NOW Foods C-1000 RH Sustained Release – 250 Tablets
All-Day Antioxidant and Immune Support with a Gradual-Absorption Plant-Based Matrix
Standard vitamin C tablets flood your bloodstream all at once, leading your body to flush out most of the nutrient within two to three hours. NOW® C-1000 RH Sustained Release is engineered with a specialized plant-cellulose matrix that dissolves gradually over several hours. This extended-release profile provides steady cellular nourishment, optimizes absorption, and prevents the stomach upset often caused by immediate high-potency acid loads.
Key Product Details at a Glance:
✓Formula: 1,000 mg Vitamin C (Ascorbic Acid) combined with 25 mg Natural Rose Hips (Rosa canina).
✓Release Profile: Timed sustained release designed for continuous plasma support.
✓Bottle Size: 250 Tablets (over an 8-month supply at 1 tablet daily).
✓Catalog Number & UPC: SKU #N0682 | UPC: 733739006820.
✓Dietary Profile: Non-GMO, Vegan/Vegetarian, Soy-Free, Gluten-Free, Kosher, and Halal certified.
The Science of Sustained Release: Why Slow Absorption Matters
Vitamin C (ascorbic acid) is water-soluble, meaning your body cannot store large reserves of it in tissue like it does with fat-soluble vitamins (such as A, D, and E). When you swallow a standard, immediate-release 1,000 mg tablet, your gut absorbs nutrients through specialized active transporters called Sodium-Dependent Vitamin C Transporters (SVCT1).
Clinical pharmacokinetic research published by the National Institutes of Health (NIH) demonstrates that at single oral doses above 400 mg to 500 mg, intestinal transporters reach near-saturation (Levine et al., Proc Natl Acad Sci USA, 1996; Ann Intern Med, 2004). When this saturation threshold is exceeded in a single instant:
Rapid Urinary Excretion: The kidneys quickly filter out excess unabsorbed ascorbic acid from your bloodstream to maintain baseline equilibrium, flushing valuable nutrients away within hours.
Digestive Sensitivity: Unabsorbed high-potency ascorbic acid remaining in your intestinal tract can draw water into the bowel through osmotic pressure, creating cramping, gas, or loose stools.
The Sustained-Release Advantage: Instead of releasing the entire dose immediately, NOW® C-1000 Sustained Release uses a microscopic matrix of natural plant cellulose (hypromellose). When the tablet comes into contact with digestive fluids, the cellulose hydrates into a slow-dissolving gel barrier. As digestive enzymes work gradually along this outer layer, vitamin C trickles into the small intestine steadily over multiple hours. This keeps your transporter pathways working smoothly, maintains steady blood levels, and stays gentle on sensitive stomachs.
The Importance and Benefits of Vitamin C with Rose Hips
Humans are among the few mammals on Earth that lack the functional enzyme (L-gulonolactone oxidase) required to synthesize vitamin C internally. Because our bodies cannot manufacture even a single microgram, we depend entirely on daily dietary intake. While eating fresh fruits and vegetables provides baseline quantities to avoid overt deficiency, targeted therapeutic doses deliver wide-ranging cellular advantages:
1. Robust Immune System Defense
Vitamin C concentrates inside white blood cells (particularly neutrophils and lymphocytes) at levels 50 to 100 times higher than in circulating plasma. It supports chemotaxis (the movement of immune cells toward infected areas), stimulates microbial phagocytosis, promotes the production of protective antibodies, and shields delicate immune cells from self-inflicted oxidative damage during microbial defense (Carr & Maggini, Nutrients, 2017).
2. Essential Collagen Production for Skin, Joints, and Blood Vessels
Collagen is the principal structural glue holding your body together. Ascorbic acid is a required cofactor for two vital enzymatic reactions: prolyl hydroxylase and lysyl hydroxylase. Without sufficient active vitamin C, your body cannot cross-link collagen triple-helix fibers, leaving joint cartilage brittle, skin less elastic, and blood vessel walls fragile (Pullar et al., Nutrients, 2017).
3. Powerful Free-Radical Defense & Vitamin E Recycling
Every breath and metabolic process generates reactive oxygen species (free radicals), accelerated by environmental pollution, mental stress, physical exertion, and UV exposure. Vitamin C neutralizes these rogue radicals before they attack cell membranes or mitochondrial DNA. Furthermore, it donates electrons to regenerate oxidized Vitamin E (alpha-tocopherol) back into its active antioxidant form, doubling cellular protection.
4. Improved Iron Absorption from Plant Foods
Non-heme iron (the iron present in vegetables, legumes, and cereals) is difficult for the digestive system to absorb. Vitamin C reduces ferric iron (Fe3+) into the soluble ferrous state (Fe2+) right in the stomach and duodenum, significantly increasing iron uptake and supporting healthy red blood cell production (Hallberg et al., Am J Clin Nutr, 1989).
5. Why Rose Hips (Rosa canina) Complement This Formula
Rose hips are the round seed pods of wild rose plants. They naturally contain a complex matrix of bioflavonoids, carotenoids, and organic fruit acids. In plant biochemistry, bioflavonoids protect ascorbic acid molecules from premature oxidation, aiding stability and replicating the synergistic nutrient profile found in whole natural foods.
A supplement is only as reliable as the quality control behind it. Unlike companies that purchase pre-bottled supplements from contract brokers, NOW® Foods operates one of the most advanced analytical testing facilities in the dietary supplement industry.
NOW® facilities feature cutting-edge in-house testing labs accredited to ISO/IEC 17025:2017 standards by the American Association for Laboratory Accreditation (A2LA). Their team of more than 160 specialized chemists, toxicologists, and microbiologists performs over 31,000 analytical tests every single month across raw ingredients and finished goods.
Rigorous Heavy Metal Screening via ICP-MS: Raw botanicals can absorb trace metals from environmental soil. NOW screens every batch using Inductively Coupled Plasma Mass Spectrometry (ICP-MS) and ICP-OES. This equipment detects heavy metals (lead, arsenic, cadmium, and mercury) at microscopic parts-per-billion (ppb) levels, enforcing safety limits that meet or exceed FDA guidelines, United States Pharmacopeia (USP) criteria, and California Proposition 65 requirements.
Comprehensive Microbial Safety Testing: Dedicated microbiology cleanrooms screen every manufacturing run for potential biological contaminants, including Salmonella, Escherichia coli, Listeria, yeast, mold, and total aerobic bacterial counts.
Botanical Identity & Adulteration Verification: Using High-Performance Thin-Layer Chromatography (HPTLC) and Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR), NOW chemically fingerprints the wild rose hip fruit powder (Rosa canina) to ensure species authenticity and verify complete freedom from synthetic diluents or substituted species.
Pesticide & Solvent Screens: Advanced Liquid Chromatography-Tandem Mass Spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) and Gas Chromatography-Tandem Mass Spectrometry (GC-MS/MS) scan for agricultural pesticide residues, including glyphosate, along with residual chemical processing solvents.
Tablet Dissolution & Disintegration Verification: In-house dissolution bath apparatuses test sustained-release tablets under simulated human stomach and intestinal conditions to verify that tablets break down at the exact calibrated hourly release rate without early "dose dumping."
NOW® manufacturing facilities also hold independent Current Good Manufacturing Practice (cGMP) certification through Intertek, confirming strict compliance with federal dietary supplement manufacturing benchmarks.
Not manufactured with wheat, gluten, soy, milk, egg, fish, shellfish, tree nut, or sesame ingredients. Produced in a cGMP-compliant facility that processes other ingredients containing these allergens. Natural color variation may occur in this product.
Storage Instructions: Keep bottle tightly closed. Store in a cool, dry place after opening away from direct sunlight and excess humidity.
Usage Guidelines, Real-World Constraints & Drug Interactions
To help you make informed decisions about your health, we outline practical guidelines, potential drug interactions, and situations where caution is advised:
How to Take for Best Results
Adults: Take 1 tablet daily, preferably with a meal and an 8-ounce glass of water. Taking it with food supports gentle digestion and aids dietary iron absorption.
Important Usage Rule: Always swallow the tablet whole. Do not crush, chew, or split the tablet. Breaking the tablet fractures the sustained-release plant-cellulose matrix, releasing the entire 1,000 mg dose at once and canceling the timed-release benefit.
Who Should Exercise Caution or Consult a Healthcare Provider
Iron Overload Conditions: Individuals with Hemochromatosis, Thalassemia, or Sideroblastic Anemia should avoid high doses of vitamin C unless supervised by a physician, as vitamin C enhances intestinal iron uptake.
History of Kidney Stones: Excess ascorbic acid can metabolize into oxalate in some individuals. If you have recurrent calcium oxalate kidney stones or renal impairment, discuss your daily vitamin C intake with your doctor (Massey et al., J Nutr, 2005).
G6PD Deficiency: High supplemental doses of ascorbic acid can cause red blood cell breakdown (hemolysis) in individuals with glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase deficiency.
Pregnancy or Nursing: Consult your obstetrician or midwife before introducing high-potency supplements.
Known Medication Interactions
Aluminum-Based Antacids: Vitamin C can increase systemic absorption of aluminum. Separate intake by at least two to three hours.
Warfarin (Coumadin): High doses of vitamin C may modestly affect prothrombin time and anticoagulant activity. Regular INR monitoring is recommended when adjusting intake.
Chemotherapy & Radiation Therapy: High-dose antioxidants may influence cellular oxidative processes. Consult your oncologist before using dietary antioxidants during active cancer therapy.
Why Order from VitaNet®, LLC? Trusted Natural Health Heritage Since 1995
Online supplement marketplaces are often filled with anonymous third-party storefronts, expired inventory, and questionable storage conditions. VitaNet®, LLC offers a reliable, time-tested alternative[cite: 1]:
✓Family-Owned Independent Retailer Since 1995: Founded in 1995, VitaNet®, LLC has served health-conscious shoppers with honest value and personal care for over 31 years[cite: 1].
✓Brick-and-Mortar Heritage: We are a physical business based at 887 Edison Street NW, Hartville, Ohio 44632[cite: 1]. Real people pack and inspect your order.
✓BBB A+ Accredited Business: We adhere to straightforward business ethics, transparent policies, and consistent customer care[cite: 1].
✓100% Risk-Free Money-Back Guarantee: If you are unsatisfied with any product, return it within 12 months for a complete 100% refund[cite: 1]. We even cover return shipping costs, whether the bottle is opened or unopened[cite: 1].
✓Direct Telephone Support: Speak with our team directly during store hours by calling toll-free at 1-800-877-8702 or locally at (330) 877-8786[cite: 1].
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What does "sustained release" mean for a vitamin C tablet?
"Sustained release" (also called timed release or extended release) means the tablet is formulated with natural plant fibers that dissolve slowly in your digestive tract. Instead of dumping 1,000 mg of vitamin C into your stomach immediately, it releases a continuous trickle over several hours. This improves absorption efficiency and helps prevent stomach acidity or digestive upset.
Why are rose hips added to this vitamin C supplement?
Rose hips (Rosa canina) are the nutrient-dense seed pods of wild rose plants. They naturally supply vitamin C alongside botanical bioflavonoids and polyphenols. These plant compounds support antioxidant balance and help protect vitamin C molecules from rapid oxidation, mirroring how vitamin C occurs in whole foods.
Can I cut, split, or crush this tablet if it is hard to swallow?
No. Sustained-release tablets must be swallowed whole with plenty of water. If you crush or break the tablet, you damage the specialized cellulose matrix, turning it into an immediate-release tablet and neutralizing the timed-release mechanism.
How does NOW Foods test for heavy metals and purity?
NOW Foods tests ingredients in in-house ISO/IEC 17025 accredited laboratories using advanced Inductively Coupled Plasma Mass Spectrometry (ICP-MS). This instrument detects heavy metals like lead, arsenic, cadmium, and mercury down to parts-per-billion levels, ensuring every batch meets strict USP, FDA, and California Proposition 65 safety standards.
Is 1,000 mg of vitamin C safe to take every day?
Yes, 1,000 mg daily is generally safe for healthy adults. The Food and Nutrition Board of the National Academies sets the Tolerable Upper Intake Level (UL) for adults at 2,000 mg per day. Because this formula releases slowly, it minimizes the gastrointestinal side effects sometimes experienced with high-dose immediate-release ascorbic acid.
Is NOW C-1000 Sustained Release vegan and gluten-free?
Yes. The tablets are manufactured without animal products, gluten, wheat, soy, milk, egg, fish, shellfish, or tree nuts. They are certified vegan, vegetarian, non-GMO, kosher, and halal.
What is VitaNet's return policy if this product doesn't agree with me?
VitaNet®, LLC offers an unconditional 100% money-back guarantee for 12 months from your purchase date[cite: 1]. If you are unsatisfied for any reason, return the bottle (opened or unopened) and VitaNet will refund your full purchase price and cover the return shipping costs[cite: 1].
* These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.
The information provided here is for educational purposes only and should not replace personalized medical advice from a licensed physician or healthcare specialist. Consult your doctor before beginning any dietary supplement regimen, particularly if you are pregnant, nursing, taking prescription medications, or have a pre-existing medical condition.
