NOW® AlphaSorb-C™ 500 mg (180 Veg Capsules): Non-Acidic Buffered Vitamin C with Transport C-PLUS®
Conventional vitamin C supplements rely on pure ascorbic acid, a compound with an acidic pH of roughly 2.5 that frequently triggers heartburn, gastric reflux, and stomach irritation. In addition, unbuffered water-soluble vitamin C is rapidly cleared by the kidneys before body cells can fully absorb and retain it.
NOW® AlphaSorb-C™ 500 mg solves both digestive tolerance and biological retention issues by combining non-acidic calcium ascorbate with Transport C-PLUS®—a specialized matrix featuring Threonic Acid and Alpha Lipoic Acid. Sourced and stocked by VitaNet®, LLC—an independent, family-owned natural health business operating in Hartville, Ohio[cite: 1] and serving customers online since 1995[cite: 1]—this formula provides high-potency antioxidant support backed by over 31 years of direct retail and nutritional experience[cite: 1].
Key Performance Factors:
✓Stomach-Gentle Buffering: Calcium ascorbate maintains a near-neutral pH to prevent gastric burning and acid flare-ups.
✓Enhanced Cellular Uptake: Natural threonate metabolites accelerate the transport of vitamin C into human white blood cells.
✓Continuous Antioxidant Regeneration: Integrated Alpha Lipoic Acid chemically recharges oxidized vitamin C for ongoing cellular protection.
✓Full-Spectrum Bioflavonoid Synergy: Enriched with standardized citrus bioflavonoids, rutin, acerola cherry, and rose hips.
✓Certified ISO 17025 Testing: Every lot is screened for heavy metals, microbial contaminants, and active label potency.
How AlphaSorb-C Works: Biological Mechanics in Plain English
Standard ascorbic acid functions much like a single-use battery: once it neutralizes a reactive free radical, it becomes oxidized into inactive dehydroascorbic acid and is rapidly filtered out through your urinary system. AlphaSorb-C overcomes this biological limitation through four specific mechanisms:
1. The Calcium Buffer: Acid-Free Ingestion
By binding ascorbic acid molecules to calcium ions, the supplement is delivered at a neutral pH range of 6.8 to 7.4. This prevents the gastric mucosal irritation and acidic reflux associated with standard 500 mg or 1,000 mg ascorbic acid tablets.
2. Threonic Acid: Direct Cellular Entry
L-Threonic acid is a physiological metabolite of vitamin C. Scientific research shows that calcium threonate stimulates uptake pathways, significantly increasing intracellular ascorbate accumulation and retention within human immune cells and connective tissues (Fay & Verlangieri, 1991).
3. Alpha Lipoic Acid: The Antioxidant Recharge Loop
Alpha Lipoic Acid (ALA) is an amphiphilic antioxidant that functions in both lipid cell membranes and water-based intracellular fluid (Packer et al., 1995). When vitamin C neutralizes a free radical and is spent, ALA donates electrons to restore the ascorbate molecule back to its active, reduced state, extending its functional lifespan in the bloodstream.
4. Flavonoid Co-Factors: Vascular & Absorption Support
Natural whole-food sources of vitamin C consistently contain plant polyphenols. AlphaSorb-C includes citrus bioflavonoids (hesperidin), rutin, acerola powder, and rose hips. These natural compounds protect ascorbate from oxidative degradation and enhance vascular capillary strength (Vinson & Bose, 1988).
† Daily Value not established. * Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.
Other Ingredients: Hypromellose (cellulose capsule), Microcrystalline Cellulose, Stearic Acid (vegetable source), Magnesium Stearate (vegetable source), and Silicon Dioxide.
Allergen Declaration: Formulated without 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.
Key Attributes: Non-GMO, Vegetarian / Vegan formulation, Non-Acidic, Transport C-PLUS® is a registered trademark of Helios Corp.
Quality assurance requires rigorous, objective scientific verification. NOW conducts over 19,000 to 31,000 laboratory assays every month in its state-of-the-art, ISO/IEC 17025:2017 accredited testing laboratories to ensure purity and identity:
1. Elemental Contaminant Screening (ICP-MS)
Using Inductively Coupled Plasma Mass Spectrometry (ICP-MS), raw mineral and botanical ingredients are tested for toxic heavy metals. Raw materials exceeding strict threshold limits for lead, cadmium, mercury, or arsenic under USP ⟨2232⟩ guidelines are rejected before batch compounding.
2. Active Marker Quantification (HPLC / UHPLC)
High-Performance Liquid Chromatography (HPLC) is utilized to verify the exact chemical potency of both active ascorbate and Alpha Lipoic Acid, ensuring finished capsules meet strict label declarations across their entire shelf life.
3. Pesticide & Solvent Screening (GC-MS/MS)
Gas Chromatography-Tandem Mass Spectrometry (GC-MS/MS) screens botanicals like acerola cherry and rose hips against a panel of over 400 pesticides and verifies that residual processing solvents are completely absent.
4. Botanical Identity & Microbiological Safety
High-Performance Thin-Layer Chromatography (HPTLC) confirms botanical identity against reference standards, preventing species substitution. Rapid micro-assays guarantee zero presence of harmful pathogens including Salmonella, E. coli, and Staphylococcus aureus.
Clinical Indications, Real Constraints & Contraindications
Understanding clinical limitations is critical for safe, effective nutritional supplementation:
Target Applications:
Sensitive Digestion & Acid Intolerance: Ideal for individuals unable to take regular ascorbic acid due to gastric distress, ulcerations, or GERD.
Recovery from High Oxidative Stress: Supports rigorous athletic training and demanding schedules by sustaining intracellular antioxidant defense.
Collagen Synthesis & Vascular Support: Vitamin C serves as an indispensable co-factor for prolyl and lysyl hydroxylase, enzymes needed for normal skin elasticity and joint cartilage structure.
Important Precautions & Interactions:
Calcium Intake: Each capsule supplies 60 mg of elemental calcium. Factor this into your cumulative daily calcium intake if you take prescription calcium binders or mineral supplements.
Blood Glucose Control: Alpha Lipoic Acid can enhance insulin sensitivity and glucose uptake. Individuals taking insulin or oral diabetes medications should monitor blood sugar levels.
Kidney Stones: Vitamin C in megadoses (>2,000 mg/day) can be metabolized into oxalate. Individuals with a history of calcium oxalate nephrolithiasis should consult their physician before using high doses.
Chemotherapy & Radiation Therapy: High-potency antioxidant combinations may interfere with free-radical mechanisms of select cancer therapies; consult your primary oncologist prior to supplementation.
Suggested Usage, Administration & Storage
Recommended Daily Schedule: As a dietary supplement, take 1 veg capsule 1 to 3 times daily, preferably with meals. Dividing your daily intake (such as taking 1 capsule with breakfast and 1 capsule with dinner) maintains steady ascorbate levels in circulating plasma.
Meal Timing: While buffered calcium ascorbate can be tolerated on an empty stomach, taking each capsule alongside dietary healthy fats improves intestinal absorption of the fat-soluble Alpha Lipoic Acid fraction.
Nutrient Synergies: AlphaSorb-C pairs effectively with NOW® Pycnogenol® (Maritime Pine Bark Extract) and natural Vitamin E. Vitamin C functions alongside fat-soluble Vitamin E to defend cell membrane lipids, while bioflavonoids support vascular integrity.
Storage Conditions: Calcium ascorbate and plant bioflavonoids absorb airborne humidity readily. Keep the lid sealed tightly in a cool, dry pantry, and avoid high-humidity areas like bathroom medicine cabinets.
Why Order From VitaNet®, LLC?
Buying supplements online requires verified authenticity. Many third-party sellers store inventory in uncontrolled third-party fulfillment centers, exposing sensitive botanical compounds and lipoic acid to excessive heat and humidity.
At VitaNet®, LLC, we are an independent, family-owned business established in Hartville, Ohio in 1995[cite: 1]. Every formula in our curated inventory of over 16,000 items is sourced directly from certified brand manufacturers and maintained in climate-controlled storage[cite: 1].
The VitaNet 100% Risk-Free Guarantee:
We provide a full 100% money-back guarantee on all products[cite: 1]. If you are not satisfied with your order, we will refund your purchase price and pay the return shipping costs—even on opened bottles[cite: 1]. Speak directly with our customer service team during regular business hours at (330) 877-8786 or toll-free at 1-800-877-8702[cite: 1].
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What makes NOW AlphaSorb-C 500mg different from regular ascorbic acid?
Standard vitamin C is pure ascorbic acid, which is acidic (pH ~2.5) and can irritate gastric mucosa. NOW AlphaSorb-C binds ascorbic acid to calcium, achieving a stomach-gentle, near-neutral pH (6.8–7.4). It also incorporates Transport C-PLUS® (threonic acid and Alpha Lipoic Acid) to enhance intracellular uptake and continually regenerate spent vitamin C molecules.
Why is Alpha Lipoic Acid included in this formula?
Alpha Lipoic Acid (ALA) operates as an antioxidant recycling co-factor. When vitamin C neutralizes a free radical, it oxidizes into an inactive form. Alpha Lipoic Acid donates electrons to restore vitamin C back to its active, reduced state, allowing a single dose to provide prolonged protection.
Will AlphaSorb-C irritate my stomach if I suffer from acid reflux?
No. Because the ascorbic acid is fully buffered with calcium ascorbate, it does not create the sharp gastric acidity typical of standard vitamin C, making it suitable for individuals with sensitive stomachs or acid reflux.
How does NOW Foods test AlphaSorb-C for heavy metals and purity?
Every production lot is analyzed in NOW's ISO/IEC 17025 accredited analytical laboratories. Inductively Coupled Plasma Mass Spectrometry (ICP-MS) tests for heavy metals down to parts-per-billion levels, HPLC verifies active vitamin C and ALA content, and GC-MS screens for residual solvents and agricultural chemicals.
What is the recommended daily dosage?
The standard serving is 1 veg capsule taken 1 to 3 times daily, preferably with food. Taking capsules with breakfast and dinner supports balanced antioxidant levels throughout the day and aids absorption of the Alpha Lipoic Acid.
Is NOW AlphaSorb-C suitable for vegetarians and vegans?
Yes. The formula uses hypromellose (cellulose) vegetarian capsules and contains no gelatin, dairy, gluten, soy, egg, fish, or shellfish ingredients.
Scientific References & Clinical Literature:
Fay, M. J., & Verlangieri, A. J. (1991). Stimulatory action of calcium L-threonate on ascorbic acid uptake by human T-lymphoma cells. Life Sciences, 49(26), 2077–2081.
Packer, L., Witt, E. H., & Tritschler, H. J. (1995). Alpha-lipoic acid as a biological antioxidant. Free Radical Biology and Medicine, 19(2), 227–250.
Vinson, J. A., & Bose, P. (1988). Comparative bioavailability to humans of ascorbic acid alone or in a citrus extract. The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, 48(3), 601–604.
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.
United States Pharmacopeial Convention (USP). General Chapter ⟨2232⟩ Elemental Contaminants in Dietary Supplements. USP-NF.
