Why Choose Buffered Calcium Ascorbate Over Regular Ascorbic Acid?

Standard vitamin C supplements are sold as pure ascorbic acid. While ascorbic acid is biologically effective, it has an acidic pH of roughly 2.5—similar to lemon juice or vinegar. When taken in therapeutic or high daily doses (such as 1,000 mg to 5,000 mg), regular ascorbic acid can trigger gastric distress, heartburn, hyperacidity, and loose bowels in sensitive individuals.

The Nonacidic Advantage: Solaray's Nonacidic Vitamin C Crystalline Powder uses calcium ascorbate, a specialized compound created by chemically bonding ascorbic acid with natural calcium carbonate. This chemical reaction "buffers" or neutralizes the acid, raising the solution's pH to approximately 7.0 (neutral, just like pure water).

What the Science Shows

Clinical evaluations demonstrate that calcium ascorbate provides identical antioxidant capacity to regular ascorbic acid while significantly reducing gastrointestinal irritation, gastric juice acidity, and stomach discomfort in acid-sensitive individuals (Gruenwald et al., 2006; Lee et al., 2018).

Targeted Health Benefits for Whole-Body Vitality

Vitamin C is an essential micronutrient that humans cannot manufacture internally. Integrating this high-potency buffered powder into your daily wellness routine delivers comprehensive physiological support:

Vitamin C accumulates in white blood cells (phagocytes and T-lymphocytes) at levels up to 100 times higher than in circulating plasma. It fuels cellular movement to infection sites and protects immune cells from free-radical damage during immune responses (Carr & Maggini, 2017).

Vitamin C is an indispensable enzymatic cofactor for prolyl and lysyl hydroxylases. These enzymes stabilize the triple-helix structure of collagen, keeping skin firm, joints cushioned, ligaments strong, and blood vessel walls elastic (Pullar et al., 2017).

Because this formula utilizes calcium ascorbate, each serving supplies 610 mg of elemental calcium alongside vitamin C. This creates dual nutritional support for healthy bone mineral density and normal tooth formation.

Acts as a potent scavenger of reactive oxygen species (ROS). It works synergistically with vitamin E and glutathione, recycling other vital antioxidants throughout the body to support cellular longevity and cardiovascular wellness.

Complete Supplement Facts & Ingredients

Solaray guarantees full label transparency. This formula contains 100% active ingredients with absolutely no added fillers, artificial sweeteners, flow agents, or chemical preservatives.

Supplement Facts

How to Use & Recommended Directions

Because this crystalline powder is entirely unflavored and buffered against acidity, it is pleasant and easy to incorporate into daily liquid beverages:

• Suggested Daily Intake: Mix one heaping teaspoon (approximately 6 grams) into 8 to 12 ounces of cold water, freshly squeezed citrus juice, or a morning smoothie. Consume with a meal.
• Flexible Serving Sizes: If you are new to higher-dose vitamin C, you can begin with 1/4 or 1/2 teaspoon daily (providing 1,250 mg to 2,500 mg) and gradually increase to the full serving to assess individual bowel tolerance.
• Easy Dissolution: Stir briskly with a spoon for 10–15 seconds. The pure crystals will dissolve evenly without leaving sticky clumps or grit.
• Storage Recommendations: Keep container tightly closed in a cool, dry place away from heat, steam, and direct sunlight. Avoid dipping wet spoons into the powder.

Scientific References & Clinical Evidence

In accordance with strict clinical standards for nutritional health information, our content references peer-reviewed scientific studies validating the safety, bioavailability, and physiological actions of buffered calcium ascorbate:

1. Lee, J. K., Bae, S., Kim, H., et al. (2018). Alleviation of ascorbic acid-induced gastric high acidity by calcium ascorbate in vitro and in vivo. The Korean Journal of Physiology & Pharmacology, 22(1), 35-42. [Confirms calcium ascorbate attenuates gastric acidity and reduces mucosal irritation while preserving full antioxidant action].
2. Gruenwald, J., Busch, R., & Bentley, C. (2006). Safety and tolerance of ester-C / calcium ascorbate compared with regular ascorbic acid: A randomized, double-blind, crossover trial in subjects sensitive to acidic foods. Advances in Therapy, 23(1), 171-178. [Demonstrated significantly fewer epigastric adverse events, acid reflux, and stomach discomfort with buffered vitamin C].
3. Carr, A. C., & Maggini, S. (2017). Vitamin C and Immune Function. Nutrients, 9(11), 1211. [Review of ascorbic acid's critical support for innate and adaptive leukocyte function, microbial clearance, and epithelial barrier integrity].
4. Pullar, J. M., Carr, A. C., & Vissers, M. C. (2017). The Roles of Vitamin C in Skin Health. Nutrients, 9(8), 866. [Documents the obligate role of vitamin C as an enzymatic cofactor in collagen biosynthesis and UV-induced oxidative protection].
5. 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 (PNAS), 93(8), 3704-3709. [Established cellular and tissue ascorbate saturation kinetics].

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What makes Nonacidic Vitamin C Crystalline Powder different from standard ascorbic acid?

Standard vitamin C is pure ascorbic acid, which has an acidic pH of about 2.5 and can cause heartburn, reflux, or stomach aches. Nonacidic Vitamin C Crystalline Powder uses calcium ascorbate, where the vitamin C is buffered with natural calcium. This neutralizes the acid to a gentle pH of approximately 7.0, preventing stomach distress while delivering identical antioxidant benefits.

Why is calcium included in this vitamin C powder?

Calcium acts as the buffering agent. When ascorbic acid bonds with calcium to form calcium ascorbate, it removes the sharp acid bite. As a beneficial bonus, each 6-gram serving delivers 610 mg of bioavailable elemental calcium (47% Daily Value) to support bone density and muscle function alongside your daily vitamin C intake.

How should I take and mix this crystalline powder?

Mix one heaping teaspoon (about 6 g) into 8 to 12 ounces of room-temperature or cold water, unsweetened iced tea, or fruit juice, and drink with a meal. Because the pure crystals are unflavored and free of artificial additives, they dissolve quickly without altering the taste of your beverage.

Can taking 5,000 mg of vitamin C powder cause diarrhea or loose stools?

While buffering prevents stomach acid burn and reflux, extremely large single doses of any vitamin C can draw water into the lower intestinal tract once bowel tolerance is reached. If you have a sensitive digestive tract, we recommend starting with 1/4 to 1/2 teaspoon (1,250 mg to 2,500 mg) and dividing your doses throughout the day with meals.

Are there any fillers, corn derivatives, or allergens in this product?

No. The ingredient label contains 100% Calcium Ascorbate. There are zero anti-caking agents, no silicon dioxide, no artificial flavors, no sweeteners, and no animal products. It is 100% vegan, Non-GMO, and tested for purity and heavy metals.

Does calcium ascorbate build collagen as effectively as regular vitamin C?

Yes. Once ingested and absorbed across the intestinal wall, calcium ascorbate dissociates into active L-ascorbate ions and calcium ions. The circulating ascorbate acts directly as an essential cofactor for collagen-building enzymes, making it just as effective for joint, skin, and vascular health as unbuffered vitamin C.