Meta Information

ID:sustained-release-vitamin-c

Name:Sustained Release Vitamin C

Schema Version:1.5

Alternate Names

• Time-Release Vitamin C
• Extended-Release Ascorbic Acid

Active Compound

ascorbic_acid

Intervention Type

therapeutic_agent

Delivery

Route:

oral

Scope:

• systemic

Regulatory Status

• us:dietary_supplement
• eu:food_supplement

Indication

Focus:

healthspan

Description:

Supports antioxidant status, immune function, and collagen synthesis for overall health maintenance.

Typical Protocol

• Take 500mg to 1000mg once or twice daily to maintain stable plasma levels throughout the day.

Expected Cost Mean

Low Cost:

10

High Cost:

25

Cost Type:

monthly

Description:

Widely available over-the-counter supplement; not covered by insurance.

Summary

Sustained-release Vitamin C (ascorbic acid) is formulated to dissolve slowly over several hours, maintaining more stable plasma concentrations than immediate-release forms. As a crucial antioxidant, it neutralizes free radicals, supports immune cell function, and is essential for collagen production, which is vital for skin, joint, and vascular health. This delivery method aims to improve absorption and reduce potential gastrointestinal upset from large, single doses.

Purpose

Provides steady antioxidant support for immune and connective tissue health.

Card Summary

A slow-dissolving form of Vitamin C designed to maintain stable antioxidant levels, supporting immunity and collagen synthesis throughout the day.

Drug Class

null

Drugs In Class

Empty Array

Impact

Score:

4.5

Justification:

Supports key antioxidant and structural pathways, but its direct impact on extending healthspan is moderate.

Evidence

Grade:

A

Score:

8.5

Justification:

Extensive human data confirms Vitamin C's essential role in immunity and antioxidant defense.

Safety

Score:

2.5

Justification:

Generally recognized as safe (GRAS); high doses may cause gastrointestinal distress or kidney stones.

Flags

• Sustained-release formulations may reduce the risk of gastrointestinal upset compared to high-dose immediate-release forms.
• Very high doses (>2000mg/day) can increase the risk of kidney stones in susceptible individuals.
• May interfere with certain lab tests, including blood glucose monitoring.
• Individuals with hemochromatosis should use caution due to increased iron absorption.

Verdict

A safe, foundational antioxidant with theoretical benefits from its sustained-release formulation.

Created

2026-06-12T17:51:38.193408Z

Ai Model

Gemini 2.5 Pro (High)