Choosing the Right Vitamin C: Ascorbic Acid VS Buffered Varieties

The health benefits of Vitamin C need no introduction. It has always been the world’s most famous vitamin. 

When it comes to Vitamin C supplements, there are several forms of Vitamin C that formulators use, namely:

• Ascorbic acid
• Buffered Vitamin C forms (e.g. Sodium and Calcium ascorbates)
• Food-derived Vitamin C (e.g. Acerola extract)

As a supplement developer, I am often asked about my thoughts on traditional ascorbic acid versus buffered vitamin C forms and I am glad to share my insights via this article. 

Let’s look at the intricacies of both of these vitamin C forms, highlighting their unique characteristics and why each may be preferred for specific applications.

Ascorbic Acid and why I formulate with it

Ascorbic acid, often referred to as pure Vitamin C, is the most straightforward and widely recognised form of this essential nutrient.

Ascorbic acid is also the form of Vitamin C found in food. 

When it comes to formulating supplements with Ascorbic acid power, there are several advantages: 

• Purity and Potency: Ascorbic acid powder used in supplements are about 98% elemental vitamin C, making it a great choice for formulators to deliver maximum vitamin C.

• Cost-Effectiveness: Ascorbic acid is typically more cost-effective than its buffered counterparts, making it a budget-friendly option for both consumers and supplement developers.

• Versatility: Ascorbic acid is versatile and can be easily incorporated into various formulations, including powders, tablets, capsules, and liquid supplements. 

Ascorbic acid has potential drawbacks that warrant consideration:

• Gastrointestinal Upset: High doses of ascorbic acid, particularly when taken on an empty stomach, can lead to gastrointestinal issues such as diarrhea, nausea, and stomach cramps. This is because ascorbic acid is acidic and can irritate the digestive tract if taken in high amounts.

Rethink Your Vitamin C Supplement Intake

• Acidity: Ascorbic acid is highly acidic, which can be problematic for individuals with sensitive stomachs or acid-related conditions like acid reflux or ulcers. In this case, I recommend taking a buffered form of Vitamin C. 

That being said, ascorbic acid remains my preferred choice of Vitamin C for supplement development due to its exceptional cost-effectiveness and remarkable efficacy.

Its well-established track record in promoting health, coupled with its affordability, ensures accessibility for a broad range of individuals seeking the benefits of vitamin C. 

Figure 1: Bioteen Vitamin C1000, a product that I have developed with ascorbic acid and supercharged with B-Vitamins, Electrolytes and Prebiotics.

Buffered Vitamin C

Buffered vitamin C, as the name suggests, is a non-acidic tasting Vitamin C form.

Buffered Vitamin C consist of ascorbic acid combined with minerals such as calcium (Calcium ascorbate), magnesium (magnesium ascorbate), or Sodium (Sodium ascorbate).

Buffered vitamin C offers several advantages:

• Gentler on the Stomach: Buffered vitamin C is less acidic than pure ascorbic acid, making it a preferred choice for individuals with sensitive stomachs or those who experience acid-related discomfort when taking vitamin C.

• Milder Taste: Buffered vitamin C often has a milder, less tart taste, which can be more palatable for those who find the sharp tang of pure vitamin C unappealing. When developing vitamin C-containing products that can be added to liquids like milk, tea or solid foods I rely on buffered Vitamin C forms. 

• Mineral Benefits: Depending on the buffering agent used, buffered vitamin C can provide additional minerals like calcium, magnesium, or potassium, which can be beneficial for overall health. However, one must keep in mind that buffered forms of Vitamin C (the raw materials) don’t have as much vitamin C as pure ascorbic acid powder. For instance, Calcium Ascorbate contains 90% of Vitamin C and 10% of Calcium. Buffered Vitamin C forms are also generally more expensive, which can contribute significantly to the cost of the end-product. 

Figure 2. Bioteen 5-HTP, a product that I have developed, contains buffered Vitamin C which participates in the conversion of tryptophan to 5-HTP. I have chosen buffered Vitamin C as this enables users to add the powders to non-acidic beverages.

Concluding Remarks

While both vitamin C forms offer their unique advantages and applications, the choice ultimately depends on individual needs and preferences.

Buffered vitamin C has a gentle effect on the stomach and reduces the risk of gastrointestinal discomfort. It is an excellent choice for those with sensitive digestive systems. 

On the other hand, ascorbic acid, with its higher concentration of pure vitamin C, may be preferred by those seeking a potent and cost-effective supplement. 

Whichever form you choose, the key takeaway is that vitamin C, in either form, remains a valuable and essential nutrient for overall health and well-being.

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