Vitamin C

Explore our Vitamin C (ascorbic acid) range and choose the format that suits you: powder or capsules.

Shop Vitamin C Powder in a 240g size, or Vitamin C 650mg Capsules in packs of 90 or 180.

2 products

Frequently asked questions

What does vitamin C do? Popular
Vitamin C has a wide range of authorised EU health claims. It contributes to the normal function of the immune system; to normal collagen formation for the normal function of skin, bones, cartilage, gums, teeth and blood vessels; to the protection of cells from oxidative stress; to the reduction of tiredness and fatigue; and to normal psychological function and normal function of the nervous system. It also increases iron absorption.

That is an unusually broad set of roles for a single nutrient, which is why vitamin C is one of the most widely taken supplements. The body cannot make or store it in large amounts, so a regular dietary supply matters.
How much vitamin C do I need?
The EU Nutrient Reference Value for vitamin C is 80mg per day. Many people take more than this through supplements, as vitamin C is water-soluble and the body excretes what it does not use rather than storing it.

Vitamin C is found in the diet in fruit and vegetables, particularly citrus fruits, berries, peppers, broccoli and potatoes. A varied diet containing these will provide a good amount. Health Leads supplies vitamin C at 650mg per capsule, and as a powder, for those who prefer a higher intake.
Should I choose vitamin C powder or capsules?
It comes down to preference. Capsules are convenient and pre-measured — our Vitamin C capsules provide 650mg each, in packs of 90 or 180. The powder (240g) lets you adjust the amount yourself and mix it into water or juice, which some people prefer and which can work out more economical per gram.

Both are the same ascorbic acid; the only difference is format. If you take a consistent daily amount and value convenience, capsules suit that; if you want flexibility over the amount, the powder does.
Is vitamin C an antioxidant?
Vitamin C contributes to the protection of cells from oxidative stress — this is an authorised EU health claim. Oxidative stress refers to damage caused by reactive molecules in the body, and a number of nutrients have authorised roles in protecting against it.

This is one of several authorised roles vitamin C has, alongside its contributions to immune function, collagen formation and the reduction of tiredness and fatigue.
Can I take too much vitamin C?
Vitamin C is water-soluble, so the body excretes what it does not use rather than storing it, and it is generally well tolerated. Very high intakes can cause digestive discomfort such as stomach upset in some people, which tends to resolve when the amount is reduced.

Follow the suggested use on the product label. If you have a health condition, take medication, or are unsure what intake is right for you, a GP or pharmacist can advise.
Is your vitamin C additive-free?
Yes. Like everything we make, our vitamin C is additive-free — no magnesium stearate and no unnecessary fillers or binders. The capsules use a plant-based shell and contain the ascorbic acid itself; the powder is simply ascorbic acid.

We manufacture additive-free in Wales, in small fresh batches, as we have since 1998.

Vitamin C: What It Does and How to Choose

Vitamin C, also known as ascorbic acid, is one of the best-known and most widely taken nutrients — and one of the few with such a broad range of established roles. The body cannot make it or store it in large amounts, so it needs a regular supply from the diet, found mainly in fruit and vegetables such as citrus fruits, berries, peppers and broccoli.

Its authorised EU health claims are unusually wide-ranging. Vitamin C contributes to the normal function of the immune system; to normal collagen formation for the normal function of skin, bones, cartilage, gums, teeth and blood vessels; to the protection of cells from oxidative stress; and to the reduction of tiredness and fatigue. It also contributes to normal psychological function and the normal function of the nervous system, and it increases iron absorption — which is why it is often taken alongside iron. These are authorised EU health claims.

We supply vitamin C in two formats so you can choose what suits you. The capsules provide 650mg each, pre-measured and convenient, in packs of 90 or 180. The powder (240g) lets you adjust the amount yourself and mix it into water or juice, and can work out more economical per gram. Both are the same ascorbic acid — the choice is simply one of format and flexibility.

Like everything we make, our vitamin C is additive-free — no magnesium stearate, no unnecessary fillers — manufactured in Wales in small, fresh batches. A varied, balanced diet is the best foundation for vitamin C intake; supplements are there to support it. For anything specific to your own needs, a GP or pharmacist is the right source of advice.