Product Image

Ester-C Plus 1000 mg Vitamin C

Solgar
4.7
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
(436 ratings)
Vitamin C 1000 mg
Rutin 25 mg
Acerola 25 mg
Flavonoid (mixture) 200 mg
Product Image
Score81
A strong long-supply Ester-C formula with clear amounts and useful flavonoids, but the high serving and minor botanicals are less compelling for basic daily coverage.
How scoring works
Quantity:180 Tablet(s) • (180 servings)
Goals:
Skin Health
General Health
Anti-Inflammatory Support
Immunity
Vision Support

Score 81

A strong long-supply Ester-C formula with clear amounts and useful flavonoids, but the high serving and minor botanicals are less compelling for basic daily coverage.
How scoring works

Also available as

1 option
90 servings Flavonoid (mixture) 200 mg, Acerola 25 mg +2 more • 90 Tablet(s) • 90 servings $15.44 ($0.17 per serving)
$25.99($0.14 per serving)
iHerb
$ 25.99
Daily Vita
$ 33.00
Pure Formulas
$ 29.99
Vitacost
$ 25.99
Report prices

Analysis

Ester-C delivers a substantial vitamin C amount in a buffered calcium ascorbate form. It supports antioxidant protection, normal collagen formation, and immune nutrition while offering better expected stomach comfort than plain ascorbic acid.

Citrus bioflavonoids provide the most meaningful companion ingredient. Acerola, rose hips, and rutin are clearly listed but remain too small to drive the product's value on their own.

The large package works well for routine users who want a focused formula rather than broad nutrient coverage. People using several fortified products should check whether the full serving adds more vitamin C than they need.

Who is it for
  • Frequent buffered vitamin C users
  • Adults wanting a large supply
  • People who prefer a focused antioxidant formula
Best for
  • Routine high-potency vitamin C
  • Collagen synthesis support
  • Normal immune function

Pros

  • Buffered Ester-C form
  • Large package
  • Clearly stated bioflavonoids

Cons

  • Acerola is only a small addition
  • Rutin is below a targeted-use amount
  • Narrow nutrient coverage

Warnings

  • High vitamin C intake may cause loose stools or stomach discomfort
  • People with a history of oxalate kidney stones should obtain individualized guidance
  • Review other supplements to avoid redundant high-dose vitamin C

Nutrient quality

88 Highest impact

Branded buffered calcium ascorbate provides a well-regarded delivery form. Vitamin C is substantial, while bioflavonoids are useful and the fruit additions remain small.

.

Ingredient transparency

78 High impact

Every listed active has a specific amount. The supplied data does not include a complete inactive ingredient list.

.

Customer satisfaction

68 High impact

The aggregate satisfaction measure is strong enough to support a favorable first impression. Missing feedback themes leave repeat complaints and purpose fit uncertain despite adequate volume.

.

Value for money

90 Highest impact

The price is well matched to a premium buffered form and large package. Each serving provides substantial vitamin C at an economical cost.

.
Report analysis

Goals

Skin Health
Skin Health
Impact
Highest effect
A- Goal FitA Strength of SupportB CoverageA- Formula Quality
Vitamin C · 1000 mg

Ester-C supports collagen formation and antioxidant protection, while bioflavonoids add complementary oxidative support. The skin-health case is strong for foundational support but does not extend to direct hydration or barrier restoration.

The vitamin C amount is substantial and fully disclosed in a buffered calcium-ascorbate form. Added flavonoids are coherent, although the smaller botanicals contribute less than the primary vitamin.

Study evidence
Vitamin C Supportive 53 studies
General Health
General Health
Impact
Highest effect
A Goal FitA Strength of SupportB- CoverageA- Formula Quality
Vitamin C · 1000 mg

Vitamin C provides foundational antioxidant, immune, and collagen support. The 1,000 mg calcium ascorbate serving is clearly disclosed and paired with a substantial bioflavonoid complex.

Acerola, rose hips, and rutin add related antioxidant compounds but do not create broad nutritional coverage. The coherent formula offers strong depth for vitamin C while remaining a targeted product.

Study evidence
Vitamin C Supportive 56 studies
Anti-Inflammatory Support
Anti-Inflammatory Support
Impact
Highest effect
B- Goal FitA Strength of SupportB- CoverageA Formula Quality
Vitamin C · 1000 mg

Buffered vitamin C provides substantial antioxidant support, while citrus bioflavonoids and rutin broaden polyphenol coverage. The calcium ascorbate form may be easier on acid-sensitive stomachs than plain ascorbic acid.

Rutin and the smaller botanical additions are disclosed but sit well below the main vitamin C amount. The formula is coherent and useful for antioxidant support, though it is not as directly targeted as fish oil or Boswellia.

Study evidence
Rutin Supportive 6 studies
Vitamin C Supportive 50 studies
Immunity
Immunity
Impact
High effect
A Goal FitB Strength of SupportC CoverageB+ Formula Quality
Vitamin C · 1000 mg

Vitamin C supports foundational antioxidant defenses, collagen formation, and normal immune function. The formula supports antioxidant, collagen, and immune pathways but does not fill a broad range of nutrient gaps.

The label presents a substantial 1,000 mg vitamin C serving suited to focused antioxidant support. Ascorbic acid is clearly identified, but the botanical additions do not establish enhanced absorption or buffering.

Study evidence
Vitamin C Supportive 53 studies
Vision Support
Vision Support
Impact
High effect
C+ Goal FitA Strength of SupportC CoverageA Formula Quality
Vitamin C · 1000 mg

Ester-C supplies a strong ocular antioxidant dose, with bioflavonoids adding secondary vascular support. The formula does not include lutein, zeaxanthin, zinc, vitamin E, or omega-3s.

Calcium ascorbate is well disclosed and may be easier on the stomach than plain ascorbic acid. Its contribution is meaningful but limited to antioxidant defense.

Study evidence
Vitamin C Disputed 24 studies

Ingredients

IngredientAmount per serving
Calories
5 Calorie(s)
Total Carbohydrates
1 Gram(s)
Vitamin C (Ester-C Calcium Ascorbate)
 1000 mg
Calcium (Ester-C Calcium Ascorbate)
 100 mg
Citrus Bioflavonoid Complex
200 mg
Acerola extract
25 mg
Rose Hips
25 mg
Rutin
25 mg
Gluten Free Adults 18–50 Vegan Kosher Dairy Free Sugar Free Halal Vegetarian
Report overview
Vitamin C (Ester-C Calcium Ascorbate) · 1000 mg OverallScore92
A- Active Ingredient Quality & BioavailabilityA Dose, Safety & Label TransparencyA+ Value

Patented Ester-C delivers a buffered, stomach-friendly form at a well-targeted 1,000 mg serving. Separate disclosure of vitamin C and calcium makes the active composition easy to understand. Cost efficiency is unusually favorable for a branded form, although the complete inactive-ingredient list is not available.

View ingredientView products
Rutin · 25 mg OverallScore40
F Active Ingredient Quality & BioavailabilityD- Dose, Safety & Label TransparencyD+ Value

The rutin amount is clearly stated, but its botanical source and purity are not disclosed. The low dose is suited to general flavonoid support rather than targeted vascular use. Cost per active amount is only average despite the low serving cost.

View ingredientView products
Acerola · 25 mg OverallScore27
F Active Ingredient Quality & BioavailabilityF Dose, Safety & Label TransparencyD+ Value

Acerola is present only as a small supporting ingredient beside a much larger amount of calcium ascorbate. The label does not identify the acerola plant part or disclose its natural vitamin C yield. The low acerola amount also makes it a weak fit for someone specifically seeking acerola.

View ingredientView products
Loading alternative details
86 Performance

C

Swanson
Fully buffered calcium ascorbate with citrus bioflavonoids provides a clear, well-dosed core with good stomach-comfort potential. The focused formula is easier to evaluate than the original’s bioflavonoids and small fruit additions, although it offers less ingredient variety.
86 Performance

Ester-C Plus 1000 mg Vitamin C

Solgar
High-potency buffered vitamin C and a meaningful citrus bioflavonoid amount improve form quality and formula focus. It addresses the original’s minor fruit additions, but complete excipient and usage details remain unavailable.
87 Performance

Ester-C with Citrus Bioflavonoids

American Health
Buffered Ester-C and a substantial citrus bioflavonoid amount create a more coherent antioxidant formula. The long supply strengthens practicality compared with Ester-C Plus 1000 mg Vitamin C, while inactive ingredients and full directions are not shown.
80 Budget

Ultra C Formula

Swanson Premium Brand
A very low serving cost makes a practical ascorbic acid amount a more economical option than Ester-C Plus 1000 mg Vitamin C. It is less gentle than the original buffered form, and its tiny botanical additions add little.
84 Budget

Ester-C 500 mg With Citrus Bioflavoinds

American Health
Low serving cost combines buffered Ester-C with citrus bioflavonoids, offering stronger value than Ester-C Plus 1000 mg Vitamin C. Buffered delivery preserves the original’s stomach-comfort advantage while keeping the formula focused.
84 Budget

Ester-C 24 Hour Immune Support 1000 mg

NatureSmart
A low-cost serving provides substantial buffered Ester-C with a compatible citrus bioflavonoid complex. It offers clearer core value than the original’s minor fruit additions, though complete excipient details are not supplied.
82 Value

Buffered C-1000 Complex

NOW
A substantial buffered vitamin C amount and meaningful citrus bioflavonoids provide stronger ingredient depth at favorable serving value. Acerola and rutin remain secondary, and the high vitamin C amount may cause digestive upset in sensitive users.
83 Value

Ester-C plus 500 mg Vitamin C

Solgar
Buffered Ester-C offers a practical daily amount with small, clearly disclosed botanical and flavonoid additions at strong value. The lower vitamin C amount is a trade-off, but the active and supporting amounts are clearly disclosed.
79 Value

Buffered Vitamin C 500 mg

Bluebonnet
Buffered calcium ascorbate and a meaningful citrus bioflavonoid amount offer a balanced combination of comfort, disclosure, and value. Its vitamin C amount is lower than the original’s, and rutin remains a minor addition.
Report alternatives

Sources

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

  1. 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
  2. Effect of Vitamin C Supplements on Respiratory Tract Infections: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.
    Keya TA; Leela A; Fernandez K; Habib N; Rashid M · Current reviews in clinical and experimental pharmacology · 2022
    Meta-analysis10 studies pooledImmunity forVitamin C
  3. Vitamin C supplementation and salivary immune function following exercise-heat stress.
    Carrillo AE; Murphy RJ; Cheung SS · International journal of sports physiology and performance · 2009
    Randomized trial12 participantsImmunity forVitamin C
  4. 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
  5. 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
  6. Double-blind, half-face study comparing topical vitamin C and vehicle for rejuvenation of photodamage.
    Fitzpatrick RE; Rostan EF · Dermatologic surgery : official publication for American Society for Dermatologic Surgery [et al.] · 2002
    Non-randomized trial10 participantsSkin Health forVitamin C
  7. Vitamin C and postoperative outcomes following mandibular third molar extraction: a randomized split-mouth study.
    Demirel M; Aktas A; Kizil M; Yalcin N · Oral surgery, oral medicine, oral pathology and oral radiology · 2026
    Randomized trial56 participantsSkin Health forVitamin C
  8. 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
  9. 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
  10. 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
  11. 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
  12. 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
  13. 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
  14. 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
  15. 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
  16. 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
  17. 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
  18. 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
  19. 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
  20. 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
  21. 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
  22. 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
  23. 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
  24. 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
  25. 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
  26. 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
  27. 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
  28. 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
  29. 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
  30. 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
  31. 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
  32. Nutritional modulation of cataract.
    Weikel KA; Garber C; Baburins A; Taylor A · Nutrition reviews · 2014
    Narrative reviewVision Support forVitamin C
  33. 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
  34. 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