Equipment Reference
NOW Foods
NOW Foods Vitamin C-1000
1g ascorbic acid + bioflavonoids — the cheap collagen-cofactor bottle
NOW’s C-1000 is ascorbic acid with 100mg citrus bioflavonoids — a years-long Amazon staple, not a liposomal luxury. Vitamin C is a cofactor for collagen and a water-soluble antioxidant; mega-dosing does not flatten mortality curves. Pair with the vitamin C guide. Split the gram if your gut complains.
Health Disclaimer
This content is for general informational and educational purposes only. It is not medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Consult a qualified healthcare provider before starting any supplement, peptide, or health protocol. Read our full health disclaimer.
Typical price: $28 – $40 USD / 500 capsules
How It Works
Vitamin C is required for collagen cross-linking and several hydroxylases. Deficiency (scurvy) is rare on mixed diets. High-dose IV or ‘Linus Pauling’ megadoses are a different claim than this grocery bottle. Evidence for preventing colds in the general population is weak; duration may shorten slightly in some trials.
Ascorbic Acid
1,000mg per veg capsule. Humans cannot make vitamin C. Food first; this covers low-produce weeks.
Bioflavonoids
100mg citrus complex is traditional pairing, not a proven absorption miracle. Fine, not mandatory.
Water Soluble
Unused C leaves in urine. More is not more past a few hundred milligrams for most people.
What You'll Experience
First Days
Days 1–5Loose stool if you take 1g fasted. Split 500mg twice or take with food.
Habit
OngoingKeep if diet is low in produce. Drop if you already eat peppers and kiwi daily.
Benefits
Collagen Cofactor
Strong EvidenceUseful next to a protein/collagen habit — C is the missing piece people forget.
Cost Per Gram
Moderate Evidence500-count NOW beats liposomal marketing on price. Liposomal is optional, not required.
Risks & Considerations
GI Upset / Kidney Stones
medium riskHigh doses can cause diarrhea and may raise oxalate stone risk in susceptible people.
Assay Interference
low riskHigh-dose C can distort some fingerstick glucose and lab assays. Tell your clinician.
Community Reviews
Synthesized consensus from Reddit, forums, and expert sources.
NOW is the default cheap C. Consensus: you do not need liposomal unless this upsets your gut.
- ·1g capsules
- ·Split if needed
- ·Food first
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