Vitamin C-1000

Name: NOW Foods Vitamin C-1000
Brand: NOW Foods
Price: 11.00 USD
Availability: InStock

Ascorbic acid at 1000mg per tablet with rose hips from a GMP-verified manufacturer. Vitamin C is one of the most evidence-backed vitamins, with clear roles in immune function, collagen synthesis, and antioxidant defense. At $0.11/tablet for 100 servings, this is near-unbeatable value for a genuine essential nutrient.

80/ 100

Biorank Score

Independently ranked

80/ 100

Biorank Score

Independently ranked by Biorank Laboratories

Our Verdict

Worth Buying

NOW Foods Vitamin C scores 80 because it delivers an essential vitamin at a generous dose with extraordinary value. The evidence for vitamin C's biological roles is undeniable — unlike many supplements, this addresses a genuine physiological need. Zero hype penalty — nobody is overclaiming vitamin C these days. The value score (92) reflects that $0.11/tablet for 100 servings is near-unbeatable. The formulation score (72) reflects that plain ascorbic acid is slightly acidic and may cause GI upset in some people — buffered or liposomal forms address this but cost more.

Key Findings

Essential vitamin — humans cannot synthesize vitamin C and must obtain it from diet or supplements
Hemila & Chalker (2013) Cochrane review: regular supplementation reduces cold duration by 8% in adults
Extraordinary value at $0.11/tablet for 100 servings — among the cheapest effective supplements available
1000mg exceeds absorptive capacity (~400mg) — excess is excreted in urine
Plain ascorbic acid form — effective but may cause GI upset in sensitive individuals

Evidence Analysis

Vitamin C (ascorbic acid) is essential — humans cannot synthesize it. Carr & Maggini (2017, Nutrients) comprehensively reviewed vitamin C's role in immune function, confirming it supports both innate and adaptive immunity by supporting cellular functions of both the innate and adaptive immune system. Hemila & Chalker (2013, Cochrane review, 29 trials, n=11,306) found regular vitamin C supplementation reduced cold duration by 8% in adults and 14% in children, but did not prevent colds. For collagen synthesis, vitamin C is a required cofactor for prolyl and lysyl hydroxylase enzymes (Pullar et al., 2017). The 1000mg dose exceeds the RDA (75-90mg) substantially, but urinary excretion increases above ~400mg, meaning much of the excess is not retained. However, tissue saturation may require higher intakes than the RDA (Levine et al., 2001, Annals of Internal Medicine).

Ingredient Breakdown

Ingredient	Dose	Effective Dose	Adequacy	Verdict
Vitamin C (as Ascorbic Acid)	1000mg	75-90mg RDA, up to 2000mg UL		Optimal
Rose Hips	25mg	No established effective dose		Unnecessary

True Cost Analysis

Properly Dosed -- What You Pay Is What You Get

Listed Price

$0.11/serving

$3.30/month at 1 serving/day

True Cost Per Effective Dose

$0.11/effective dose

$3.30/month for effective dosing

Value Score

Excellent value

Where It Falls Short

1000mg significantly exceeds what the body can absorb at once — urinary excretion increases above approximately 400mg. Plain ascorbic acid can cause stomach upset and diarrhea at high doses in sensitive individuals. Does not include bioflavonoids that may enhance vitamin C absorption and activity (though NOW sells a separate product with bioflavonoids). Tablet format may have slightly lower bioavailability than capsule or liquid forms. Does not reduce cold incidence — only modestly reduces cold duration when taken regularly (not when taken after onset). High-dose vitamin C supplementation may increase oxalate excretion and theoretically increase kidney stone risk in susceptible individuals.

Best For

Anyone wanting to ensure adequate vitamin C intake at minimal cost
People with low fruit and vegetable consumption
Smokers (vitamin C requirement is 35mg higher than non-smokers per ODS recommendations)
Those seeking immune support during cold and flu season (take daily, not just when sick)
Athletes with high oxidative stress from intense training

Not Ideal For

People who eat 5+ servings of fruits and vegetables daily (likely already meeting needs)
Those with a history of kidney stones (high-dose vitamin C increases oxalate excretion)
Individuals with iron overload conditions (vitamin C enhances iron absorption)
Anyone with a sensitive stomach (plain ascorbic acid at 1000mg can cause GI distress — try buffered forms)