Perhaps no vitamin is as well known as vitamin C. It plays a very important role in countless processes in our body and is quite crucial for the functioning of the immune system. For this reason, vitamin C supplements find their application especially during flu season, when strong immunity is most important. If you play sports and have high demands on your body, you may be looking for a way to sufficiently supplement vitamin C. However, it is often difficult to navigate the wide range of supplements on offer. That's why we've put together a ranking of the best vitamin C supplements on the market. We chose the products based on their vitamin C content, the presence of other substances that support its effect, the quality of the ingredients and, of course, the price. If you still don't know what to choose, don't hesitate to ask us your questions in the comments.
The 10 best vitamins C
| Ranking | Image | Product | Main advantages | Price | Information |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1. |
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inSPORTline Bitigo | 1000 mg of vitamin C, Pack for 30/100 days, Contains extra rosehip extract and citrus bioflavonoids | Best price More information | |
| 2. |
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Powerlogy Trio Granola Pack | 500 mg of vitamin C, Pack for 80 days, Contains extra rosehip extract | Best price More information | |
| 3. |
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Extrifit Vita-C 1000 Time Release | 1000 mg of vitamin C, Pack for 100 days, Contains extra rosehip extract | $7,64 | Best price More information |
| 4. |
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Prom-in Vitamin C800 + Rose Hip extract | 800 mg of vitamin C, Pack for 60 days, Contains extra rosehip extract | $3,96 | Best price More information |
| 5. |
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Gymbeam Shred!t | 500 mg of vitamin C, Pack for 60 days, Contains extra rosehip extract | Best price More information | |
| 6. |
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MedPharma Vitamin C 1000mg s šípky | 1000 mg of vitamin C, Pack for 107 days, Contains extra rosehip extract and bioflavonoids | Best price More information | |
| 7. |
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Reflex Vitamin C 500 mg | 500 mg of vitamin C, Pack for 100 days, Contains no added substances | Best price More information | |
| 8. |
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Amix Vitamin C1000 | 1000 mg of vitamin C, Pack for 100 days, Contains extra rosehip extract | $12,78 | Best price More information |
| 9. |
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Czech Virus Vitamín C | 500 mg of vitamin C, Pack for 120 days, Contains no added substances | $6,76 | Best price More information |
| 10. |
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FCB VitaminPro Vitamin C | 1000 mg of vitamin C, Pack for 20 days, Contains no added substances | Best price More information |
Detailed comparison of the best vitamin C
In our ranking of the best vitamin C supplements, BioTechUSA Vitamin C 1000 performs best. What did it do to earn its top spot? In addition to l-ascorbic acid, it contains citrus bioflavonoids and rosehip extract. In addition, there is also calcium, which is better absorbed in combination with vitamin C.
Benefits:
- Well-thought-out composition
- High-quality processing
- Contains other useful substances
- Sufficient vitamin C
Disadvantages:
- Higher price
About the Manufacturer:
It comes as a surprise to many people that BioTechUSA is not actually based in the United States, but comes from Hungary. However, Ferenc Lévai, the founder of the company, was of the opinion that for marketing purposes, it would be beneficial to replace the original name JLM Power Line with something more appealing. BioTechUSA products are characterised by their excellent price/quality ratio and very often also by their great taste. What has been our experience with them? Find out in our reviews of BiotechUSA Hydro Whey Zero and BiotechUSA 100% Pure Whey.
In one serving (1 tablet) you will find:
- 1000 mg of vitamin C
- 120 mg of calcium
- 44 mg of citrus bioflavonoids
- 50 mg rosehip extract
As for the vitamin C content, it is a bit difficult to evaluate it in any detail. Considering the size of the recommended daily dose (75 mg for women and 90 mg for men), an intake of 1000 mg of vitaminC in one tablet is unnecessarily high (not to mention that its absorption decreases with increasing dose). However, we are still within a safe range, so the excess vitamin C will be excreted in the urine at worst. It should be noted that this scenario is the same for absolutely all supplements containing vitamin C, as it is always present in them in high doses. This is not a negative, the dose is simply unnecessarily high.
Very beneficial is the content of rosehip extract and citrus bioflavonoids, which enhance the effect of the ingested vitamin C. We also appreciate the presence of calcium, which, in combination with vitamin C, is better absorbed in the intestines.
Final evaluation:
In terms of composition, we have nothing to complain about, so the only negative of this vitamin is the price. It is relatively high compared to the competition, but it is still an affordable supplement, as vitamin C belongs to the category of cheaper dietary supplements. Taking into account the sophisticated composition, the price is still adequate. Our final assessment is therefore very positive and we highly recommend BioTechUSA Vitamin C 1000.
Prom-In Vitamin C also gets a very good rating from us. It differs from its competitors mainly because it is a powder supplement that is soluble in water. Thanks to this, it can also attract attention with its well-tuned taste, which, after all, can convince many people to buy it. However, it also performs very well in terms of composition - in addition to vitamin C, it contains rosehip extract.
Benefits:
- Great taste
- No harmful colours or sweeteners
- Contains rosehip extract
- Proven manufacturer
Disadvantages:
- High price
About the Manufacturer:
Prom-IN has built a reputation as a very high quality supplement manufacturer that is popular with a large number of athletes. Its repertoire includes supplements of all kinds - from proteins, to BCAAs and minerals, to protein porridge. All products are united by high quality combined with affordable prices. That is why you can also find Prom-IN products in most of our comparisons or in separate reviews. Don't overlook Prom-IN Aggressive Pre and Prom-IN Pure Micellar.
In one dose (2.5 grams) you will find:
- 500 mg of vitamin C
- 100 mg rosehip extract
In addition to synthetic l-ascorbic acid (about its difference to naturally occurringvitamin C, you can read in the text below the ranking), Prom-IN's C also contains rosehip extract. This is also rich in natural vitamin C and helps to enhance its overall effect. We must appreciate that although the manufacturer has managed to fine-tune the taste of this product to the last detail, it does not contain any harmful colourings or sweeteners.
Final assessment:
The only obvious negative with this supplement is the price. It is the most expensive product in the ranking (in terms of one daily dose), which undoubtedly puts many people off. On the other hand, it is fair to note that for this price you get a product with a very pure composition and perfect taste. Therefore, it's up to you whether something like this is worth the extra money.
Next in the ranking was Vita-C 1000 Time Release from Extrifit. What makes it different from the other products? The manufacturer claims that the vitamin C from its supplement is released gradually. From this we could infer better absorption and other positive effects, but we'll get to that. A good dose of vitamin C is supplemented here by the traditional rosehip extract.
Benefits:
- Quality product
- Sufficient dose of vitamin C
- Contains extra rosehip extract
- The pack will last you 100 days
Disadvantages:
- Higher price
About the Manufacturer:
Extrifit is a sports supplement brand that prides itself mainly on making its supplements to meet the demands of the best athletes who definitely don't take training lightly. If you're one of the true hard workers, you've probably already come across Extrifit. All of the company's supplements meet the highest quality requirements, which is why they are very popular among athletes and can be found on the bar in most gyms. We've shared our experiences with Extrifit products in our reviews of Protein Caffe Isolate and Agrezz pre-workout.
In one serving (1 tablet) you will find:
- 1000 mg of vitamin C
- 50 mg rosehip extract
Final review:
Vita-C 1000 Time Release from Extrifit is a quality product that will definitely solve your potential vitamin C deficiency problems. As far as its gradual release is concerned, the manufacturer does not specify how long the vitamin C is supposed to be released for, nor what causes this effect. However, given the information on the ingredients, it can be assumed that this gradual releaseis due to the material of the tablets, which does not distinguish this product from its competitors. In terms of price, you will have to pay a little extra, but it is nothing terrible and given the quality of workmanship this price is understandable.
Our ranking would not be complete without another product from Prom-IN, namely Vitamin C800 + Rose Hip extract. As the name suggests, this vitamin C also contains rose hip extract. Its unquestionable advantage is also its low price and very pure composition.
Benefits:
- A quality product proven by customers
- Pure formula
- Contains rosehip extract
Disadvantages:
- Some may have trouble swallowing tablets
In one serving (1 tablet) you will find:
- 800 mg of vitamin C
- 40 mg rosehip extract
Final Evaluation:
Vitamin C800 + Rose Hip extract from Prom-IN combines quality ingredients and a very good price. Again, we find rosehip extract, which enhances the effect of vitamin C. As for the l-ascorbic acid itself, it is contained in quite sufficient quantities. I consider the very pure composition to be a great advantage, in which you will not find anything that should not be there. Ultimately, therefore, this is a good supplement that will definitely not disappoint you.
The next place was taken by Vitamin C 500 + Rosehip Extract from GreenFood. It contains 500 mg of l-ascorbic acid and in addition 40 mg of rosehip extract. All supplements from this brand are also suitable for vegans and this vitamin is no exception.
Benefits:
- Suitable for vegans
- Contains rosehip extract
- Product popular among customers
Disadvantages:
- Higher price
About the Manufacturer:
GreenFood is a family-owned Czech company that has been in the sports nutrition market for over 25 years. GreenFood's main priorities include manufacturing quality products from premium ingredients. That is why you will not find preservatives, chemical dyes, stabilizers or added sugar in the products of this brand. All products are also suitable for vegetarians and allergy sufferers. You may have already come across GreenFood products in our comparison of the best vitamin D supplements or the ranking of the best zinc supplements.
In one serving (1 capsule) you will find:
- 500 mg of vitamin C
- 40 mg rosehip extract
Final assessment:
If you're looking for a quality vitamin C supplement that also offers something extra, GreenFood has the solution for you. Their vitamin C is enriched with rosehip, which enhances the effect of the C and increases the quality of the whole product. Since the capsule is made of plant material and is also suitable for vegans, the final price of the product is slightly higher. However, people who are keen on plant-based ingredients will definitely not have a problem with the slightly higher price.
Next we have Vitamin C from MedPharma. This product has a very good composition and contains bioflavonoids in addition to rosehip extract. However, the content of one rather controversial substance prevents it from being at the top of the ranking.
Benefits:
- Quality workmanship
- Contains extra rosehip extract and bioflavonoids
- Vitamin C in sufficient quantities
Disadvantages:
- Contains titanium dioxide, which must not be included in any food in the EU from mid-2022
About the manufacturer:
MedPharma is a Czech company operating on the market since 2000. It focuses on the design, development, production, distribution and sale of dietary supplements supporting human health. In addition, the company also has a repertoire of cosmetic and medical products. You can find their products mainly in pharmacies, but gradually they are starting to appear in the offer of e-shops with sports nutrition. You might have also come across them in our comparisons of the best magnesium supplements and rankings of the best probiotics.
In one dose you will find:
- 1000 mg of vitamin C
- 34 mg of bioflavonoids
- 25 mg rosehip extract
Final assessment:
Vitamin C from MedPharma would get a very good rating from us if it weren't for one rather significant negative. In fact, it contains the dye titanium dioxide, which cannot be added to any food as of August 7, 2022. This is due to concerns about genotoxicity. It is, of course, present in small quantities, but it is still a rather unpleasant blemish on an otherwise very good product. I do not think that this substance poses any health risk here, but we would still like to see it not in the ingredients at all. Despite this, we must appreciate the presence of bioflavonoids and rosehip extract, which support the final effect of the supplement.
Vitamin C 500 from Reflex also found its place in our ranking. Although it does not contain any added substances in the form of bioflavonoids or rosehip extract, it has a very pure and effective composition. It also has the advantage of a very low price, a factor that is key for many people.
Benefits:
- Pure and high quality composition
- Sufficient vitamin C content
- The package lasts up to 100 days
Disadvantages:
- Contains nothing extra
About the Manufacturer:
Reflex Nutrition is a long standing and proven manufacturer in the sports supplement market. The company's strengths lie in its emphasis on the quality of its products, which are subjected to constant testing. In addition, Reflex contributes to a better environment by recycling all the plastic waste it produces during production. In the past, we have covered a number of the brand's supplements - examples include the multivitamin Nexgen PRO or the protein Reflex Micro Whey.
In one serving (1 capsule) you will find:
- 500 mg of vitamin C
Final assessment:
The manufacturer lists 1-2 capsules per day as the recommended daily dose. However, due to the high content of vitamin C in one capsule, it is completely unnecessary to dose two capsules. As far as the composition is concerned, we do not find anything objectionable here. On the contrary. Vitamin C from reflex contains only a few substances responsible for holding the capsule together. But we would have appreciated something more. Most manufacturers add at least a shaft extract to their Cand some even include bioflavonoids to enhance the desired effect. Quite pure vitamin C next to nothing really has much to impress. It is somewhat unusual for supplements from Reflex to be among the cheapest, but in this case it really is. So if you're primarily concerned with price and purity of ingredients, you'll be satisfied.
The next rung belongs to Vitamin C from Amix. In addition to l-ascorbic acid, it also offers rosehip extract in a pack of 100 capsules, but it does not specify the amount any further. Similarly to MedPharma, Amix has added titanium dioxide dye to its C, thus depriving itself of a better position.
Benefits:
- Contains extra rosehip extract
- Adequate amounts of vitamin C
- Reasonable price
Disadvantages:
- Contains titanium dioxide dye
About the Manufacturer:
British brand Amix Nutrition is the flagship brand of LargeLife Limited, which has been in the sports nutrition market for quite a few years. The Amix brand combines the latest technology, years of research and keeping up with the latest trends in the sports nutrition field. and the latest trends in the sports nutrition industry, which allows it to guarantee the highest possible quality of its products. From proteins to joint nutrition to CBD oils, Amix Nutrition offers everything. We've shared our experiences with Amix products with you, for example, in our reviews of Amix Isoprime CFM protein and Amix HydroPure Whey.
In one serving (1 capsule) you will find:
- 1000 mg of vitamin C
- Unspecified amount of rosehip extract
Final assessment:
Vitamin C has the potential to place much higher in our rankings, but two things prevent it from doing so. The first is the lack of information on the amount of rosehip extract contained, and the second is the presence of the dye titanium dioxide. I have already written about the risks associated with it in my analysis of MedPharma's C. It is a pity that an otherwise successful supplement was unnecessarily spoiled by the manufacturer. However, it would definitely be unfair to say that it is not a reliable dietary supplement that will help you effectively supplement vitamin C.
If you are looking for a reliable vitamin C at the lowest possible price, Czech Virus has the right one for you. This Czech manufacturer's vitamin C is the cheapest in our ranking. But the low price has its justification. In the composition you will not find anything extra except l-ascorbic acid, which is a big disadvantage compared to the competition.
Advantages:
- Low price
- Gradual release by means of "beads" in the capsule
- Proven manufacturer
Disadvantages:
- Contains titanium dioxide dye
About the Manufacturer:
The Czech Virus brand is a well-known name on the Czech market. It cooperates with a number of popular athletes and its products are well known for their quality and guaranteed effect. The impetus for the establishment of the company was the poor quality of supplements available on the market. Therefore, the founders decided to take matters into their own hands and start their own brand of supplements. Today, Czech Virus is one of the largest manufacturers of fitness supplements in our country. You can read about how satisfied we were with Czech Virus products in our reviews of Essential Aminos and Beast Virus pre-workout.
In one serving (1 capsule) you will find:
- 500 mg of vitamin C
Final review:
Once again, we're missing something in the ingredients that would make Vitamin C stand out from the competition. The manufacturer claims that due to the special technology of the beads contained in the capsules, there is actually a gradual release of vitamin C. This is obviously a nice benefit, but compared to products containing rosehip extractand some bioflavonoids, or calcium or other minerals, it's still a bit low. The main stumbling block, however, lies in the content of the titanium dioxide dye already mentioned several times. Ultimately, therefore, the primary way that Czech Virus' vitamin C differs from its competitors is its low price, but this is definitely a big competitive advantage.
Our ranking of the best vitamin C supplements is rounded off by VitaminPro Vitamin C from FCB. These are effervescent tablets with a high content of the active ingredient, which also taste great. While a pack of 20 effervescent tablets won't set you back much money, on a per dose basis it is one of the more expensive supplements.
Benefits:
- Great taste
- Suitable for people who have trouble swallowing tablets and capsules
- Sufficient vitamin C content
Disadvantages:
- Contains controversial sweeteners
About the Manufacturer:
First Class Brands of Sweden is a Swedish company representing 4 brands of nutritional supplements, food and beverages. For our purposes, the most important brand is Pro!Brands, which is responsible for sports supplements, including proteins, bars and various vitamins. With its new and innovative products, FCB aims to become the largest sports nutrition brand in the EU.
In one dose you will find:
- 1000 mg of vitamin C
Final assessment:
Apart from the relatively high price, vitamin C from FCB also has another problem. It contains three rather controversial sweeteners: sorbitol, aspartame and sodium saccharin. The use of all three substances is permitted in limited quantities in the EU, howeverIt is certainly not something that the manufacturer wants to boast about. There are certainly more suitable options, which is why we have decided to place this product at the very bottom of the list. In terms of taste it does very well and in terms of effect we have nothing to complain about, but we consider the sweeteners used to be a rather unfortunate choice.
- What do you need to know about vitamin C?
- Vitamin C and its role in the human body
- Negative effects of vitamin C deficiency
- The difference between natural and synthetic forms of vitamin C
- How much vitamin C should I take daily?
- In which foods is vitamin C most abundant?
- How does vitamin C excess manifest itself?
- Sources
What do you need to know about vitamin C?
Is there a vitamin that is more talked about in relation to health than C? Absolutely not. Everyone has known about the importance of vitamin C since childhood.Who hasn't heard over and over again from their parents as a child that they need to eat oranges and other citrus fruits to get enough vitamin C and be healthy? But what is vitamin C really? And is it really that important for human health? Let's look at it in a little more detail.
Vitamin C is really just another name for l-ascorbic acid. It is one of the essential vitamins. What does that mean? Our body cannot make it on its own, so we have to take it all in through food. Another important property of vitamin C is that it is water soluble. The body can therefore excrete it in the urine and it does not accumulate in the body. This makes it more difficult to overdose on it, but it also means that we need to replenish it regularly. Fortunately, it is not at all difficult to find foods that contain vitamin C in sufficient quantities. But why is it so important in the first place?
Vitamin C and its role in the human body
vitamin C equals a strong immune system. C is taken to keep you from getting sick. Although such a claim is highly simplistic, it is based on a true foundation. Vitamin C promotes the production of white blood cells, which are crucial to the functioning of the immune system. At the same time, it is a powerful antioxidant, so it defends cells (including white blood cells) from oxidative stress, helping them to function better. In addition, vitamin C speeds up the wound healing process, promotes iron absorption, andm prevents iron deficiency, and some studies even suggest that it may reduce the risk of heart disease.
To make matters worse, vitamin C is said to help alleviate the symptoms of aging on memory and cognitive function, reduce thesymptoms and duration of the common cold, and even helps reduce the amount of uric acid to the blood, thus helping in the prevention of gout. It is therefore obvious at first glance that vitamin C has an indispensable role in the human body and it is certainly not worth underestimating its intake.
Negative effects of vitamin C deficiency
Given the many important processes in which vitamin C is involved, it is clear that a deficiency of vitamin C will bring with it many health problems. The first of these is poor skin quality, as vitamin C is also related to collagen production. Collagen deficiency is also associated with weakening of blood vessels, which is why bruising is a very common symptom of vitamin C deficiency. People suffering from vitamin C deficiency experience, among other things, a weaker immune response of the body to diseases and slower healing of minor wounds. A typical symptom of a deficiency of many important substances is low mood and fatigue, and vitamin C is no exception.
In the past, vitamin C deficiency was often associated with a disease called scurvy, which primarily affected sailors at sea. Although relatively rare today, it serves as a very good example of what a long-term vitamin C deficiency can do to a person. It manifests itself in anaemia, brittle bones, infections, tooth loss, frequent bleeding, swollen joints and sterility.
The difference between natural and synthetic forms of vitamin C
You may have come across the claim that the vitamin C contained in supplementssupplements are not as effective as the naturally occurring vitamin C in a regular diet. But the reality is that natural and synthetically produced l-ascorbic acid are completely identical. We covered the entire process of making l-ascorbic acid in a separate article (did you know that vitamin C in supplements originates from corn?) and at the end of it is vitamin C, which is really no different from the naturally occurring one. So why is it that there are constant claims on the internet that natural vitamin C is better? The reason is that in addition to vitamin C, there are other substances in the normal diet that can interact with l-ascorbic acid in various ways. These are mainly bioflavonoids, but they are rarely found in dietary supplements.
It is the bioflavonoids that are said to ensure better absorption of vitaminsC in the body, making natural l-ascorbic acid the better option. This claim is not entirely wrong, as some animal tests actually confirm the above thesis. However, human studies have not shown anything similar. Instead, these studies suggest that the bioavailability of both forms of l-ascorbic acid is identical. There is still room for further studies in this regard, but at present we have no reason to believe that synthetic vitamin C is any less effective. At this point, it is worth noting that substances found in nature in addition to vitamin C (for example, the aforementioned bioflavonoids) may indeed offer other positive effects on the human body, but they do not, according to these studies, improve the availability of vitamin C.
How much vitamin C should I take daily?
As mentioned above, vitamin C is an essential and water-soluble vitamin. Therefore, our body cannot make or store it on its own. Its intake must therefore be sufficient and regular. Therefore, a sudden intake of large amounts of vitamin C is not a suitable solution (with something likeThis is similar to the situation with vitamin D supplements, which are fat-soluble and stored in the body). The recommended daily allowance of vitamin C is 90 mg for the average adult male and 75 mg for a female. For smokers, the recommended dose is 35 mg higher because of the increased effects of oxidative stress. As for the maximum daily dose, an upper limit of 2 000 mg of vitamin C per day is given.
In which foods is vitamin C most abundant?
Citrus fruits are the most commonly cited source of vitamin C, although they are certainly not the foods where l-ascorbic acid is found in the highest amounts. Very good sources of vitamin C include red peppers, broccoli, kiwi, Brussels sprouts, strawberries, rose hips and tomatoes. For more food tips, see our article on the best natural sources of vitamin C. There is often speculation about whether it is better to eat vegetables raw or cooked. Although most people feel that raw vegetables contain more vitamin C, it is actually better to get it from cooked vegetables.
How does vitamin C excess manifest itself?
Even though vitamin C is water-soluble, which makes it easy for the body to eliminate it, it is possible to overdose on it. Too high an intake of l-ascorbic acid can result in indigestione, which is the most common side effect of excessive vitamin C intake. These are mainly diarrhoea and nausea. A much more dangerous potential risk is the occurrence of excessive amounts of of iron in the body because its absorption is related to vitamin C intake. This can further lead to heart, liver and thyroid problems. Another negative impact is an increased risk of kidney stones. So it's clear that even with something as important as vitamin C, you really can't overdo it. Therefore, once again I would like to remind you of the aforementioned value of 2,000 mg per daywhich is considered to be the upper limit of a safe intake of vitamin C.
There is one more thing to mention in relation to high vitamin C intakes. If you take 30-180 mg of vitamin C, the absorption rate is somewhere around 70-90%. If you increase this dose to more than 1000 mg, the absorption of l-ascorbic acid drops to about 50%. Therefore, dosing similar amounts of vitamin C is quite counterproductive and normally makes little sense.
Sources
- NAVRÁTILOVÁ, Adriana. Vitamin C from the perspective of a nutritional therapist [online]. Brno, 2016 [cit. 2023-02-16]. Available from: https://theses.cz/id/taeqlt/. Bachelor thesis. Masaryk University, Faculty of Medicine. Thesis supervisor RNDr. Ondřej Zvěřina, Ph.D.
- OVCHYNNIKOVA, Oleksandra. Determination of vitamin C in dietary supplements [online]. Brno, 2019 [cited 2023-02-16]. Available from: https://theses.cz/id/smtnlz/. Master thesis. Mendel University in Brno, Faculty of Agronomy. Thesis supervisor prof. Ing. Alžbeta Jarošová, Ph.D.
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Vitamin C - Health Professional Fact Sheet. Office of Dietary Supplements (ODS) [online]. Copyright © iStock [cited 16.02.2023]. Available from: https: //ods.od.nih.gov/factsheets/VitaminC-HealthProfessional/
- https://www.svetfitness.cz/clanek/prirodni-zdroje-vitaminu-c/
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7 Impressive Benefits of Vitamin C Supplements. Healthline: Medical information and health advice you can trust [online]. Copyright © 2005. Available from: https: //www.healthline.com/nutrition/vitamin-c-benefits