Solaray Super Bio C Buffered 1000 mg (250 VegCaps): Two-Stage Timed-Release Vitamin C with Bioflavonoid Complex
Many people stop taking high-dose Vitamin C because standard ascorbic acid can feel like swallowing pure lemon juice on an empty stomach. Solaray Super Bio C Buffered solves this challenge. By combining pure ascorbic acid with naturally buffering mineral compounds (calcium carbonate and magnesium oxide), this formula neutralizes excess acidity so your stomach stays comfortable while you absorb the immune, skin, and vascular nourishment you need.
Powered by an intelligent two-stage timed-release system, half of the 1,000 mg Vitamin C dose enters your bloodstream immediately, while the remaining half releases steadily over a period of up to 12 hours. Combined with 730 mg of synergistic bioflavonoids, rutin, and hesperidin, you get all-day cellular defense without the digestive upset or rapid nutrient waste common in standard pills.
Why Solaray Super Bio C Buffered Stands Above Standard Ascorbic Acid
✔ Stomach-Friendly Mineral Buffering
Alkaline mineral bases gently neutralize natural acidity, preventing the heartburn, sour stomach, and cramping associated with standard high-dose Vitamin C.
✔ 2-Stage Timed Release (Up to 12 Hours)
Rapid release gives your cells fast support, while slow release maintains protective blood levels over the course of the day rather than dumping excess out in urine.
✔ 730 mg Synergistic Bioflavonoid Matrix
Includes 500 mg lemon bioflavonoids, 100 mg rutin, 100 mg hesperidin, and 30 mg citrus pectin to mimic the complete nutrient structure found in fresh whole citrus.
✔ Lab-Verified Purity & Potency
Solaray tests every single batch for authenticity, heavy metals, microbial safety, and active ingredient potency in state-of-the-art facilities.
The Problem with Ordinary Vitamin C (And Why Buffering Matters)
Pure ascorbic acid has a low pH between 2.5 and 3.0. When you take a 1,000 mg dose of standard ascorbic acid, this burst of sharp acid can irritate the delicate lining of your esophagus and stomach. For anyone prone to acid reflux, heartburn, gastritis, or an irritable gut, ordinary Vitamin C tablets frequently cause discomfort, nausea, or loose bowels.
How buffering fixes this: In chemistry, a "buffer" reduces acidity without weakening the beneficial molecule. Solaray includes a natural mineral buffering base made of calcium carbonate and magnesium oxide. These minerals raise the pH of the mixture toward a neutral range, allowing your digestive tract to break down and absorb the Vitamin C peacefully.
Expert Tip: If high-potency Vitamin C supplements have caused you stomach burning or diarrhea in the past, switching to a buffered ascorbic acid formula is the standard clinical strategy to retain high-dose antioxidant support without digestive distress.
Vitamin C is water-soluble. Your body cannot manufacture it, and unlike fat-soluble vitamins (such as A, D, and E), it cannot be stored in large amounts for future use. When you swallow a standard 1,000 mg tablet all at once, your body faces a biological bottleneck:
The Cellular Absorption Bottleneck
Your intestine absorbs Vitamin C using specialized protein gates called Sodium-Dependent Vitamin C Transporters (SVCT1). Groundbreaking pharmacokinetic research conducted at the National Institutes of Health demonstrated that these cellular gates become saturated when presented with single oral boluses over 200 mg to 500 mg (Levine et al., 1996).
When an unbuffered, immediate-release tablet floods your gut with 1,000 mg simultaneously, much of the excess cannot fit through the saturated gates. The kidneys quickly filter out what enters the bloodstream, resulting in steep urinary spikes and wasted nutrition.
How Solaray's Two-Stage Release Delivers Sustained Coverage:
Stage 1 (Immediate Release – 50%): 500 mg dissolves rapidly upon ingestion, providing an immediate elevation of ascorbate in circulating white blood cells and tissues.
Stage 2 (Timed Release – 50%): The remaining 500 mg is embedded in a plant-cellulose matrix designed to dissolve gradually over up to 12 hours. This trickles Vitamin C into the small intestine below the SVCT1 saturation threshold, maintaining elevated blood levels throughout the entire day.
The Whole-Citrus Synergy: Why Bioflavonoids Matter
In an orange or lemon, Vitamin C never exists in isolation. It is wrapped inside a protective web of citrus bioflavonoids, plant pigments, and natural fruit pectins. Solaray Super Bio C Buffered recreates this natural biological synergy by pairing 1,000 mg of Vitamin C with 730 mg of specialized botanical co-factors:
Lemon Bioflavonoids (500 mg)
Polyphenols that protect ascorbic acid from premature oxidation and support healthy capillary permeability and blood vessel tone.
Rutin Concentrate (100 mg)
A potent flavonoid known for supporting vein integrity, microvascular circulation, and joint tissue defense.
Hesperidin Concentrate (100 mg)
Derived from citrus peel, hesperidin works directly with Vitamin C to inhibit inflammatory enzymes and reinforce connective tissue.
Citrus Pectin, Rose Hips & Acerola
Soluble fruit fibers and wild berry sources that provide trace minerals and organic phytonutrients found in whole foods.
Clinical Evidence: Human clinical trials conducted by Vinson and Bose (1988) published in The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition revealed that citrus extract containing bioflavonoids increased Vitamin C bioavailability by 35% and significantly slowed down urinary excretion compared to synthetic ascorbic acid alone.
Full-Spectrum Health Benefits
Consistent daily supplementation with Solaray Super Bio C Buffered provides multi-system support throughout the human body:
1. Robust Immune System Defense
White blood cells (phagocytes and lymphocytes) require high concentrations of Vitamin C to generate antimicrobial mechanisms and clean up oxidative debris during physiological stress.
2. Youthful Collagen & Skin Elasticity
Vitamin C is the mandatory biochemical co-factor for the enzymes prolyl hydroxylase and lysyl hydroxylase, which synthesize firm, structural collagen for skin, gums, tendons, and cartilage.
3. Cardiovascular & Capillary Health
By combining rutin, hesperidin, and ascorbic acid, this formula helps preserve endothelial nitric oxide production, supporting healthy arterial flexibility and capillary integrity.
4. Enhanced Dietary Iron Absorption
Ascorbic acid converts non-heme plant-based iron into a soluble ferrous form, significantly increasing iron uptake in individuals seeking healthy red blood cell counts.
Serving Size: 2 VegCaps | Servings Per Container: 125
Active Ingredients
Amount Per Serving
% Daily Value
Vitamin C (as Ascorbic Acid, Rose Hips, Acerola Cherry)
1,000 mg
1,111%
Bioflavonoid Concentrate (from Lemon)
500 mg
*
Rutin Concentrate
100 mg
*
Hesperidin Concentrate
100 mg
*
Citrus Pectin
30 mg
*
* Daily Value (DV) not established.
Complete Other Ingredients:
Vegetable Cellulose Capsule, Magnesium Stearate, Cellulose, Silica, Stearic Acid, and Buffering Base (Calcium Carbonate and Magnesium Oxide).
Dietary Attributes:
✔ 100% Vegetarian • ✔ Non-GMO • ✔ Lab-Verified for Potency • ✔ Free of Artificial Colors & Preservatives
How to Take Solaray Super Bio C Buffered for Best Results
Suggested Daily Dosage
Take 2 VegCaps daily with a meal or a large 8 oz glass of water. Capsules can be taken together in the morning or split (1 capsule with breakfast, 1 with dinner) for maximum around-the-clock antioxidant coverage.
Proper Storage Advice
Store tightly sealed in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight, excess humidity, and heat. Do not refrigerate unless your home environment is excessively hot and humid.
Safety Precautions & Contraindications:
Do not use if the safety seal is broken or missing. Keep out of reach of children.
Inform your healthcare provider if you have a history of calcium-oxalate kidney stones, hemochromatosis (iron overload disorder), or renal insufficiency before taking high doses of Vitamin C.
High-dose Vitamin C can interfere with blood glucose test strips and stool occult blood tests. Consult your physician prior to clinical laboratory screenings.
Scientific References & Clinical Literature
Levine, M., Conry-Cantilena, C., Wang, Y., et al. (1996). "Vitamin C pharmacokinetics in healthy volunteers: evidence for a recommended dietary allowance." Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences USA, 93(8), 3704–3709. Demonstrates intestinal SVCT1 transporter saturation kinetics and renal excretion thresholds above single doses of 200–500 mg.
Vinson, J. A., & Bose, P. (1988). "Comparative bioavailability to humans of ascorbic acids alone or in a citrus extract." The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, 48(3), 601–604. Confirmed that citrus bioflavonoid complexes improve ascorbic acid bioavailability by 35% and reduce rapid urinary excretion.
Carr, A. C., & Frei, B. (1999). "Toward a new recommended dietary allowance for vitamin C based on antioxidant and health effects in humans." The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, 69(6), 1086–1107. Reviews systemic cellular saturation, endothelial protection, and reactive oxygen species quenching.
Padayatty, S. J., & Levine, M. (2016). "Vitamin C: the known and the unknown and Goldilocks." Oral Diseases, 22(6), 463–493. Analyzes tight physiological regulation, oral steady-state kinetics, and cellular concentration gradients.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What does "buffered" Vitamin C mean, and why should I choose it?
"Buffered" means the natural acidity of ascorbic acid has been neutralized with alkaline minerals—specifically calcium carbonate and magnesium oxide. Standard Vitamin C has a low, acidic pH that can irritate your stomach lining, leading to acid indigestion, heartburn, or diarrhea. Buffered Vitamin C is gentle on your digestive tract, making it ideal for sensitive stomachs or anyone taking daily high doses.
How does the two-stage timed-release work?
Your body absorbs 50% of the Vitamin C rapidly right after you swallow the capsule. The other 50% is embedded in a plant-based matrix that slowly dissolves over a period of up to 12 hours. This provides sustained plasma levels throughout the day and prevents your kidneys from quickly filtering out unused Vitamin C, ensuring your cells receive steady support.
Why are bioflavonoids, rutin, and hesperidin added to the formula?
In nature, Vitamin C is always found alongside citrus bioflavonoids, which help protect the vitamin from oxidation. Clinical studies demonstrate that bioflavonoids increase Vitamin C absorption by approximately 35%. Rutin and hesperidin also provide targeted support for capillary strength, blood vessel integrity, and healthy circulation.
Can I take both capsules at once, or should I split them up?
You can take both capsules together with a meal or a large glass of water. However, if you are looking for maximum around-the-clock immune and antioxidant support, taking 1 capsule with breakfast and 1 capsule with your evening meal provides an even smoother 24-hour sustained release.
Is Solaray Super Bio C Buffered vegan and allergen-free?
Yes. This supplement uses 100% vegetarian cellulose capsules (VegCaps) and contains no animal by-products. It is also non-GMO and manufactured without artificial colors, synthetic flavors, or harsh chemical preservatives.
How many servings are in the 250 VegCaps bottle?
At the recommended serving size of 2 VegCaps daily, one 250-count bottle provides 125 full daily servings—over four months of daily nutritional support.
