOW
<p>Strong serving value is paired with 820 mg of vitamin C as Magnesium Ascorbate with magnesium. It matches or exceeds the original’s vitamin C amount and adds a potentially gentler mineral ascorbate form, balancing cost-effectiveness with a useful ingredient profile.</p>
84 Value

Sodium Ascorbate Capsules

NutriBiotic Immunity
<p>Strong serving value is paired with 850 mg of vitamin C as Sodium Ascorbate. It matches or exceeds the original’s vitamin C amount and adds a potentially gentler mineral ascorbate form, balancing cost-effectiveness with a useful ingredient profile.</p>
Report alternatives

Sources

Published studies used for the product analysis and the top-ranked studies for each ingredient and goal.

  1. Relation between plasma ascorbic acid and mortality in men and women in EPIC-Norfolk prospective study: a prospective population study. European Prospective Investigation into Cancer and Nutrition.
    Khaw KT; Bingham S; Welch A; Luben R; Wareham N; Oakes S; Day N · Lancet (London, England) · 2001
    Cohort study19,496 participantsGeneral Health forVitamin C
  2. Associations of Serum Biomarkers of Fruit and Vegetable Intake With the Risk of Cause-Specific Mortality and All-Cause Mortality: A National Prospective Cohort Study.
    Pu L; Zhang R; Wang X; Zhao T; Sun H; Han L · Frontiers in nutrition · 2022
    Cohort study12,530 participantsGeneral Health forVitamin C
  3. Mortality in randomized trials of antioxidant supplements for primary and secondary prevention: systematic review and meta-analysis.
    Bjelakovic G; Nikolova D; Gluud LL; Simonetti RG; Gluud C · JAMA · 2007
    Meta-analysis232,606 participants68 studies pooledGeneral Health forVitamin C
  4. Vitamin C intake and multiple health outcomes: an umbrella review of systematic reviews and meta-analyses.
    Xu K; Peng R; Zou Y; Jiang X; Sun Q; Song C · International journal of food sciences and nutrition · 2022
    Meta-analysis76 studies pooledGeneral Health forVitamin C
  5. Vitamin C supplementation in kidney failure: effect on uraemic symptoms.
    Singer RF · Nephrology, dialysis, transplantation : official publication of the European Dialysis and Transplant Association - European Renal Association · 2011
    Randomized trial99 participantsGeneral Health forVitamin C
  6. The effects of rutin flavonoid supplement on glycemic status, lipid profile, atherogenic index of plasma, brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), some serum inflammatory, and oxidative stress factors in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus: A double-blind, placebo-controlled trial.
    Bazyar H; Moradi L; Zaman F; Zare Javid A · Phytotherapy research : PTR · 2023
    Randomized trial50 participantsAnti-Inflammatory Support forRutin
  7. Rutin ameliorates inflammation and improves metabolic function: A comprehensive analysis of scientific literature.
    Muvhulawa N; Dludla PV; Ziqubu K; Mthembu SXH; Mthiyane F; Nkambule BB; Mazibuko-Mbeje SE · Pharmacological research · 2022
    Systematic reviewAnti-Inflammatory Support forRutin
  8. Rutin-loaded chitosan microspheres: Characterization and evaluation of the anti-inflammatory activity.
    Cosco D; Failla P; Costa N; Pullano S; Fiorillo A; Mollace V; Fresta M; Paolino D · Carbohydrate polymers · 2018
    OtherAnti-Inflammatory Support forRutin
  9. Oral enzyme combination therapy reduces systemic inflammation, urinary CTXII and pain in knee osteoarthritis: a proof-of-mechanism, randomised, crossover, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial.
    Henrotin Y; Pap T; Lieten S; Badot V; Dubuc JE; Urbin-Choffray D; von Eynatten M; Johansen OE; Rau S; Brabants K · RMD open · 2025
    Randomized trial45 participantsAnti-Inflammatory Support forRutin
  10. The Impact of the Combination of Proteolytic Enzyme and Rutin on the Post-operative Management of Inflammation: A Randomized, Controlled, Double-Blind, Comparative Clinical Trial
    Rathi PC, Rathi CL, Risbud SP, Ganu GP · Cureus · 2024
    Randomized trial65 participantsAnti-Inflammatory Support forRutin
  11. Efficacy of Vitamin C as Glucocorticoid Substitute for Reducing Pain and Inflammation After Total Hip Arthroplasty: A Randomized Controlled Trial.
    Jiang W; Xu H; Jiang X; Zhan Y; Ju Y; Xie J; Huang Z; Huang Q; Pei F · The Journal of bone and joint surgery. American volume · 2025
    Randomized trial107 participantsAnti-Inflammatory Support forVitamin C
  12. The Impact of Vitamin C on Analgesic, Anti-inflammatory, and Hemostatic Outcomes After Total Hip and Knee Arthroplasty: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.
    Moftakhari Hajimirzaei S; Bagherzadeh Cham M; Dolikhani M; Tabatabaee SM; Ebrahimpour A · The archives of bone and joint surgery · 2026
    Meta-analysis1,162 participants10 studies pooledAnti-Inflammatory Support forVitamin C
  13. The impact of vitamin C supplementation on the perioperative outcomes after total hip and knee arthroplasty: a systematic review and meta-analysis.
    Liu X; Guo J; Li Y; Yang Y; Liu M; Gao Q; Yang Y; Wu X; Yue C · BMC musculoskeletal disorders · 2026
    Meta-analysis852 participants8 studies pooledAnti-Inflammatory Support forVitamin C
  14. Therapeutic Impact of Ascorbic Acid on Oral and Periodontal Tissues: A Systematic Literature Review.
    Ruzijevaite G; Acaite E; Jagelaviciene E · Medicina (Kaunas, Lithuania) · 2025
    Systematic review811 participants17 studies pooledAnti-Inflammatory Support forVitamin C
  15. Oral vitamin C administration reduces early recurrence rates after electrical cardioversion of persistent atrial fibrillation and attenuates associated inflammation.
    Korantzopoulos P; Kolettis TM; Kountouris E; Dimitroula V; Karanikis P; Pappa E; Siogas K; Goudevenos JA · International journal of cardiology · 2005
    Randomized trial44 participantsAnti-Inflammatory Support forVitamin C
  16. Dietary intake and blood concentrations of antioxidants and the risk of cardiovascular disease, total cancer, and all-cause mortality: a systematic review and dose-response meta-analysis of prospective studies.
    Aune D; Keum N; Giovannucci E; Fadnes LT; Boffetta P; Greenwood DC; Tonstad S; Vatten LJ; Riboli E; Norat T · The American journal of clinical nutrition · 2019
    Meta-analysis69 studies pooledGeneral Health forVitamin C
  17. Scientific Opinion on the substantiation of a health claim related to vitamin C and increasing non haem iron absorption pursuant to Article 14 of Regulation (EC) No 1924/2006.
    EFSA Panel on Dietetic Products, Nutrition and Allergies (NDA) · EFSA journal. European Food Safety Authority · 2026
    Guideline / consensusGeneral Health forVitamin C
  18. Vitamin C Depletion and All-Cause Mortality in Renal Transplant Recipients.
    Sotomayor CG; Eisenga MF; Gomes Neto AW; Ozyilmaz A; Gans ROB; Jong WHA; Zelle DM; Berger SP; Gaillard CAJM; Navis GJ; Bakker SJ · Nutrients · 2018
    Cohort study598 participantsGeneral Health forVitamin C
  19. Hypomagnesemia Is a Risk Factor for Infections after Kidney Transplantation: A Retrospective Cohort Analysis.
    Odler B; Deak AT; Pregartner G; Riedl R; Bozic J; Trummer C; Prenner A; Söllinger L; Krall M; Höflechner L; Hebesberger C; Boxler MS; Berghold A; Schemmer P; Pilz S; Rosenkranz AR · Nutrients · 2021
    Cohort study376 participantsImmunity forMagnesium
  20. Higher Intake of Dietary Magnesium Is Inversely Associated With COVID-19 Severity and Symptoms in Hospitalized Patients: A Cross-Sectional Study.
    Nouri-Majd S; Ebrahimzadeh A; Mousavi SM; Zargarzadeh N; Eslami M; Santos HO; Taghizadeh M; Milajerdi A · Frontiers in nutrition · 2022
    Cross-sectional study250 participantsImmunity forMagnesium
  21. Mg2+ regulates cytotoxic functions of NK and CD8 T cells in chronic EBV infection through NKG2D.
    Chaigne-Delalande B; Li FY; O'Connor GM; Lukacs MJ; Jiang P; Zheng L; Shatzer A; Biancalana M; Pittaluga S; Matthews HF; Jancel TJ; Bleesing JJ; Marsh RA; Kuijpers TW; Nichols KE; Lucas CL; Nagpal S; Mehmet H; Su HC; Cohen JI; Uzel G; Lenardo MJ · Science (New York, N.Y.) · 2013
    Single-arm trialImmunity forMagnesium
  22. Effect of magnesium on granulocyte function and on the exercise induced inflammatory response.
    Mooren FC; Golf SW; Völker K · Magnesium research · 2003
    Randomized trialImmunity forMagnesium
  23. Maternal and neonatal outcomes following magnesium sulfate in the setting of chorioamnionitis: a meta-analysis.
    Pergialiotis V; Sapantzoglou I; Rodolaki K; Varthaliti A; Theodora M; Antsaklis P; Thomakos N; Stavros S; Daskalakis G; Papapanagiotou A · Archives of gynecology and obstetrics · 2024
    Meta-analysis6,559 participants8 studies pooledImmunity forMagnesium
  24. Vitamin C and contribution to the normal function of the immune system: evaluation of a health claim pursuant to Article 14 of Regulation (EC) No 1924/2006.
    EFSA Panel on Dietetic Products, Nutrition and Allergies (NDA) · EFSA journal. European Food Safety Authority · 2026
    Guideline / consensusImmunity forVitamin C
  25. Therapeutic effects of high-dose vitamin C supplementation in patients with COVID-19: a meta-analysis.
    Sun L; Zhao JH; Fan WY; Feng B; Liu WW; Chen RQ; Ban C; Dang AG; Wang M; Luo KT; Zhou GY; Yu FF; Ba Y · Nutrition reviews · 2024
    Meta-analysis2,334 participants14 studies pooledImmunity forVitamin C
  26. Effect of micronutrient supplements on influenza and other respiratory tract infections among adults: a systematic review and meta-analysis.
    Abioye AI; Bromage S; Fawzi W · BMJ global health · 2021
    Meta-analysisImmunity forVitamin C
  27. New evidence for antioxidant properties of vitamin C.
    Vojdani A; Bazargan M; Vojdani E; Wright J · Cancer detection and prevention · 2001
    Randomized trial20 participantsImmunity forVitamin C
  28. Enhanced Vitamin C Delivery: A Systematic Literature Review Assessing the Efficacy and Safety of Alternative Supplement Forms in Healthy Adults.
    Calder PC; Kreider RB; McKay DL · Nutrients · 2025
    Systematic review13 studies pooledImmunity forVitamin C
  29. Evaluation of the anti-wrinkle effect of an ascorbic acid-loaded dissolving microneedle patch via a double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical study.
    Lee C; Yang H; Kim S; Kim M; Kang H; Kim N; An S; Koh J; Jung H · International journal of cosmetic science · 2017
    Randomized trial23 participantsSkin Health forVitamin C
  30. Comparative Study on the Outcome of Periorbital Wrinkles Treated with Laser-Assisted Delivery of Vitamin C or Vitamin C Plus Growth Factors: A Randomized, Double-blind, Clinical Trial.
    Machado BHB; Frame J; Zhang J; Najlah M · Aesthetic plastic surgery · 2021
    Randomized trial149 participantsSkin Health forVitamin C
  31. Randomized trial of topical ascorbic acid in DMSO versus imiquimod for the treatment of basal cell carcinoma.
    Burke B; Bailie JE · Biomedicine & pharmacotherapy = Biomedecine & pharmacotherapie · 2022
    Randomized trial25 participantsSkin Health forVitamin C
  32. Vitamin C improves healing of foot ulcers: a randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial.
    Gunton JE; Girgis CM; Lau T; Vicaretti M; Begg L; Flood V · The British journal of nutrition · 2022
    Randomized trial16 participantsSkin Health forVitamin C
  33. Dietary nutrient intakes and skin-aging appearance among middle-aged American women.
    Cosgrove MC; Franco OH; Granger SP; Murray PG; Mayes AE · The American journal of clinical nutrition · 2007
    Cross-sectional study4,025 participantsSkin Health forVitamin C
  34. A randomized, double-masked study on the treatment of retinal vein occlusion with troxerutin
    Glacet-Bernard A, Coscas G, Chabanel A, Zourdani A, Lelong F, Samama MM · American Journal of Ophthalmology · 1994
    Randomized trial53 participantsVision Support forRutin
  35. Role of Oral Vitamin 'C' on Astigmatic Errors in Phacoemulsification.
    Mohan S; Sah K; Khattri M; Ahmad L; Sachan SK · Current eye research · 2021
    Randomized trial400 participantsVision Support forVitamin C
  36. Ascorbic acid metabolites are involved in intraocular pressure control in the general population.
    Hysi PG; Khawaja AP; Menni C; Tamraz B; Wareham N; Khaw KT; Foster PJ; Benet LZ; Spector TD; Hammond CJ · Redox biology · 2019
    Observational studyVision Support forVitamin C
  37. Nutritional modulation of cataract.
    Weikel KA; Garber C; Baburins A; Taylor A · Nutrition reviews · 2014
    Narrative reviewVision Support forVitamin C
  38. Dietary n-3 Fatty Acid, α-Tocopherol, Zinc, vitamin D, vitamin C, and β-carotene are Associated with Age-Related Macular Degeneration in Japan.
    Aoki A; Inoue M; Nguyen E; Obata R; Kadonosono K; Shinkai S; Hashimoto H; Sasaki S; Yanagi Y · Scientific reports · 2017
    Case-control study530 participantsVision Support forVitamin C
  39. Adherence to a Mediterranean diet, lifestyle and age-related macular degeneration: the Coimbra Eye Study - report 3.
    Raimundo M; Mira F; Cachulo MDL; Barreto P; Ribeiro L; Farinha C; Laíns I; Nunes S; Alves D; Figueira J; Merle BM; Delcourt C; Santos L; Silva R · Acta ophthalmologica · 2019
    Case-control study883 participantsVision Support forVitamin C