Vitamin C
Product Forms
Dose Distribution
Top Brands
Claims on Labels
Common Co-Ingredients
Top-Rated Vitamin C Products
Evidence Summary
Vitamin C is an essential antioxidant and micronutrient with extensive research investigating its role in immune function and disease prevention. Evidence suggests varying impacts across different health conditions, ranging from respiratory infections to periodontal health.
Evidence by Condition
Supplementation may reduce the incidence and duration of the common cold.
Multiple studies have investigated Vitamin C for the prevention and treatment of pneumonia.
Recent meta-analyses explore the potential protective effects of Vitamin C on periodontal health.
Research has evaluated Vitamin C for reducing risks of pre-eclampsia and intrauterine growth restriction.
While observational studies show an inverse relationship with major events, systematic reviews continue to evaluate primary prevention efficacy.
Vitamin C is being studied for its role in the management of critically ill patients.
Effective Doses
Dose ranges not specified in the provided research abstracts.
Key Findings
- Vitamin C supplementation may reduce the incidence and duration of the common cold (PMID: 23440782).
- Evidence supports the investigation of Vitamin C for the prevention and treatment of pneumonia (PMID: 23925826, 32337708).
- Recent meta-analysis investigates the protective effect of Vitamin C on periodontal health (PMID: 39201285).
- Vitamin C supplementation is studied for its potential to reduce pregnancy complications such as pre-eclampsia (PMID: 26415762).
Limitations
Research is often focused on specific populations (e.g., critically ill or pregnant) and some studies rely on genetic proxies (Mendelian randomization) rather than direct clinical trials.
Safety & Interactions
No specific interactions or contraindications were provided in the source text.
AI-generated summary from 371 peer-reviewed studies. Not medical advice. Always consult a healthcare provider.
Dietary Reference Intakes
Source: IOM/NAM Dietary Reference Intakes · Dietary Reference Intakes: Vitamin C (ascorbic acid)
Drug-Supplement Interactions
⚠️ This information is for educational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult your healthcare provider before combining supplements with medications.
Claims vs. Evidence
| Claim Type | % of Products | Evidence Required | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| All Other | 99% | Tier D (Unclassified) | ✅ Supported |
| Structure/Function | 83% | Tier C (DSHEA Structure/Function (no pre-approval)) | ✅ Supported |
| Nutrient | 54% | Tier D (Unknown) | ✅ Supported |
| Approved Health | 0% | Tier A (FDA Approved Health Claim (21 CFR 101.9)) | ✅ Supported |
| Qualified Health | 0% | Tier B (FDA Qualified Health Claim) | ✅ Supported |
| No Claim | 0% | Tier D (No claim on label) | ✅ Supported |
🏛️ NIH ODS Factsheet
Research by Topic
⚠️ FDA Safety Data
Research Evidence (371)
BACKGROUND: Vitamin C supplementation may help reduce the risk of pregnancy complications such as pre-eclampsia, intrauterine growth restriction and maternal anaemia. There is a need to evaluate the efficacy and safety of vitamin C supplementation in...
BACKGROUND: Vitamin C is an essential micronutrient and powerful antioxidant. Observational studies have shown an inverse relationship between vitamin C intake and major cardiovascular events and cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk factors. Results fro...
BACKGROUND: Vitamin C (ascorbic acid) for preventing and treating the common cold has been a subject of controversy for 70 years. OBJECTIVES: To find out whether vitamin C reduces the incidence, the duration or severity of the common cold when used e...
BACKGROUND: Pneumonia is one of the most common serious infections, causing two million deaths annually among young children in low-income countries. In high-income countries pneumonia is most significantly a problem of the elderly. OBJECTIVES: To as...
**Rumbold et al., 2015** | Cochrane Database Syst Rev | Meta Analysis Rumbold Alice, Ota Erika, ... Crowther Caroline A. Vitamin E supplementation in pregnancy. Cochrane Database Syst Rev. 2015-Sep-07;2015(9):CD004069. doi:10.1002/14651858.CD004069.p...
BACKGROUND: According to the Global Burden of Disease Study 2015, lower respiratory tract infection is the leading cause of infectious disease death, and the fifth most common cause of death overall. Vitamin C has a role in modulating resistance to i...
BACKGROUND: According to the Global Burden of Disease Study 2015, lower respiratory tract infection is the leading cause of infectious disease death, and the fifth most common cause of death overall. Vitamin C has a role in modulating resistance to i...
**Langer et al., 2024** | Cochrane Database Syst Rev | Meta Analysis Langer Gero, Wan Ching Shan, ... Schoberer Daniela. Nutritional interventions for preventing and treating pressure ulcers. Cochrane Database Syst Rev. 2024-Feb-12;2(2):CD003216. doi...
**Buzatu et al., 2024** | Int J Mol Sci | Meta Analysis Buzatu Roxana, Luca Magda Mihaela, Bumbu Bogdan Andrei. Does Vitamin C Supplementation Provide a Protective Effect in Periodontal Health? A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. Int J Mol Sci. 20...
**Fu et al., 2021** | BMC Med | Meta Analysis Fu Yuanqing, Xu Fengzhe, ... Zheng Ju-Sheng. Circulating vitamin C concentration and risk of cancers: a Mendelian randomization study. BMC Med. 2021-Jul-30;19(1):171. doi:10.1186/s12916-021-02041-1 BACKGR...
**Shrestha et al., 2021** | Nutrients | Meta Analysis Shrestha Dhan Bahadur, Budhathoki Pravash, ... Fowler Alpha A. Vitamin C in Critically Ill Patients: An Updated Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. Nutrients. 2021-Oct-12;13(10). doi:10.3390/nu13...
BACKGROUND: Pneumonia is one of the most common serious infections, causing two million deaths annually among young children in developing countries. In developed countries pneumonia is most significantly a problem of the elderly. OBJECTIVES: To asse...
**Mahtani et al., 2011** | Cochrane Database Syst Rev | Meta Analysis Mahtani Kamal R, Heneghan Carl J, ... Perera Rafael. Reminder packaging for improving adherence to self-administered long-term medications. Cochrane Database Syst Rev. 2011-Sep-07(...
**Langer et al., 2014** | Cochrane Database Syst Rev | Meta Analysis Langer Gero, Fink Astrid. Nutritional interventions for preventing and treating pressure ulcers. Cochrane Database Syst Rev. 2014-Jun-12;2014(6):CD003216. doi:10.1002/14651858.CD003...
**Kongnyuy et al., 2014** | Cochrane Database Syst Rev | Meta Analysis Kongnyuy Eugene J, Wiysonge Charles Shey. Interventions to reduce haemorrhage during myomectomy for fibroids. Cochrane Database Syst Rev. 2014-Aug-15;2014(8):CD005355. doi:10.1002...
**De et al., 2022** | Cochrane Database Syst Rev | Systematic Review De Sutter An Im, Eriksson Lars, van Driel Mieke L. Oral antihistamine-decongestant-analgesic combinations for the common cold. Cochrane Database Syst Rev. 2022-Jan-21;1(1):CD004976....
**Xu et al., 2023** | Nutrients | Meta Analysis Xu Chongxi, Yi Tong, ... Xu Jianguo. Association of Oral or Intravenous Vitamin C Supplementation with Mortality: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. Nutrients. 2023-Apr-12;15(8). doi:10.3390/nu15081...
**Vodopivec-Jamsek et al., 2012** | Cochrane Database Syst Rev | Systematic Review Vodopivec-Jamsek Vlasta, de Jongh Thyra, ... Car Josip. Mobile phone messaging for preventive health care. Cochrane Database Syst Rev. 2012-Dec-12;12(12):CD007457. doi...
**Lbban et al., 2023** | Int J Food Sci Nutr | Meta Analysis Lbban Eazaz, Kwon Kee, ... Siervo Mario. Vitamin C supplementation showed greater effects on systolic blood pressure in hypertensive and diabetic patients: an updated systematic review and ...
**Qi et al., 2024** | BMJ Open | Systematic Review Qi Shangwen, Luo Xu, ... Jin Hua. Effect of vitamin B2, vitamin C, vitamin D, vitamin E and folic acid in adults with essential hypertension: a systematic review and network meta-analysis. BMJ Open. ...
BACKGROUND: Tetanus is a severe disease that can be prevented by vaccination. In developing countries vaccination coverage is not always high. Cases still occur also in developed countries, particularly in elderly people owing to their reduced immuno...
**Zhou et al., 2023** | Eur Geriatr Med | Meta Analysis Zhou Futao, Xie Xinhua, ... Liu Tao. Effect of antioxidant intake patterns on risks of dementia and cognitive decline. Eur Geriatr Med. 2023-Feb;14(1):9-17. doi:10.1007/s41999-022-00720-7 BACKGR...
**De et al., 2012** | Cochrane Database Syst Rev | Meta Analysis De Sutter An I M, van Driel Mieke L, ... Skrt Alja. Oral antihistamine-decongestant-analgesic combinations for the common cold. Cochrane Database Syst Rev. 2012-Feb-15(2):CD004976. doi:...
**Magalhães et al., 2016** | Cochrane Database Syst Rev | Meta Analysis Magalhães Pedro V S, Dean Olivia, ... Kapczinski Flávio. Antioxidant treatments for schizophrenia. Cochrane Database Syst Rev. 2016-Feb-05;2(2):CD008919. doi:10.1002/14651858.CD0...
**Ashor et al., 2017** | Eur J Clin Nutr | Meta Analysis Ashor A W, Werner A D, ... Siervo M. Effects of vitamin C supplementation on glycaemic control: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomised controlled trials. Eur J Clin Nutr. 2017-Dec;...
INTRODUCTION: The Republic of Korea (ROK) military has a high incidence of respiratory diseases at training centres. Vitamin C has been reported to reduce the incidence of colds. For the purpose of preventing soldiers' respiratory diseases, this stud...
**Sato et al., 2021** | Crit Care Med | Meta Analysis Sato Ryota, Hasegawa Daisuke, ... Dugar Siddharth. Effect of IV High-Dose Vitamin C on Mortality in Patients With Sepsis: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials. Cri...
CONTEXT: Type 2 diabetes (T2D) is one of the fastest-growing global health emergencies of the 21st century. However, high antioxidant capacity of supplementation of vitamin C and/or E was inversely associated with insulin resistance. However, each an...
**Kaur et al., 2009** | Cochrane Database Syst Rev | Meta Analysis Kaur Balvinder, Rowe Brian H, Arnold Elizabeth. Vitamin C supplementation for asthma. Cochrane Database Syst Rev. 2009-Jan-21;2009(1):CD000993. doi:10.1002/14651858.CD000993.pub3 BACK...
**Sieswerda et al., 2011** | Cochrane Database Syst Rev | Meta Analysis Sieswerda Elske, van Dalen Elvira C, ... Kremer Leontien Cm. Medical interventions for treating anthracycline-induced symptomatic and asymptomatic cardiotoxicity during and after...
**Cheuk et al., 2016** | Cochrane Database Syst Rev | Systematic Review Cheuk Daniel K L, Sieswerda Elske, ... Kremer Leontien C M. Medical interventions for treating anthracycline-induced symptomatic and asymptomatic cardiotoxicity during and after ...
**Li et al., 2021** | Am J Emerg Med | Meta Analysis Li Ting, Zeng Jun, ... Jiang Hua. Efficacy of intravenous vitamin C intervention for septic patients: A systematic review and meta-analysis based on randomized controlled trials. Am J Emerg Med. 20...
**Fujii et al., 2022** | Intensive Care Med | Systematic Review Fujii Tomoko, Salanti Georgia, ... Young Paul J. Effect of adjunctive vitamin C, glucocorticoids, and vitamin B1 on longer-term mortality in adults with sepsis or septic shock: a systema...
BACKGROUND: Tetanus is a severe infection that can be prevented by vaccination. In developing countries vaccination coverage is not always high and in developed countries cases may still occur, particularly in elderly people owing to their reduced im...
**Rajaratnam et al., 2010** | Cochrane Database Syst Rev | Systematic Review Rajaratnam Ratna, Halpern James, ... Emmett Charis. Interventions for melasma. Cochrane Database Syst Rev. 2010-Jul-07(7):CD003583. doi:10.1002/14651858.CD003583.pub2 BACKGR...
BACKGROUND: China has some of the highest incidence rates for gastric adenocarcinoma (GA) and esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC) in the world. Prospective studies suggested that vitamin C may reduce risks; however, associations are unclear bec...
**Gess et al., 2015** | Cochrane Database Syst Rev | Meta Analysis Gess Burkhard, Baets Jonathan, ... Young Peter. Ascorbic acid for the treatment of Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease. Cochrane Database Syst Rev. 2015-Dec-11;2015(12):CD011952. doi:10.1002/...
Vitamin C is a powerful dietary antioxidant that has received considerable attention in the literature related to its possible role in heart health. Although classical vitamin C deficiency, marked by scurvy, is rare in most parts of the world, some r...
**Showell et al., 2020** | Cochrane Database Syst Rev | Meta Analysis Showell Marian G, Mackenzie-Proctor Rebecca, ... Hart Roger J. Antioxidants for female subfertility. Cochrane Database Syst Rev. 2020-Aug-27;8(8):CD007807. doi:10.1002/14651858.CD0...
**Assouline et al., 2021** | Crit Care Med | Meta Analysis Assouline Benjamin, Faivre Anna, ... Legouis David. Thiamine, Ascorbic Acid, and Hydrocortisone As a Metabolic Resuscitation Cocktail in Sepsis: A Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trial...
**Patel et al., 2022** | Crit Care Med | Meta Analysis Patel Jayshil J, Ortiz-Reyes Alfonso, ... Heyland Daren K. IV Vitamin C in Critically Ill Patients: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. Crit Care Med. 2022-Mar-01;50(3):e304-e312. doi:10.1097/...
**Cai et al., 2022** | Ann Palliat Med | Meta Analysis Cai Bingbing, Lv Xue, ... Chen Changneng. Clinical efficacy and safety of vitamin C in the treatment of septic shock patients: systematic review and meta-analysis. Ann Palliat Med. 2022-Apr;11(4)...
**Larsson et al., 2022** | Clin Nutr | Meta Analysis Larsson Susanna C, Mason Amy M, ... Burgess Stephen. Circulating vitamin C and digestive system cancers: Mendelian randomization study. Clin Nutr. 2022-Sep;41(9):2031-2035. doi:10.1016/j.clnu.2022....
**Qin et al., 2025** | Nutr Rev | Meta Analysis Qin Maorong, Xu Kun, ... Ma Xingming. Effects of Vitamin C Supplements on Clinical Outcomes and Hospitalization Duration for Patients with Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19): A Systematic Review and Me...
**Milan et al., 2013** | Cochrane Database Syst Rev | Meta Analysis Milan Stephen J, Hart Anna, Wilkinson Mark. Vitamin C for asthma and exercise-induced bronchoconstriction. Cochrane Database Syst Rev. 2013-Oct-23;2013(10):CD010391. doi:10.1002/1465...
**Andrés et al., 2014** | Cochrane Database Syst Rev | Meta Analysis Andrés Mariano, Sivera Francisca, ... Carmona Loreto. Dietary supplements for chronic gout. Cochrane Database Syst Rev. 2014-Oct-07(10):CD010156. doi:10.1002/14651858.CD010156.pub2 ...
**Suchdev et al., 2015** | Cochrane Database Syst Rev | Systematic Review Suchdev Parminder S, Peña-Rosas Juan Pablo, De-Regil Luz Maria. Multiple micronutrient powders for home (point-of-use) fortification of foods in pregnant women. Cochrane Databa...
**Showell et al., 2017** | Cochrane Database Syst Rev | Meta Analysis Showell Marian G, Mackenzie-Proctor Rebecca, ... Hart Roger J. Antioxidants for female subfertility. Cochrane Database Syst Rev. 2017-Jul-28;7(7):CD007807. doi:10.1002/14651858.CD0...
We conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials examining the effect of vitamin C and/or E on exercise-induced training adaptations. Medline, Embase and SPORTDiscus databases were searched for articles from inceptio...
BACKGROUND: Evidence suggests that vitamin C supplementation could be a potential therapy in type 2 diabetes. However, its effectiveness and evidence quality require further evaluation. PURPOSE: To investigate the efficacy of oral vitamin C supplemen...
Showing top 50 of 371 sources, sorted by quality score.
Details
Vitamin C
Overview
Vitamin C is a essential nutrient tracked in the biomedical knowledge base.
Also known as: ascorbic acid, ascorbate, l-ascorbic acid, sodium ascorbate
Role in Health
Detailed overview pending — this entity has sources compiled across multiple verticals.
Related Verticals
See sources-index for all verified sources referencing Vitamin C.
Safety Considerations
Safety data extraction pending.
Sources
See linked source pages for full provenance.
Related Supplements
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the primary role of Vitamin C in the body?
Vitamin C is an essential antioxidant and micronutrient that plays a key role in immune function and disease prevention.
Can Vitamin C help with the common cold?
There is moderate evidence suggesting that Vitamin C supplementation may reduce both the incidence and the duration of the common cold.
Is Vitamin C effective for preventing or treating pneumonia?
There is moderate evidence from multiple studies investigating the use of Vitamin C for the prevention and treatment of pneumonia.
Does Vitamin C affect periodontal health?
Recent meta-analyses have explored the potential protective effects of Vitamin C on periodontal health, showing moderate evidence of its impact.
Can Vitamin C reduce the risk of pregnancy complications?
Currently, there is insufficient evidence to confirm if Vitamin C can reduce the risks of complications such as pre-eclampsia and intrauterine growth restriction.
What is the relationship between Vitamin C and cardiovascular disease?
The evidence is currently considered weak; while observational studies show an inverse relationship with major events, systematic reviews are still evaluating its efficacy for primary prevention.
Answers generated from research evidence. Not medical advice.