Types of vitamin C: which one to choose and how they differ
Vitamin C is one of the best-known nutrients in health and nutricosmetics. However, not all formulations are the same. There are different types of vitamin C, which vary in terms of stability, absorption and purity.
Understanding these differences is key to knowing which vitamin C to choose, especially when looking to support skin health, the immune system or collagen production.
In this article, we explain the main forms of vitamin C, their characteristics and how to choose the most suitable one for your needs.
Why is vitamin C important?
Vitamin C is an essential antioxidant that plays a role in numerous bodily processes. Its main functions include:
- Contributing to the normal functioning of the immune system
- Protecting cells against oxidative damage
- Helping to reduce tiredness and fatigue
- Playing a role in normal collagen formation
This last point is particularly important, as collagen is a structural protein that is fundamental for the skin, joints and connective tissues. This is why vitamin C and collagen are often combined in nutricosmetic supplements.
Differences between types of vitamin C
There are different forms of vitamin C used in supplements. Each has different characteristics in terms of stability and absorption.
Ascorbic acid: pure vitamin C
Ascorbic acid is the best-known and most studied form of vitamin C.
- High purity
- High concentration of active vitamin C
- Extensive scientific support
However, ascorbic acid may be less stable when exposed to oxygen, light or heat, which can affect its shelf life if the product is not properly formulated.
Even so, it remains one of the most widely used options in supplements.
Mineral ascorbates: less acidic vitamin C
Ascorbates are forms of vitamin C bound to minerals such as:
- Sodium ascorbate
- Calcium ascorbate
These versions are often considered buffered vitamin C, as they are less acidic on the stomach.
- Better digestive tolerance in some people
- Good stability
Drawback:
- They usually provide a lower amount of pure vitamin C per dose.
Liposomal vitamin C
Liposomal vitamin C is a form in which the nutrient is encapsulated in liposomes, small lipid structures that protect the molecule.
Advantages:
- Greater stability
- Potential improvement in vitamin C absorption
For this reason, it is often considered an advanced form of supplementation, although it also tends to be more expensive.
Vitamin C and collagen: a key combination
One of the reasons why vitamin C is so popular in nutricosmetics is its role in collagen synthesis. Collagen is the protein that provides:
- Firmness to the skin
- Elasticity
- Support for joints and cartilage
Vitamin C acts as a cofactor in collagen formation, a process essential for maintaining the structure of the skin, joints and other connective tissues. This is why it is commonly found alongside hydrolysed collagen in many nutricosmetic supplements.
The impact of hydrolysed collagen on people over 60
Over time, the body’s natural production of collagen decreases. From the age of 60 onwards, this loss can result in:
- Reduced skin elasticity
- The appearance of more visible wrinkles
- Increased joint stiffness or discomfort
Hydrolysed collagen consists of smaller peptides that make it easier to digest and absorb. Various studies suggest that regular consumption may help to:
- Improve skin elasticity
- Supporting joint mobility
- Supporting connective tissue health
When combined with vitamin C, it supports the body’s natural collagen production process.
How to choose the best vitamin C?
When deciding which vitamin C to choose, it is worth considering several factors:
- The type of vitamin C used
- The stability of the formula
- The combination with other beneficial ingredients
In the field of nutricosmetics, some formulas combine vitamin C with hydrolysed collagen and other active ingredients to offer a more comprehensive approach.
In the case of GOLD COLLAGEN® liquid collagen supplements, vitamin C forms part of their formulas because it contributes to normal collagen synthesis, a process essential for maintaining the structure of the skin, joints and connective tissues.
Therefore, combining hydrolysed collagen with vitamin C allows for more effective support of the body’s natural processes.