Reviewed by Younghun Cho
Pharmacist's Verdict
Ester-C is a good choice for people who find regular vitamin C (ascorbic acid) upsets their stomach, but claims of it being significantly better absorbed than cheaper forms are not well-proven.
Ingredient Analysis
Vitamin C (as Ester-C Calcium Ascorbate)
Calcium (as Ester-C Calcium Ascorbate)
Citrus Bioflavonoid Complex
Pros & Cons
Pros
- Gentle on the stomach due to its non-acidic, buffered form.
- Provides a high dose (1000 mg) of Vitamin C for immune system support.
- Contains bioflavonoids, which are antioxidants that may help the body use Vitamin C.
- Stays in the body's immune cells longer than regular ascorbic acid, though the clinical benefit of this is debated.
Cons
- Significantly more expensive than standard ascorbic acid supplements.
- Evidence for superior absorption and effectiveness over regular Vitamin C is weak and often funded by the manufacturer.
- High doses can still cause digestive issues like diarrhea in some people.
- Can increase the risk of kidney stones in susceptible individuals with long-term, high-dose use.
Research & References
FDA and PubMed citations are being compiled for this product.