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Ultimate Vitamin C Formula Mineral Ascorbate Complex with Bioflavonoids

Swanson Ultra
4.7
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
(672 ratings)
Vitamin C 500 mg
Molybdenum 25 mcg
Product Image
Score80
A focused 500 mg vitamin C serving with buffered mineral ascorbates and citrus bioflavonoids gives the formula a clear purpose. The label does not separate how much vitamin C comes from each listed form, while quercetin and the supporting minerals are modest.
How scoring works
Quantity:60 Capsule(s) • (60 servings)
Goals:
Immunity
General Health
Anti-Inflammatory Support
Skin Health
Vision Support

Score 80

A focused 500 mg vitamin C serving with buffered mineral ascorbates and citrus bioflavonoids gives the formula a clear purpose. The label does not separate how much vitamin C comes from each listed form, while quercetin and the supporting minerals are modest.
How scoring works
$6.49($0.10 per serving)
iHerb
$ 6.49
iHerb
$ 6.49
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Analysis

A focused 500 mg vitamin C serving with buffered mineral ascorbates and citrus bioflavonoids gives the formula a clear purpose. The one-capsule serving is easy to use, and most active amounts are disclosed without a large proprietary blend.

The label does not separate how much vitamin C comes from each listed form, while quercetin and the supporting minerals are modest. It suits adults who want an economical, targeted vitamin C product rather than a broad antioxidant or mineral formula.

The vitamin C amount is moderate but can still cause digestive discomfort in sensitive users. Sixty servings and a concentrated design give it strong practical value without relying on numerous token extras.

Who is it for
  • Adults seeking targeted vitamin C support
  • People who prefer one-capsule servings
  • Users wanting partly buffered vitamin C
Best for
  • Daily vitamin C supplementation
  • Low-complexity antioxidant support
  • Combining ascorbate forms with citrus bioflavonoids

Pros

  • Provides a focused 500 mg vitamin C amount
  • Includes 100 mg of citrus bioflavonoids
  • Offers 60 one-capsule servings

Cons

  • The contribution from each vitamin C form is unclear
  • Quercetin is limited to 7.5 mg
  • Supporting mineral amounts are small

Warnings

  • The 500 mg vitamin C serving may cause loose stools, nausea, or stomach discomfort in sensitive users.
  • Vitamin C can increase iron absorption, which may be undesirable for people managing iron-overload conditions.

Nutrient quality

84 Highest impact

Mineral ascorbates partly buffer the vitamin C, while ordinary ascorbic acid remains part of the formula, and vitamin C is meaningfully dosed, while the supporting minerals and quercetin are modest. The vitamin C amount is substantial without appearing excessive for general supplemental use, while most additions complement the vitamin C core rather than merely padding the formula.

Ingredient transparency

73 High impact

Amounts are listed, but repeated vitamin C source entries do not reveal the share from each form. No proprietary blend hides key active doses, while capsule materials and inactive ingredients are not listed in the supplied details.

Customer satisfaction

71 High impact

The supplied aggregate satisfaction metric is strong, and the large amount of aggregate feedback makes the satisfaction metric more stable. No review excerpts were provided, so recurring complaints and purpose-specific experiences cannot be checked.

Value for money

91 Highest impact

A focused formula and useful vitamin C amount support strong value. Each capsule provides a meaningful core dose with little serving burden, while the modest supporting nutrients generally complement the core rather than inflating it.

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Goals

Immunity
Immunity
Impact
Highest effect
A+ Goal FitA- Strength of SupportB- CoverageB+ Formula Quality
Magnesium · 17 mgVitamin C · 500 mgZinc · 3 mg

A well-targeted vitamin C amount supports antioxidant defenses, epithelial barriers, and normal immune function. Mineral ascorbates partly buffer the formula, while bioflavonoids add a complementary antioxidant component.

Zinc is too modest to function as a primary immune dose, and quercetin is only a small adjunct. Repeated vitamin C forms make the label busier without showing their individual shares.

Study evidence
Vitamin C Supportive 53 studies
Zinc Supportive 73 studies
General Health
General Health
Impact
High effect
A- Goal FitB+ Strength of SupportC CoverageB Formula Quality
Magnesium · 17 mgZinc · 3 mgVitamin C · 500 mg

The mineral ascorbate complex provides a practical vitamin C amount plus citrus bioflavonoids. Vitamin C supports antioxidant protection, collagen formation, and normal immune function.

Several added minerals broaden the label only slightly because most are present in small amounts. Repeated vitamin C entries make the contribution of each source unclear, while the ordinary ascorbic acid component may be less gentle than a fully buffered formula.

Study evidence
Vitamin C Supportive 56 studies
Anti-Inflammatory Support
Anti-Inflammatory Support
Impact
High effect
B- Goal FitB+ Strength of SupportB- CoverageB+ Formula Quality
Vitamin C · 500 mg

Vitamin C provides meaningful antioxidant support, while citrus bioflavonoids and minerals add related nutritional context. The serving uses partly buffered mineral ascorbates and clearly states the individual mineral amounts.

The dose is well targeted, but the formula does not disclose how much vitamin C comes from each chemical form. Quercetin is present only in a small amount, so it adds little targeted anti-inflammatory depth.

Study evidence
Vitamin C Supportive 50 studies
Skin Health
Skin Health
Impact
High effect
B Goal FitA- Strength of SupportC+ CoverageB+ Formula Quality
Zinc · 3 mgVitamin C · 500 mg

Vitamin C is meaningfully dosed for collagen synthesis and antioxidant support. Zinc and bioflavonoids add modest complementary coverage but do not make the formula comprehensive.

Partly buffered mineral ascorbates may improve tolerance, although form proportions are not stated. The formula remains focused and transparent enough for dependable vitamin C support.

Study evidence
Vitamin C Supportive 53 studies
Zinc Supportive 66 studies
Vision Support
Vision Support
Impact
High effect
B Goal FitA- Strength of SupportC- CoverageB+ Formula Quality
Zinc · 3 mgVitamin C · 500 mg

Vitamin C provides relevant antioxidant support for the lens and retina, and the 500 mg amount is clearly stated. Its strongest clinical context is as one part of a broader ocular nutrient combination rather than as a complete vision formula.

Mineral ascorbates may improve stomach comfort, though the label presentation makes the contribution of each source less intuitive. Bioflavonoids offer a related antioxidant addition, while the small zinc amount does not provide strong AREDS-style mineral support.

Study evidence
Vitamin C Disputed 24 studies
Zinc Supportive 39 studies

Ingredients

IngredientAmount per serving
Vitamin C (Ascorbic Acid, Chromium Ascorbate, Zinc Ascorbate)
 500 mg
Magnesium (Magnesium Carbonate)
 17 mg
Zinc (Zinc Ascorbate)
 3 mg
Manganese (Manganese Carbonate)
 0.25 mg
Chromium (Chromium Ascorbate)
 30 mcg
Molybdenum (Sodium Molybdate)
 25 mcg
Potassium (Potassium Bicarbonate)
 37.5 mg
Citrus Bioflavonoid Complex (Orange)
 100 mg
Quercetin (Sophora japonica)
 7.5 mg
Adults 18–50 Vegetarian
Report overview
Vitamin C (Ascorbic Acid, Chromium Ascorbate, Zinc Ascorbate) · 500 mg OverallScore73
C Active Ingredient Quality & BioavailabilityB+ Dose, Safety & Label TransparencyB+ Value
A mineral ascorbate complex partly buffers the formula and adds useful bioflavonoids, although ordinary ascorbic acid is also present. The listed vitamin C serving is efficiently targeted, and individual minerals are clearly quantified. Cost per gram is good, while incomplete form proportions and excipient details leave some uncertainty.
View ingredientView products
Molybdenum (Sodium Molybdate) · 25 mcg OverallScore58
C- Active Ingredient Quality & BioavailabilityC Dose, Safety & Label TransparencyD+ Value

Sodium molybdate is a soluble, readily available molybdenum salt, while no branded or patented molybdenum source is identified. The molybdenum amount is below the target range, and the amount remains comfortably within the adult upper limit. The low cost is attractive, but the formula is centered on vitamin C rather than meaningful molybdenum support; the serving cost is low, but the molybdenum amount is below the effective target.

View ingredientView products
Loading alternative details
82 Performance

Liposomal Vitamin C 1000 mg

SunLipid
<p>A 1,000 mg buffered vitamin C dose is paired with a 1,000 mg phospholipid complex and 500 mg of medium-chain triglycerides for a more delivery-focused formula. The original has broader mineral additions, while this option discloses its sodium and liposomal components more clearly.</p>
86 Performance

Ester-C Plus 1000 mg Vitamin C

Solgar
<p>Ester-C supplies 1,000 mg of buffered vitamin C with 200 mg of citrus bioflavonoids, giving it a stronger focused dose than the original. Calcium ascorbate may also suit people who find plain ascorbic acid uncomfortable.</p>
84 Performance

Ester-C 500 mg With Citrus Bioflavoinds

American Health
<p>Buffered calcium ascorbate provides 1,000 mg of vitamin C alongside a substantial citrus bioflavonoid complex. That pairing is more directly aligned with vitamin C and antioxidant support than the original formula's small quercetin addition.</p>
89 Budget

Pure Buffered Calcium Ascorbate

NOW
<p>Buffered calcium ascorbate supplies 890 mg of vitamin C at a lower recurring cost than the original. The focused formula omits bioflavonoids and molybdenum, but it keeps the main vitamin C dose clear.</p>
88 Budget

Buffered Gold C

California Gold Nutrition
<p>A 1,000 mg sodium ascorbate serving provides fully buffered vitamin C at a lower recurring cost than the original. Its simple label improves dose clarity, though the disclosed sodium matters for anyone limiting sodium.</p>
88 Budget

Sodium Ascorbate

NutriBiotic Immunity
<p>Bulk sodium ascorbate delivers 1,100 mg of buffered vitamin C with especially economical long-term use. Careful measuring is important, and its 120 mg sodium contribution should be included in the daily total.</p>
86 Value

C

Swanson
<p>A 1,000 mg calcium ascorbate dose and 200 mg of citrus bioflavonoids closely match the original purpose with stronger active amounts. The long supply and focused ingredient list support favorable value without decorative extras.</p>
84 Value

Ester-C 24 Hour Immune Support 1000 mg

NatureSmart
<p>Ester-C calcium ascorbate supplies 1,000 mg of buffered vitamin C plus 102 mg of citrus bioflavonoids. It offers a close, cost-conscious substitute for the original when molybdenum is not a priority.</p>
86 Value

NAC Detox Regulators

Doctor's Best
<p>For a molybdenum-centered goal, 50 mcg of molybdenum glycinate is paired with 600 mg of N-acetylcysteine and 50 mcg of selenium. It offers a more purposeful antioxidant-support blend than the original's small molybdenum amount, but it does not replace a vitamin C supplement.</p>
Report alternatives

Sources

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

  1. 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
  2. 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
  3. 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
  4. 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
  5. 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
  6. 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
  7. 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
  8. 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
  9. 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
  10. 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
  11. 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
  12. 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
  13. 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
  14. 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
  15. 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
  16. Nutrient supplementation for prevention of viral respiratory tract infections in healthy subjects: A systematic review and meta-analysis.
    Vlieg-Boerstra B; de Jong N; Meyer R; Agostoni C; De Cosmi V; Grimshaw K; Milani GP; Muraro A; Oude Elberink H; Pali-Schöll I; Roduit C; Sasaki M; Skypala I; Sokolowska M; van Splunter M; Untersmayr E; Venter C; O'Mahony L; Nwaru BI · Allergy · 2022
    Meta-analysis199,055 participants115 studies pooledImmunity forZinc
  17. Zinc supplementation reduces the incidence of acute lower respiratory infections in infants and preschool children: a double-blind, controlled trial.
    Sazawal S; Black RE; Jalla S; Mazumdar S; Sinha A; Bhan MK · Pediatrics · 1998
    Randomized trial609 participantsImmunity forZinc
  18. A randomized controlled trial of zinc supplementation in the treatment of acute respiratory tract infection in Thai children.
    Rerksuppaphol S; Rerksuppaphol L · Pediatric reports · 2020
    Randomized trial64 participantsImmunity forZinc
  19. The effect of zinc and vitamin A supplementation on immune response in an older population.
    Fortes C; Forastiere F; Agabiti N; Fano V; Pacifici R; Virgili F; Piras G; Guidi L; Bartoloni C; Tricerri A; Zuccaro P; Ebrahim S; Perucci CA · Journal of the American Geriatrics Society · 1998
    Randomized trial136 participantsImmunity forZinc
  20. The role of specific nutrients in preventing immune system and blood cell disorders: an umbrella review.
    Vecchietti A; Strano P; Minutolo G; Grieco V; Cappuccio G; Granvillano G; Confalonieri L; Briganti GL; Raso E; Chimienti M; Pellegrini M; Mercogliano M; Spatari G; Lugli C; Urbano T; Lorenzon A · Journal of preventive medicine and hygiene · 2026
    Systematic review13 studies pooledImmunity forZinc
  21. 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
  22. 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
  23. 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
  24. 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
  25. 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
  26. Sex-related differences in response to zinc pyrithione shampoo vs. non-anti-dandruff shampoo.
    Collins LZ; Baines FL; Matheson JR; Turner GA; Diao Y; Li Y; Pi Y · International journal of cosmetic science · 2019
    Meta-analysis2,088 participants20 studies pooledSkin Health forZinc
  27. Maintenance of an Acidic Skin Surface with a Novel Zinc Lactobionate Emollient Preparation Improves Skin Barrier Function in Patients with Atopic Dermatitis.
    Andrew PV; Pinnock A; Poyner A; Brown K; Chittock J; Kay LJ; Cork MJ; Danby SG · Dermatology and therapy · 2024
    Cohort study23 participantsSkin Health forZinc
  28. Spatial expression of metallothionein, matrix metalloproteinase-1 and Ki-67 in human epidermal wounds treated with zinc and determined by quantitative immunohistochemistry: A randomised double-blind trial.
    Ågren MS; Chafranska L; Eriksen JO; Forman JL; Bjerrum MJ; Schjerling P; Larsen HF; Cottarelli E; Jorgensen LN; Gjerdrum LMR · European journal of cell biology · 2021
    Randomized trial30 participantsSkin Health forZinc
  29. A pilot trial using topical regular crystalline insulin vs. aqueous zinc solution for uncomplicated cutaneous wound healing: Impact on quality of life.
    Attia EA; Belal DM; El Samahy MH; El Hamamsy MH · Wound repair and regeneration : official publication of the Wound Healing Society [and] the European Tissue Repair Society · 2014
    Randomized trial90 participantsSkin Health forZinc
  30. Evidence-Based Nutritional Interventions in Wound Care.
    Saeg F; Orazi R; Bowers GM; Janis JE · Plastic and reconstructive surgery · 2021
    Systematic review2,339 participants36 studies pooledSkin Health forZinc
  31. 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
  32. 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
  33. Nutritional modulation of cataract.
    Weikel KA; Garber C; Baburins A; Taylor A · Nutrition reviews · 2014
    Narrative reviewVision Support forVitamin C
  34. 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
  35. 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
  36. Antioxidant vitamin and mineral supplements for age-related macular degeneration.
    Evans JR · The Cochrane database of systematic reviews · 2002
    Systematic review170 participants7 studies pooledVision Support forZinc
  37. Antioxidant vitamin and mineral supplements for slowing the progression of age-related macular degeneration.
    Evans JR; Lawrenson JG · The Cochrane database of systematic reviews · 2023
    Meta-analysis3,790 participants5 studies pooledVision Support forZinc
  38. Oral zinc in macular degeneration.
    Newsome DA; Swartz M; Leone NC; Elston RC; Miller E · Archives of ophthalmology (Chicago, Ill. : 1960) · 1988
    Randomized trial151 participantsVision Support forZinc
  39. A randomized, placebo-controlled, clinical trial of high-dose supplementation with vitamins C and E, beta carotene, and zinc for age-related macular degeneration and vision loss: AREDS report no. 8.
    Age-Related Eye Disease Study Research Group · Archives of ophthalmology (Chicago, Ill. : 1960) · 2001
    Randomized trial3,640 participantsVision Support forZinc
  40. Effect of vitamin A and zinc supplementation on the nutriture of children in Northeast Thailand.
    Udomkesmalee E; Dhanamitta S; Sirisinha S; Charoenkiatkul S; Tuntipopipat S; Banjong O; Rojroongwasinkul N; Kramer TR; Smith JC · The American journal of clinical nutrition · 1992
    Randomized trial133 participantsVision Support forZinc