Buffered C Capsules by Ortho Molecular Products

If regular vitamin C upsets your stomach, buffered vitamin C is the gentler way to raise intake. It suits adults with sensitive digestion, smokers or urban commuters with higher oxidative stress, endurance athletes, and people who eat little fruit and veg. It also helps if you’re working on iron status, since vitamin C boosts non‑heme iron absorption — pair with a Ferritin check to see if you’re moving the needle. For inflammation tracking, watch hs-CRP (a blood marker of systemic inflammation) over time.

This formula uses ascorbic acid (USP) combined with calcium, magnesium, and potassium salts to reduce acidity in the stomach while delivering vitamin C. Once absorbed, vitamin C acts as an antioxidant by donating electrons to unstable molecules, supports collagen synthesis for skin, gums, and tendon repair, and helps make carnitine (the shuttle that moves fats into mitochondria for energy) and norepinephrine (a focus-related neurotransmitter). In immune cells, it improves barrier integrity and function; in trials, regular users see slightly shorter colds, while starting only after symptoms offers minimal benefit. Small reductions in hs-CRP occur in some responders.

The suggested use is two or more capsules daily. Split dosing (morning and evening) improves absorption and is easier on the gut. Take with food if you’re sensitive; the buffering minerals already make it easier on the stomach than plain ascorbic acid. For maintenance, the listed amount is reasonable; for clear deficiency or wound healing, clinicians often use higher divided doses short term, then step down. Most responders notice changes like improved gum bleeding or bruise recovery within 2 to 4 weeks.

Skip high-dose vitamin C if you have a history of calcium oxalate kidney stones, hemochromatosis, or chronically high Ferritin, and discuss use if you have kidney disease. It enhances iron absorption; that’s helpful if Ferritin is low, but not if iron is already high. Very high intakes can falsely alter some point-of-care glucose readings; diabetics using handheld meters should confirm compatibility. Warfarin users should keep dosing consistent and monitor INR with any supplement change.