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C 500 mg

Nature's Bounty
4.7
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
(1294 ratings)
Vitamin C 500 mg
Product Image
Score84
A simple and inexpensive 500 mg vitamin C tablet for routine use. Lack of buffering and limited excipient detail are its main weaknesses.
How scoring works
Quantity:100 Tablet(s) • (100 servings)
Goals:
Immunity
General Health
Anti-Inflammatory Support
Skin Health

Score 84

A simple and inexpensive 500 mg vitamin C tablet for routine use. Lack of buffering and limited excipient detail are its main weaknesses.
How scoring works

Also available as

4 options
250 servings C 500 mg • 250 Tablet(s) • 250 servings $8.50 ($0.03 per serving) 1000mg • 300 Tablet(s) servings C 1000 mg • 300 Tablet(s) • 300 servings $16.71 ($0.05 per serving) 1000mg • 100 Tablet(s) servings C 1000 mg • 100 Tablet(s) • 100 servings $6.97 ($0.06 per serving) 1000mg • 100 Tablet(s) servings C 1000 mg • 100 Tablet(s) • 100 servings $7.68 ($0.07 per serving)
$6.69($0.06 per serving)
Amazon
$ 6.69
iHerb
$ 6.69
Vitacost
$ 7.37
Report prices

Analysis

The 500 mg ascorbic acid serving supports antioxidant protection, collagen production, and normal immune function. Its single-nutrient design stays focused and avoids irrelevant active ingredients.

Standard ascorbic acid has no built-in buffering or specialized delivery. The supplied information also omits a complete inactive-ingredient list, limiting a fuller purity assessment.

Very favorable value makes the tablet appealing for basic daily supplementation. It best suits shoppers who prioritize a moderate amount and low cost over comfort features or formulation breadth.

Who is it for
  • Budget-focused adults
  • Users seeking a moderate vitamin C amount
  • People who prefer a simple tablet
Best for
  • Everyday antioxidant support
  • Normal immune function
  • Basic collagen support

Pros

  • Useful 500 mg serving
  • Very favorable value
  • Simple single-active formula

Cons

  • No buffering
  • No complementary ingredients
  • Complete excipient details are unavailable

Warnings

  • Unbuffered ascorbic acid may cause stomach discomfort in sensitive users.
  • Taking the full serving at once may loosen stools for some people.
  • People who consistently react poorly to acidic supplements may prefer a mineral ascorbate form.

Nutrient quality

87 Highest impact

Ascorbic acid is established but has no stated buffering or enhanced-delivery feature. The moderate vitamin C serving is meaningful for routine supplementation.

Ingredient transparency

83 Highest impact

All listed active amounts are disclosed without a proprietary blend. Complete directions and inactive-ingredient details remain incomplete.

Customer satisfaction

72 High impact

The aggregate rating and its volume provide a favorable top-level signal. Missing experience details prevent assessment of repeated complaints or purpose-specific satisfaction.

Value for money

93 Highest impact

The focused serving provides strong category value without active padding. The focused active profile strengthens the formula-to-cost balance.

Report analysis

Goals

Immunity
Immunity
Impact
Highest effect
A Goal FitB+ Strength of SupportC CoverageA+ Formula Quality
Vitamin C · 500 mg

Vitamin C directly supports immune-cell function, antioxidant protection, and epithelial barriers. The single-nutrient formula is narrow but well aligned with the goal.

The 500 mg amount meets the stated immune-support threshold and is easy to assess. Plain ascorbic acid is unbuffered and may feel acidic to sensitive users.

Study evidence
Vitamin C Supportive 53 studies
General Health
General Health
Impact
Highest effect
B+ Goal FitB+ Strength of SupportC CoverageA Formula Quality
Vitamin C · 500 mg

A clearly labeled vitamin C dose provides focused antioxidant and collagen-synthesis support. The benefit is relevant to general health but limited to one nutrient pathway.

The 500 mg amount is useful and comfortably substantial for supplementation. Plain ascorbic acid lacks buffering and may feel acidic to sensitive users, but the simple formula is easy to assess.

Study evidence
Vitamin C Supportive 56 studies
Anti-Inflammatory Support
Cellular Defense
Anti-Inflammatory Support
Impact
High effect
C+ Goal FitB+ Strength of SupportD+ CoverageA Formula Quality
Vitamin C · 500 mg

A meaningful vitamin C dose supports antioxidant defenses that can help limit oxidative triggers of inflammatory signaling. The evidence is stronger for correcting low intake and antioxidant support than for direct pathway control.

Plain ascorbic acid is clearly disclosed and keeps the formula focused. Lack of buffering may make it less comfortable for people with acid-sensitive stomachs.

Study evidence
Vitamin C Supportive 50 studies
Skin Health
Skin Health
Impact
High effect
C- Goal FitB+ Strength of SupportD- CoverageA- Formula Quality
Vitamin C · 500 mg

Vitamin C provides focused support for collagen synthesis and antioxidant protection at a useful 500 mg amount. It does not address hydration, barrier lipids, or structural protein intake.

Ascorbic acid and its amount are clearly disclosed. The lean formula offers depth in one pathway rather than comprehensive skin support.

Study evidence
Vitamin C Supportive 53 studies
Vision Support
Macular and Blue Light Defense
Vision Support
Impact
Moderate effect
D Goal FitC- Strength of SupportD+ CoverageB Formula Quality
Vitamin C · 500 mg

Vitamin C offers only a limited connection to focused eye health. Some relevant amounts are useful, while others are better suited to general antioxidant support.

Coverage is concentrated on ocular antioxidant defense. The remaining ascorbic acid may cause digestive discomfort in sensitive users.

Study evidence
Vitamin C Disputed 24 studies

Ingredients

IngredientAmount per serving
Vitamin C (Ascorbic Acid)
 500 mg
Gluten Free Adults 18–50 Dairy Free Sugar Free Vegetarian
Report overview
Vitamin C (Ascorbic Acid) · 500 mg OverallScore64
F Active Ingredient Quality & BioavailabilityA Dose, Safety & Label TransparencyB+ Value

The tablet provides a useful 500 mg dose with favorable cost efficiency. Generic ascorbic acid has no buffering or advanced delivery features and may feel acidic to sensitive users. The minimal active label is clear, but full excipient purity cannot be verified.

View ingredientView products
Loading alternative details
89 Performance

C-500 Calcium Ascorbate-C

NOW
The buffered vitamin C form may be easier to tolerate than the original plain ascorbic acid formula. Its 500 mg of calcium ascorbate is buffered and includes 55 mg of calcium; the 10 mg bioflavonoid addition is modest.
88 Performance

Buffered Gold C

California Gold Nutrition
The buffered vitamin C form may be easier to tolerate than the original plain ascorbic acid formula. Its 1,000 mg of sodium ascorbate is buffered and simply formulated, with 130 mg of sodium clearly disclosed.
88 Performance

Sodium Ascorbate Capsules

NutriBiotic Immunity
The buffered vitamin C form may be easier to tolerate than the original plain ascorbic acid formula. Its capsules provide 850 mg of buffered sodium ascorbate with a clearly disclosed 100 mg sodium contribution.
85 Budget

C-500 With Rose Hips

NOW
The supplied serving-cost data indicates a less expensive way to obtain a comparable vitamin C serving. Compared with the original plain ascorbic acid formula, it supplies 500 mg of ascorbic acid with 40 mg of rose hips, although the vitamin C remains unbuffered.
83 Budget

C 500 mg

21st Century
The supplied serving-cost data indicates a less expensive way to obtain a comparable vitamin C serving. Compared with the original plain ascorbic acid formula, it supplies 500 mg of ascorbic acid with 30 mg of calcium in a basic, clearly dosed formula.
85 Budget

Gold C Vitamin C 1000 mg

California Gold Nutrition
The supplied serving-cost data indicates a less expensive way to obtain a comparable vitamin C serving. Compared with the original plain ascorbic acid formula, it supplies 1,000 mg of plain ascorbic acid without extra actives, favoring simplicity rather than buffering.
87 Value

100% Pure Vitamin C Powder

Swanson Premium Brand
The combination of a focused ingredient list and efficient supply makes it a stronger value candidate than the original plain ascorbic acid formula. Its powder provides 1,000 mg of ascorbic acid with flexible measuring, though the acidic form may not suit every user.
87 Value

C 500 mg

Mason Natural
The combination of a focused ingredient list and efficient supply makes it a stronger value candidate than the original plain ascorbic acid formula. Its single active is 500 mg of ascorbic acid, making the label easy to assess despite the lack of buffering.
88 Value

Sodium Ascorbate

NutriBiotic Immunity
The combination of a focused ingredient list and efficient supply makes it a stronger value candidate than the original plain ascorbic acid formula. Its 1,100 mg of sodium ascorbate is fully buffered, but the disclosed 120 mg of sodium matters for sodium-restricted users.
Report alternatives

Sources

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

  1. 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
  2. Serum vitamin C and spinal pain: a nationwide study.
    Dionne CE; Laurin D; Desrosiers T; Abdous B; Le Sage N; Frenette J; Mondor M; Pelletier S · Pain · 2017
    Cross-sectional study4,742 participantsGeneral Health forVitamin C
  3. 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
  4. Immunocompetence and oxidant defense during ascorbate depletion of healthy men.
    Jacob RA; Kelley DS; Pianalto FS; Swendseid ME; Henning SM; Zhang JZ; Ames BN; Fraga CG; Peters JH · The American journal of clinical nutrition · 1992
    Clinical trial8 participantsImmunity forVitamin C
  5. 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
  6. Association between hemoglobin A1c, Vitamin C, and microbiome in diabetic foot ulcers and intact skin: A cross-sectional study.
    Tong KPS; Green SJ; Ortiz J; Wu SC · Health science reports · 2024
    Cross-sectional study42 participantsSkin Health forVitamin C
  7. 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
  8. 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
  9. 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
  10. 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
  11. 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
  12. 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
  13. 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
  14. 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
  15. 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
  16. 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
  17. 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
  18. 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
  19. 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
  20. 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
  21. 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
  22. 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
  23. 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
  24. 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
  25. 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
  26. Nutritional modulation of cataract.
    Weikel KA; Garber C; Baburins A; Taylor A · Nutrition reviews · 2014
    Narrative reviewVision Support forVitamin C
  27. 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
  28. 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