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Vitamin C (Ascorbic Acid)
Acidum ascorbicum
The body's most essential water-soluble antioxidant and immune vitamin — required for collagen synthesis, iron absorption, neurotransmitter production, and protection against oxidative stress. Cannot be produced by the human body and must be obtained through diet or supplementation.
What Is It?
Vitamin C (Ascorbic Acid) is arguably the most well-known vitamin in the world. Humans are one of the few mammals that cannot synthesize their own Vitamin C — making dietary and supplemental intake essential. Found abundantly in citrus fruits, bell peppers, kiwi, strawberries, and broccoli.
Beyond its immune fame, Vitamin C is a critical cofactor for collagen synthesis (the structural protein of skin, blood vessels, cartilage, and bone), a powerful antioxidant protecting cells from oxidative damage, and an essential factor in neurotransmitter and hormone production.
Beyond its immune fame, Vitamin C is a critical cofactor for collagen synthesis (the structural protein of skin, blood vessels, cartilage, and bone), a powerful antioxidant protecting cells from oxidative damage, and an essential factor in neurotransmitter and hormone production.
How It Works
Vitamin C operates through multiple mechanisms simultaneously:
- Antioxidant — directly neutralizes free radicals in aqueous environments and regenerates other antioxidants (including Vitamin E) back to their active forms
- Collagen synthesis — essential cofactor for enzymes that cross-link collagen fibers, maintaining the structural integrity of blood vessels, skin, and connective tissue
- Immune function — supports the production and function of white blood cells, particularly neutrophils and lymphocytes, and enhances barrier function against pathogens
- Iron absorption — converts non-heme iron (plant-based) to a more absorbable form, critical for preventing iron deficiency anemia
- Neurotransmitter synthesis — required for converting dopamine to norepinephrine and for carnitine synthesis
- Antioxidant — directly neutralizes free radicals in aqueous environments and regenerates other antioxidants (including Vitamin E) back to their active forms
- Collagen synthesis — essential cofactor for enzymes that cross-link collagen fibers, maintaining the structural integrity of blood vessels, skin, and connective tissue
- Immune function — supports the production and function of white blood cells, particularly neutrophils and lymphocytes, and enhances barrier function against pathogens
- Iron absorption — converts non-heme iron (plant-based) to a more absorbable form, critical for preventing iron deficiency anemia
- Neurotransmitter synthesis — required for converting dopamine to norepinephrine and for carnitine synthesis
Side Effects & Considerations
Vitamin C is extremely safe with a well-established record:
- High doses (above 2,000mg daily) may cause digestive upset, diarrhea, and kidney stones in susceptible individuals
- The tolerable upper limit is 2,000mg daily for adults — the 1,000mg dose in H2O Cardio approaches this
- Those with hemochromatosis (iron overload) should use caution
- May interfere with certain lab tests — inform your healthcare provider of supplementation
- Water-soluble — excess excreted in urine, toxicity rare
- Buffered forms (Calcium Ascorbate, Sodium Ascorbate) are gentler on the stomach for sensitive individuals
- May reduce the effectiveness of some chemotherapy drugs — consult oncologist
- High doses (above 2,000mg daily) may cause digestive upset, diarrhea, and kidney stones in susceptible individuals
- The tolerable upper limit is 2,000mg daily for adults — the 1,000mg dose in H2O Cardio approaches this
- Those with hemochromatosis (iron overload) should use caution
- May interfere with certain lab tests — inform your healthcare provider of supplementation
- Water-soluble — excess excreted in urine, toxicity rare
- Buffered forms (Calcium Ascorbate, Sodium Ascorbate) are gentler on the stomach for sensitive individuals
- May reduce the effectiveness of some chemotherapy drugs — consult oncologist
Typical Dosage Range
500mg – 2,000mg daily
The RDA is 75-90mg for adults — easily met through diet. Supplemental doses of 500-1,000mg are commonly used for immune and antioxidant support. Higher doses are used therapeutically but increase risk of digestive effects. Vitamin C is best taken in divided doses throughout the day as it is water-soluble and not stored long-term. The 1,000mg dose in H2O Cardio is at the upper end of standard supplementation.
Research Notes
- Hemilä & Chalker (2013) — Cochrane review of 29 trials found regular Vitamin C supplementation reduced duration of common cold by 8% in adults and 14% in children.
- Traber & Stevens (2011) — Review in Free Radical Biology and Medicine established Vitamin C as the primary water-soluble antioxidant in plasma and its role in regenerating Vitamin E.
- Carr & Vissers (2013) — Published in Nutrients, demonstrated Vitamin C's essential role in immune function across multiple immune cell types.
- Myung et al. (2011) — Meta-analysis found Vitamin C supplementation significantly reduced blood pressure in hypertensive patients.
- Traber & Stevens (2011) — Review in Free Radical Biology and Medicine established Vitamin C as the primary water-soluble antioxidant in plasma and its role in regenerating Vitamin E.
- Carr & Vissers (2013) — Published in Nutrients, demonstrated Vitamin C's essential role in immune function across multiple immune cell types.
- Myung et al. (2011) — Meta-analysis found Vitamin C supplementation significantly reduced blood pressure in hypertensive patients.
* These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.