A targeted, high-potency synergistic formula combining 1,000 mg of antioxidant Vitamin C, 2,000 IU (50 mcg) of bioactive Vitamin D-3, and 15 mg of Albion™ TRAACS™ chelated Zinc Bisglycinate into a single daily vegetarian capsule.
Quick Product Snapshot
Core Purpose: Provides multi-pathway support for innate and adaptive immune cell activity, respiratory mucosal lining health, and cellular antioxidant defense.
Serving Size: 1 Veg Capsule daily with a fat-containing meal (100 servings per bottle).
Key Bioavailability Advantage: Utilizes patented Albion™ Zinc Bisglycinate chelate, clinically proven to be up to 43.4% more bioavailable than common zinc gluconate while remaining exceptionally gentle on the stomach (Gandia et al., 2007).
Quality & Purity Assurance: Produced in an Intertek-certified cGMP facility and verified through NOW Foods’ ISO/IEC 17025-accredited analytical laboratories against heavy metals, microbes, and adulterants.
Risk-Free Guarantee: Sold by VitaNet, LLC with an unconditional 100% money-back guarantee that even covers return shipping on opened bottles.
The Triple-Action Immune Synergy: How Vitamin C, Zinc, and D-3 Work Together
Most single-ingredient immune supplements address only one defensive pathway. Your immune system, however, functions like a coordinated defense team with multiple lines of protection: physical epithelial barriers (the “fortress walls”), innate rapid-response cells (the “scouts and foot soldiers”), and adaptive memory cells (the “special forces”). NOW Foods C-1000, Zinc & D-3 unites three micronutrients whose actions reinforce one another (Carr & Maggini, 2017; Wessels et al., 2022).
1. Vitamin C (1,000 mg Ascorbic Acid): Cellular Shield & White Blood Cell Fuel
Vitamin C is a primary water-soluble antioxidant. During an immune response, white blood cells (especially neutrophils and macrophages) consume massive amounts of oxygen, generating free radicals that can damage healthy host tissues. Clinical research demonstrates that Vitamin C concentrates inside active white blood cells at levels up to 80 times higher than in circulating plasma, protecting these cells from self-destruction while fueling their movement (chemotaxis) toward microbial challenges (Carr & Maggini, 2017).
2. Zinc Bisglycinate (15 mg Elemental Zinc): The Master Signal Switch
Zinc is an essential trace mineral required for the function of over 300 enzymes and 1,000 transcription factors. In plain terms, zinc acts as the master biological “on/off switch” for your immune defenses. A marginal zinc deficiency rapidly leads to a decline in natural killer (NK) cell activity and thymic hormone production. Furthermore, zinc works in direct tandem with Vitamin C to preserve the tight junctions of your respiratory and intestinal linings, preventing unwanted environmental particles from penetrating the bloodstream (Wessels et al., 2022).
3. Vitamin D-3 (2,000 IU / 50 mcg Cholecalciferol): Antimicrobial Peptide Activator
Often referred to as the “sunshine vitamin,” Vitamin D functions throughout your body as a potent steroid hormone precursor. Immune cells, including T cells and B cells, express specific Vitamin D receptors (VDR). When circulating 25-hydroxyvitamin D binds to these receptors, it triggers the synthesis of endogenous antimicrobial peptides, such as cathelicidin and defensins—your body’s natural microscopic shields. A landmark systematic review and meta-analysis published in the British Medical Journal (BMJ) confirmed that daily Vitamin D supplementation significantly reduced the risk of acute respiratory tract infections, especially in individuals with low baseline levels (Martineau et al., 2017).
Bioavailability Deep Dive: Why Albion™ Zinc Bisglycinate Outperforms Standard Zinc
A major frustration with standard zinc supplements (such as zinc oxide or zinc sulfate) is digestive intolerance. Unchelated zinc salts dissociate quickly in the acidic environment of the stomach, releasing free, reactive zinc ions (Zn2+) that irritate the gastric mucosa, causing nausea, stomach cramps, and heartburn.
NOW Foods avoids this problem by utilizing Albion™ TRAACS™ Zinc Bisglycinate. Chelation (derived from the Greek word for “claw”) is a specialized chemical process that bonds one elemental zinc ion between two molecules of the organic amino acid glycine.
+43.4% greater oral bioavailability compared to zinc gluconate (Gandia et al., 2007).
✓ High: Non-ionic, gentle, does not trigger stomach nausea.
Zinc Gluconate
Divalent Metal Transporter 1 (DMT1); vulnerable to dietary fiber and phytate inhibition.
Moderate baseline absorption; competes with calcium and iron for intestinal uptake.
Moderate: Can cause mild nausea when taken without a substantial meal.
Zinc Oxide / Sulfate
Poor passive diffusion; easily precipitates as insoluble compounds in the alkaline small intestine.
Low: Substantial portion passes unabsorbed through the digestive tract.
Poor: Frequently causes sharp gastrointestinal cramping and stomach distress.
Scientific Reference: In a randomized, single-dose, cross-over clinical trial conducted by Gandia et al. (published in the International Journal for Vitamin and Nutrition Research), healthy volunteers received equivalent 15 mg elemental zinc doses. The zinc bisglycinate group achieved a 43.4% higher plasma concentration area-under-the-curve (AUC) and peak serum levels without the stomach upset commonly associated with other zinc salts.
Because dietary supplements are classified as foods and are not pre-approved by the FDA before hitting the market, manufacturer integrity is the single most important factor in product safety. Many supplement brands outsource production to third-party contract manufacturers, never verifying what is actually inside the bottle.
NOW Foods operates one of the most advanced, privately held analytical testing facilities in the nutritional industry across their Bloomingdale, Illinois and Sparks, Nevada facilities. Their in-house laboratories are accredited under ISO/IEC 17025:2017, the global gold standard for laboratory competence, calibration, and testing accuracy.
How NOW Verifies Every Batch of C-1000, Zinc & D-3:
Over 31,000 Monthly Quality Tests: NOW conducts tens of thousands of individual assays each month on raw ingredients and finished goods, verifying identity, purity, potency, and safety.
ICP-MS Heavy Metal Testing (Parts-Per-Billion Precision): Using Inductively Coupled Plasma Mass Spectrometry (ICP-MS), NOW screens raw ingredients down to parts-per-billion (nanogram) sensitivity. This ensures strict compliance with USP limits and California Proposition 65 constraints for lead, arsenic, cadmium, and mercury.
HPLC & UHPLC Active Potency Verification: High-Performance Liquid Chromatography is utilized to confirm that every single capsule contains exactly 1,000 mg of active ascorbic acid and 2,000 IU of cholecalciferol through its stated shelf life, preventing underdosing or premature nutrient degradation.
FTIR Raw Material Fingerprinting: Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy compares incoming botanical and raw materials against verified chemical reference standards, ensuring zero adulteration or counterfeit raw materials.
Gas & Liquid Mass Spectrometry (GC-MS/MS & LC-MS/MS): Advanced tandem mass spectrometry screens for over 500 potential agricultural pesticide residues, fungicides, and chemical contaminants.
Microbiological Safety Screen: Every lot is cultured and tested via rapid PCR to confirm the complete absence of harmful pathogens, including Salmonella spp., Escherichia coli, and Staphylococcus aureus, alongside strict limits on total aerobic plate count, yeast, and mold.
NOW Foods is certified by Intertek under Current Good Manufacturing Practices (cGMP 21 CFR Part 111), guaranteeing that the product in your hands matches its label identically.
Complete Supplement Facts, Full Ingredient Breakdown & Allergen Profile
Double-checked directly against NOW Foods manufacturer product specifications (UPC: 733739006967 / Item # N0696):
Supplement Facts
Serving Size: 1 Veg Capsule
Servings Per Container: 100
Amount Per Serving
% Daily Value
Vitamin C (as Ascorbic Acid) 1 g (1,000 mg)
1,111%
Vitamin D-3 (as Cholecalciferol) (from Lanolin) 50 mcg (2,000 IU)
* The % Daily Value (DV) tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.
✓ Not manufactured with: Wheat, gluten, soy, milk, egg, fish, shellfish, sesame, or tree nut ingredients.
✓ Facility Standards: Produced in an FDA-inspected, GMP-compliant facility that processes other products containing these allergens.
✓ Dietary Suitability: Vegetarian friendly (contains Vitamin D-3 derived cleanly from sheep’s wool lanolin; free of bovine gelatin). Non-GMO and Kosher (Triangle K) compliant.
Getting the maximum biological value out of your nutritional supplements requires understanding human digestive physiology. Follow these science-based practical tips:
1. Always Take With a Fat-Containing Meal
While Vitamin C is water-soluble, Vitamin D-3 is strictly fat-soluble. Clinical trials demonstrate that taking Vitamin D-3 with a meal containing dietary lipids (healthy fats such as avocado, eggs, olive oil, or yogurt) increases intestinal micelle formation and boosts Vitamin D absorption by up to 32% to 50% compared to taking it with water on an empty stomach (Dawson-Hughes et al., 2015).
2. Understanding the Long-Term Zinc-to-Copper Balance
This product supplies 15 mg of elemental zinc per day (136% DV)—an optimal, safe amount for daily immune defense. However, taking high doses of supplemental zinc (50 mg or more daily) over many consecutive months can induce intestinal metallothionein, which blocks copper absorption and can lead to secondary copper deficiency. At 15 mg daily, this formula stays well within the safe upper limit (40 mg/day for adults), but if you supplement with zinc continuously for longer than six months, consider ensuring your diet or multivitamin provides 1 to 2 mg of copper.
Antibiotics (Tetracyclines & Fluoroquinolones): Minerals like zinc can chelate with certain oral antibiotics (such as ciprofloxacin or doxycycline), reducing their absorption. Space your supplement and antibiotic doses by at least 2 to 4 hours.
Thiazide Diuretics & Calcium Disorders: Vitamin D-3 enhances intestinal calcium absorption. If you take thiazide diuretics or have hypercalcemia, consult your physician.
Kidney Stones: Individuals with a history of calcium oxalate kidney stones should discuss high-dose ascorbic acid (1,000 mg) supplementation with their healthcare provider.
Independent Retailer Integrity: Why Purchase from VitaNet, LLC?
In an era where massive online marketplaces allow unvetted third-party sellers to peddle expired, counterfeit, or poorly stored vitamins from unconditioned warehouses, where you buy your supplements matters just as much as what brand you buy.
VitaNet, LLC is an independent, family-owned discount vitamin and herb retailer serving health-conscious customers online since 1995 from Hartville, Ohio[cite: 1]. With over 30 years of hands-on industry experience, VitaNet sources all products directly from certified manufacturers like NOW Foods, ensuring climate-controlled storage, fresh lot codes, and authentic formulations[cite: 1].
The VitaNet Customer Promise:
100% Money-Back Guarantee (Even on Opened Bottles): VitaNet offers an industry-leading 12-month return policy and even pays the return shipping costs for a 100% refund of your purchase price, whether the product is unopened or opened[cite: 1].
Direct Everyday Discount Pricing: Receive deep volume discounts off manufacturer retail prices without membership fees or hidden subscriptions[cite: 1].
BBB A+ Accredited Independent Business: Real human customer service based in Hartville, Ohio[cite: 1]. Reach knowledgeable staff directly by calling 1-800-877-8702 or (330) 877-8786[cite: 1].
Authenticity Guaranteed: 100% genuine NOW Foods stock backed by fresh manufacturer lot numbers and direct supply chain custody[cite: 1].
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Why are Vitamin C, Zinc, and Vitamin D-3 combined in one capsule?
Combining Vitamin C, Zinc, and Vitamin D-3 provides synchronized nutritional support across every layer of your immune defenses. Vitamin C acts as an immediate water-soluble antioxidant for white blood cells, Zinc regulates immune signaling and cell division, and Vitamin D-3 stimulates antimicrobial peptide production. Taking them together in one capsule saves time, simplifies your routine, and ensures balanced daily ratios without taking three separate pills.
Will this zinc upset my stomach like other zinc pills do?
Common forms of zinc (like zinc sulfate or zinc oxide) release raw, free zinc ions in the stomach that frequently trigger nausea. This NOW Foods formula uses patented Albion™ TRAACS™ Zinc Bisglycinate, in which the zinc is bound between two glycine amino acids. Because it stays intact through stomach acid and absorbs through dipeptide pathways, it is substantially gentler on the digestive tract and clinically shown to be up to 43.4% better absorbed than zinc gluconate (Gandia et al., 2007).
When is the best time of day to take NOW C-1000 Zinc & D-3?
The best time is with your largest meal of the day (such as breakfast or lunch) that contains some dietary fat. Because Vitamin D-3 is fat-soluble, dietary fats like eggs, avocado, nuts, or butter trigger bile acid release, boosting Vitamin D absorption by up to 50% (Dawson-Hughes et al., 2015). Taking it with food also optimizes the absorption of Vitamin C and Zinc.
Can I take this supplement every day throughout the entire year?
Yes. At 15 mg of elemental zinc (136% DV), 1,000 mg of Vitamin C (1,111% DV), and 2,000 IU of Vitamin D-3 (250% DV), the dosages are calibrated for daily wellness and seasonal protection while remaining well beneath the established adult Tolerable Upper Intake Levels (UL) of 40 mg/day for zinc, 2,000 mg/day for Vitamin C, and 4,000 IU/day for Vitamin D. If you plan to supplement year-round, periodic blood testing of 25(OH)D and zinc levels is recommended.
Is NOW C-1000 Zinc & D-3 vegan or vegetarian?
This supplement is vegetarian. The capsule is made from hypromellose (plant-derived cellulose), and it is free of animal gelatin. However, the Vitamin D-3 (cholecalciferol) is sourced from lanolin (the natural oil extracted from ethically sheared sheep’s wool), which makes it vegetarian-friendly but not strictly 100% vegan.
