Overview

SCIENTIFIC SCORE
Moderately Effective
Based on 4 Researches
8
USERS' SCORE
Good
Based on 286 Reviews
8.1
Supplement Facts
Serving Size: 1 Vegetarian Tablet
Amount Per Serving
%DV
Vitamin C (as Ester-C® Calcium Ascorbate)
1,000 mg (1 g)
1,111%
Calcium (as Ester-C® Calcium Ascorbate)
110 mg
8%
Citrus Bioflavonoids ComplexCitrus Bioflavonoids (Citrus sinensis) (fruit), Sweet Orange, Tangerine, Lime, Lemon, Acerola, Rutin, Hesperidin Complex (Citrus spp.) (fruit), Naturally Occurring Vitamin C Metabolites
200 mg
**

Top Medical Research Studies

9
Vitamin C reduces cold incidences
We investigated whether a daily vitamin C supplement could reduce the risk of catching colds. Over two months, 168 people took either the supplement or a placebo. Results showed that those taking vitamin C experienced significantly fewer colds and shorter durations of severe symptoms compared to the placebo group.

This supplement was well-tolerated with minimal side effects, and participants were notably satisfied with it. Overall, it seems that vitamin C may not only help prevent colds but also assist in faster recovery from them.
7
Vitamin C alleviates cold symptoms
We looked into how vitamin C affects cold symptoms through a well-structured study involving 622 volunteers divided into treatment groups. They received either vitamin C or a placebo over a 15-week period.

While both vitamin C groups experienced milder illnesses compared to the placebo group, there were no significant differences between the two forms of vitamin C used. Interestingly, those taking vitamin C spent about 25% fewer days sick indoors. This suggests that while vitamin C can alleviate some cold symptoms, we might not need as high a dose as previously thought.
7
Effectiveness of Vitamin C on Colds
We explored the effects of vitamin C on the common cold and pneumonia by examining a range of studies. Interestingly, research on animals suggests that vitamin C may have protective effects against infections. However, when it comes to preventing colds in the general population, taking more than 1 gram of vitamin C per day didn’t show significant benefits.

But there's a twist! Participants engaged in heavy physical activities saw their cold incidence reduced by half with vitamin C supplementation. Additionally, regular intake of 1 gram or more daily was linked to a 15% decrease in cold severity. While some therapeutic trials showed inconsistent results when vitamin C was taken after cold symptoms appeared, two studies did indicate that larger doses (6-8 grams per day) could effectively shorten the duration of colds compared to lower doses.

Our investigation also looked into pneumonia, but the studies were conducted in unique settings, such as a boarding school and military recruits. This makes it hard to generalize the findings to the wider population. Yet, some trials suggested benefits for pneumonia patients. Finally, the role of vitamin C in treating COVID-19 and sepsis remains unclear, with mixed results.

Given that vitamin C seems to alleviate symptoms and shorten the duration of colds, while being safe and affordable, it might be worth considering a dose of 6-8 grams per day to see if it helps at an individual level.

Most Useful Reviews

9
Helps colds
50 people found this helpful
This vitamin C has facilitated recovery during colds.
9
Excellent remedy
50 people found this helpful
I only order this vitamin C, as it is an excellent remedy! Whenever I feel unwell, I increase my daily intake. It significantly helps my body combat a cold.
9
Prevented colds effectively
9 people found this helpful
This is a brilliant product! There are several Ester-C variants with bioflavonoids available, making it hard to determine the bioflavonoid content. I bought this product for its bioflavonoid levels, crucial for venous and capillary support. Although more expensive, it is worth the cost as neither of us has had a cold for the past year while taking it daily. I highly recommend it!

Medical Researches

SCIENTIFIC SCORE
Moderately Effective
Based on 4 Researches
8
  • All Researches
9
Vitamin C reduces cold incidences
We investigated whether a daily vitamin C supplement could reduce the risk of catching colds. Over two months, 168 people took either the supplement or a placebo. Results showed that those taking vitamin C experienced significantly fewer colds and shorter durations of severe symptoms compared to the placebo group.

This supplement was well-tolerated with minimal side effects, and participants were notably satisfied with it. Overall, it seems that vitamin C may not only help prevent colds but also assist in faster recovery from them.
9
Vitamin C improves cold tolerance
We explored the effects of ascorbic acid, commonly known as vitamin C, on cold tolerance in tomato seedlings. In our study, we discovered that applying vitamin C significantly boosts the seedlings' ability to handle cold stress.

By enhancing the antioxidant defense system, vitamin C treatment increased the enzyme activity in the seedlings' leaves. Additionally, it raised levels of important compounds such as proline, sugar, and abscisic acid, all of which play crucial roles in plant stress responses.

Our observations showed that vitamin C also protects the photosynthesis system of tomato seedlings. This implies that it helps maintain chlorophyll function, which is critical for the plant's overall health, especially under cold conditions.

Moreover, we found that vitamin C treatments led to increased expression of genes linked to antioxidant enzymes and cold response mechanisms. Overall, our findings suggest that exogenous vitamin C is a beneficial approach to improve cold tolerance in tomatoes and may provide helpful insights for farmers looking to cultivate hardier varieties during colder months.
7
Vitamin C alleviates cold symptoms
We looked into how vitamin C affects cold symptoms through a well-structured study involving 622 volunteers divided into treatment groups. They received either vitamin C or a placebo over a 15-week period.

While both vitamin C groups experienced milder illnesses compared to the placebo group, there were no significant differences between the two forms of vitamin C used. Interestingly, those taking vitamin C spent about 25% fewer days sick indoors. This suggests that while vitamin C can alleviate some cold symptoms, we might not need as high a dose as previously thought.
7
Effectiveness of Vitamin C on Colds
We explored the effects of vitamin C on the common cold and pneumonia by examining a range of studies. Interestingly, research on animals suggests that vitamin C may have protective effects against infections. However, when it comes to preventing colds in the general population, taking more than 1 gram of vitamin C per day didn’t show significant benefits.

But there's a twist! Participants engaged in heavy physical activities saw their cold incidence reduced by half with vitamin C supplementation. Additionally, regular intake of 1 gram or more daily was linked to a 15% decrease in cold severity. While some therapeutic trials showed inconsistent results when vitamin C was taken after cold symptoms appeared, two studies did indicate that larger doses (6-8 grams per day) could effectively shorten the duration of colds compared to lower doses.

Our investigation also looked into pneumonia, but the studies were conducted in unique settings, such as a boarding school and military recruits. This makes it hard to generalize the findings to the wider population. Yet, some trials suggested benefits for pneumonia patients. Finally, the role of vitamin C in treating COVID-19 and sepsis remains unclear, with mixed results.

Given that vitamin C seems to alleviate symptoms and shorten the duration of colds, while being safe and affordable, it might be worth considering a dose of 6-8 grams per day to see if it helps at an individual level.

User Reviews

USERS' SCORE
Good
Based on 286 Reviews
8.1
  • All Reviews
  • Positive Reviews
  • Negative Reviews
9
Helps colds
50 people found this helpful
This vitamin C has facilitated recovery during colds.
9
Excellent remedy
50 people found this helpful
I only order this vitamin C, as it is an excellent remedy! Whenever I feel unwell, I increase my daily intake. It significantly helps my body combat a cold.
9
Prevented colds effectively
9 people found this helpful
This is a brilliant product! There are several Ester-C variants with bioflavonoids available, making it hard to determine the bioflavonoid content. I bought this product for its bioflavonoid levels, crucial for venous and capillary support. Although more expensive, it is worth the cost as neither of us has had a cold for the past year while taking it daily. I highly recommend it!
9
Fast cold relief
8 people found this helpful
The pill is quite large yet very effective; it enhances immunity and hydrates the body. I had a cold for a day and took four pills. By the second day, my health was good and there were no cold symptoms. My face also appears brighter.
9
Stops seasonal colds
6 people found this helpful
Good drug! I have been taking it consistently for three years. I tried other brands, but this one is the best. I experience no unpleasant sensations. I take 3g daily, with 1g for my family. We have practically stopped catching colds seasonally. I recommend it to all my friends, as Vitamin C is an essential daily antioxidant!

Frequently Asked Questions

9
Fast cold relief
8 people found this helpful
The pill is quite large yet very effective; it enhances immunity and hydrates the body. I had a cold for a day and took four pills. By the second day, my health was good and there were no cold symptoms. My face also appears brighter.
10
Proven effectiveness
My favourite among the C vitamins. It does not irritate the stomach walls since it is acid-free. At the onset of a cold, I take a loading dose of 4000 mg for several days, and there will be no trace of your cold. I have tested it on myself and all my loved ones; it works 100%. I am ready to sing odes to this vitamin; I always keep it at home. Be healthy!
10
Effective for cold
2 people found this helpful
Excellent vitamin C with good bioavailability. It doesn't irritate my stomach, thanks to the bioflavonoids. Whenever I feel ill, I drink vitamin C, and the cold quickly recedes. During my bout with Covid, I recovered swiftly. I recommend this vitamin to all, as it's essential during the autumn-winter months.
9
Symptom relief
1 people found this helpful
A good cold remedy. I purchased this vitamin for the first time, and it arrived just in time. My daughter caught a cold at work, and upon noticing her symptoms, I suggested a shock dose of this Vitamin. The next day, all her symptoms disappeared. She used to doubt dietary supplements, but now she believes in their efficacy. There were no unpleasant sensations in her stomach.
10
Immune support
1 people found this helpful
I can hardly express my delight for this vitamin C. Working in cold environments all winter, my colleagues caught colds and COVID, yet I remained well. For the first time, I did not fall ill in winter, thanks to Ester-C for boosting my immunity. I highly recommend it to friends and acquaintances, as I believe it to be genuine vitamin C.
7.5
Mild illness
1 people found this helpful
Our saviour for any cold. As soon as I sense I'm falling ill, I start taking it with zinc, and the illness becomes milder and goes away faster. The Ester C form is gentle on my stomach.
10
Cold symptoms vanish
Super vitamins! I will definitely order more! At the first symptoms of a cold, I give my husband two pills for the night, and in the morning, we take two more, and there’s not a trace of a cold! They’re not sour and don’t upset my stomach. I also take them during my pregnancy. During the pandemic, I took them every other day with vitamin D and K, and so far, the coronavirus has bypassed us.
9
Vitamin C reduces cold incidences
We investigated whether a daily vitamin C supplement could reduce the risk of catching colds. Over two months, 168 people took either the supplement or a placebo. Results showed that those taking vitamin C experienced significantly fewer colds and shorter durations of severe symptoms compared to the placebo group.

This supplement was well-tolerated with minimal side effects, and participants were notably satisfied with it. Overall, it seems that vitamin C may not only help prevent colds but also assist in faster recovery from them.
7
Vitamin C alleviates cold symptoms
We looked into how vitamin C affects cold symptoms through a well-structured study involving 622 volunteers divided into treatment groups. They received either vitamin C or a placebo over a 15-week period.

While both vitamin C groups experienced milder illnesses compared to the placebo group, there were no significant differences between the two forms of vitamin C used. Interestingly, those taking vitamin C spent about 25% fewer days sick indoors. This suggests that while vitamin C can alleviate some cold symptoms, we might not need as high a dose as previously thought.
7
Effectiveness of Vitamin C on Colds
We explored the effects of vitamin C on the common cold and pneumonia by examining a range of studies. Interestingly, research on animals suggests that vitamin C may have protective effects against infections. However, when it comes to preventing colds in the general population, taking more than 1 gram of vitamin C per day didn’t show significant benefits.

But there's a twist! Participants engaged in heavy physical activities saw their cold incidence reduced by half with vitamin C supplementation. Additionally, regular intake of 1 gram or more daily was linked to a 15% decrease in cold severity. While some therapeutic trials showed inconsistent results when vitamin C was taken after cold symptoms appeared, two studies did indicate that larger doses (6-8 grams per day) could effectively shorten the duration of colds compared to lower doses.

Our investigation also looked into pneumonia, but the studies were conducted in unique settings, such as a boarding school and military recruits. This makes it hard to generalize the findings to the wider population. Yet, some trials suggested benefits for pneumonia patients. Finally, the role of vitamin C in treating COVID-19 and sepsis remains unclear, with mixed results.

Given that vitamin C seems to alleviate symptoms and shorten the duration of colds, while being safe and affordable, it might be worth considering a dose of 6-8 grams per day to see if it helps at an individual level.

References

  1. Van Straten M, Josling P. Preventing the common cold with a vitamin C supplement: a double-blind, placebo-controlled survey. Adv Ther. 2002;19:151.
  2. Anderson TW, Beaton GH, Corey P, Spero L. Winter illness and vitamin C: the effect of relatively low doses. Can Med Assoc J. 1975;112:823.
  3. Hemilä H, Chalker E. Vitamin C for the common cold and pneumonia. Pol Arch Intern Med. 2025;135. doi:10.20452/pamw.16926
  4. Wang X, Ran C, Fu Y, Han L, Yang X, et al. Application of Exogenous Ascorbic Acid Enhances Cold Tolerance in Tomato Seedlings through Molecular and Physiological Responses. Int J Mol Sci. 2024;25. doi:10.3390/ijms251810093
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