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Vitamin C

Ascorbic Acid, L-Ascorbic Acid

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Meta Information

ID:vitamin-c
Name:Vitamin C
Schema Version:1.5

Alternate Names

  • Ascorbic Acid
  • L-Ascorbic Acid

Active Compound

ascorbic_acid

Intervention Type

therapeutic_agent

Delivery

Route:
oral
Scope:
  • systemic

Regulatory Status

  • us:dietary_supplement
  • eu:food_supplement
  • us:otc_drug
  • us:rx_drug

Indication

Focus:
healthspan
Description:
Supports antioxidant defense, immune function, and collagen synthesis, which are foundational for healthy aging.

Typical Protocol

  • Daily oral doses for healthspan range from 200 mg to 2,000 mg.
  • Higher doses are often split throughout the day to improve absorption and maintain plasma levels.

Expected Cost Mean

Low Cost:
5
High Cost:
20
Cost Type:
monthly
Description:
Widely available and inexpensive over-the-counter oral supplements; typically not covered by insurance.

Summary

Vitamin C is a vital water-soluble antioxidant that protects cells from oxidative stress, a key driver of aging. It is essential for collagen synthesis, maintaining skin and connective tissue integrity, and supports robust immune function. While crucial for preventing deficiency-related diseases, its role in extending maximal healthspan in well-nourished individuals is less established.

Purpose

Essential antioxidant for immune support and collagen synthesis.

Card Summary

An essential antioxidant supporting immune function and collagen synthesis, crucial for preventing deficiency but with limited evidence for extending healthspan in well-nourished individuals.

Drug Class

null

Drugs In Class

Empty Array

Impact

Score:
4.5
Justification:
Essential for basic health, but limited evidence for supra-physiological doses extending healthspan.

Evidence

Grade:
A
Score:
7.5
Justification:
Vast human data confirms its essential role; less evidence for healthspan extension.

Safety

Score:
2.5
Justification:
Generally very safe; high doses can cause GI distress or kidney stones.

Flags

  • High doses (>2,000 mg/day) may cause diarrhea, nausea, and stomach cramps.
  • May increase the risk of kidney stones in susceptible individuals.
  • Can interfere with certain lab tests, including blood and urine glucose tests.
  • May interact with chemotherapy, radiation therapy, statins, and blood thinners like warfarin.

Verdict

Essential for baseline health; supplementation offers modest benefits if diet is insufficient.

Created

2026-05-05T22:02:15.807660Z

Ai Model

Gemini 2.5 Pro (High)