Vitamin C

Vitamin C is one of the best-known vitamins on the shelf, and it is a staple in countless daily routines. At Greenbrook we carry a broad selection because this is a category where form and format really matter — the right pick often comes down to your stomach, your taste, and how you like to take your supplements.

Vitamin C, also called ascorbic acid, plays several well-established roles. It helps support immune function, it is a source of antioxidants that help protect against oxidative stress, and it helps in collagen formation to maintain healthy bones, cartilage, teeth and gums. That combination of everyday supportive roles is why it appeals to such a wide range of shoppers, from people building a seasonal-wellness routine to anyone interested in skin, joint, and connective-tissue support.

Because vitamin C is water-soluble and not stored in the body, many people take it daily. It comes in an unusually wide range of formats: tablets and capsules for simplicity, powders you can stir into water or a smoothie, pleasant chewables that make it easy for the whole family, and liquids for those who prefer to sip. Powders and liquids let you customize your serving, while tablets and chewables keep things convenient. Chewables and lightly flavoured powders also make vitamin C an easy one for children and the whole family to keep up together.

There are also specialized versions worth knowing about, and two have their own dedicated pages. A liposomal vitamin C wraps the nutrient in tiny fat-based spheres and is popular with shoppers drawn to that format's absorption reputation, while a vitamin C with bioflavonoids pairs it with plant compounds that naturally occur alongside vitamin C in whole foods like citrus.

When choosing, think first about your stomach — if plain ascorbic acid feels sharp for you, a buffered mineral ascorbate or an Ester-C style product may sit more comfortably. Then pick a format that fits your day. Store vitamin C in a cool, dry place away from light and humidity, and keep powders tightly sealed. As with any supplement, speak with your health-care practitioner before adding it to your routine.

Mineral Ascorbates (Buffered Vitamin C)

Mineral ascorbates are vitamin C combined with a mineral such as calcium, magnesium, sodium, or potassium. This pairing "buffers" the vitamin, making it less acidic — which is why buffered vitamin C is a favourite among shoppers who find plain ascorbic acid a little sharp on the stomach. You get the same vitamin C that helps support immune function and is a source of antioxidants, with a gentler character. Buffered products often come as powders and capsules, and some deliver a small amount of the paired mineral as a bonus. If comfort is your priority, this is a popular place to start.

What makes buffered vitamin C gentler?
Pairing vitamin C with a mineral lowers its acidity, which many shoppers with a sensitive stomach find more comfortable than plain ascorbic acid.

Ascorbic Acid

Ascorbic acid is vitamin C in its most basic, widely available form — the one most people picture when they think of vitamin C. It is straightforward, economical, and comes in every format from tablets to powders. It delivers the vitamin C that helps support immune function, acts as a source of antioxidants, and helps in collagen formation for healthy bones, cartilage, teeth and gums. Because it is the most acidic form, some shoppers with a sensitive stomach prefer a buffered or Ester-C style option instead. But for many people, plain ascorbic acid is a simple, reliable everyday choice.

Is ascorbic acid the same as vitamin C?
Ascorbic acid is the plain, most common form of vitamin C. It is straightforward and economical; shoppers with a sensitive stomach sometimes choose a buffered form instead.

Ester-C

Ester-C is a well-known form of vitamin C built around calcium ascorbate, and it is often chosen by shoppers who want something gentle on the stomach. Because it is calcium-buffered, it is generally described as non-acidic, which makes it a comfortable pick for daily use. It provides the vitamin C that helps support immune function and is a source of antioxidants, just like other forms. Shoppers frequently look for Ester-C by name, and we stock it in familiar tablet and capsule formats. If you have had trouble with acidic vitamin C in the past, Ester-C is one many people reach for.

Why do shoppers choose Ester-C?
Ester-C is a calcium ascorbate-based form generally described as gentle and non-acidic, so people who find acidic vitamin C uncomfortable often prefer it for daily use.

Frequently asked questions

What does vitamin C do in the body?

Vitamin C helps support immune function, is a source of antioxidants that help protect against oxidative stress, and helps in collagen formation to maintain healthy bones, cartilage, teeth and gums. It is a water-soluble vitamin many people take daily.

Which form is gentlest on the stomach?

Many shoppers who find plain ascorbic acid sharp prefer a buffered mineral ascorbate or an Ester-C style product, both of which are often described as gentler. Preference varies, so it can be worth trying one to see what suits you.

What is the difference between the formats you carry?

We stock tablets and capsules for convenience, powders and liquids you can measure to your own serving, and chewables that are easy and pleasant to take. It comes down to taste, convenience, and how you like to take your supplements.

What is liposomal vitamin C?

It is a format that carries the vitamin in tiny fat-based spheres called liposomes, popular with shoppers drawn to that style. We cover it on its own dedicated page.

Why do some products add bioflavonoids?

Bioflavonoids are plant compounds that naturally occur alongside vitamin C in whole foods like citrus. Some shoppers like a product that pairs the two; you can read more on our bioflavonoids page.

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