VitaminWell-studiedVitamin

Vitamin C (Ascorbic Acid)

Also known as Vitamin C

Half-life

~30 minutes

What is Vitamin C (Ascorbic Acid)?

Water-soluble antioxidant vitamin. Cofactor for collagen synthesis and immune function.

How Vitamin C (Ascorbic Acid) works

Electron donor (reducing agent) that neutralizes reactive oxygen species, regenerates vitamin E, and is an essential cofactor for prolyl/lysyl hydroxylases in collagen crosslinking and catecholamine synthesis.

Benefits & uses

Immune support
Collagen/skin/connective tissue
Antioxidant
Improves iron absorption

Common uses: Immune support, antioxidant protection, collagen synthesis, iron absorption, cortisol modulation.

RecoveryLongevity

Vitamin C (Ascorbic Acid) dosage

Typical dose: General: 500–1000 mg/day. Immune support: 2000 mg/day divided. Training recovery: up to 3 g split doses.

Vitamin C (Ascorbic Acid) half-life

~30 minutes (plasma, but tissue pools vary)

Vitamin C (Ascorbic Acid) side effects

GI distress and loose stools at high doses (>2 g). Liposomal form improves tolerability.

Diarrhea and osmotic GI upset above bowel tolerance (~4–10 g/day — individual variation)
Oxalate kidney stone risk at chronic very high doses (>2 g/day)
Rebound scurvy with abrupt discontinuation of very high doses
Well tolerated
GI upset/loose stool at high doses (>2g)

Commonly stacked with

Iron Bisglycinate

Track Vitamin C (Ascorbic Acid) in Protokol.

Log doses, model half-lives, check interactions, and line it all up against your bloodwork. Free on iPhone and Android.