1NUTRIENTS
Why Calcium Ascorbate? (Vitamin C)
3 min read

Essentials
- Unlike the more commonly inexpensive Ascorbic Acid, Calcium Ascorbate has a neutral pH, causing less stomach discomfort and has a lower allergenic potential.*
- Calcium Ascorbate, with superior bioavailability, supports the absorption of other nutrients like Zinc and Iron, making it beneficial for overall health, especially for those on vegan or vegetarian diets.*
So, you've decided you could do with some extra Vitamin C, but don't know which form may be best for you. Well, wonder no more. At HCF®, we use Calcium Ascorbate as one of the preferred choices of Vitamin C.
Calcium Ascorbate is the Calcium salt of Ascorbic Acid, a Vitamin C compound specially designed for those experiencing Vitamin C deficiency but who cannot tolerate ordinary Ascorbic Acid forms due to its acidity.*
Plus, it has some other benefits too. This form of Vitamin C may not only help prevent colds and support the immune system (with your Gut [3rd Brain] playing a significant role here) but is also believed to improve overall cognitive health.*
However, consider this:
Yes, it can be a real problem.
1999? U.K.? What does that have to do with us, non-U.K. folks? Well, more recent statistics for the U.S. are not much more encouraging. In fact, according to a study conducted in 2004 in the U.S, about 14% of males and 10% of females had a deficiency in Vitamin C. Equally worrisome are the results among males aged between 25 to 64. In this demographic, up to 17% of those tested were deficient in Vitamin C.*1,2
But not any Vitamin C, though.
Why not the common, cheaper Ascorbic Acid? Here's why some might lean towards the former:
Calcium Ascorbate has a neutral pH and does not cause the body to become more acidic, making it easier to tolerate, particularly at higher doses. Potentially allowing cognitive-supporting benefits without all the painful gastrointestinal discomfort we all detest.*3
But equally important, it supplies a small amount of Calcium, which is often necessary for nerve transmission and the good functioning of the nervous system.*
Furthermore, some may find Calcium Ascorbate easier to tolerate than Ascorbic Acid (particularly at higher doses).
For many, Calcium Ascorbate could be a more suitable option, as it would allow them to get the cognitive-supporting benefits of Vitamin C without gastrointestinal discomfort.*
Let's lay it out, bare and simple.
Certain individuals might find Ascorbic Acid a tad harsh on their digestive system.*
Calcium Ascorbate, on the other hand, is less likely to stir up trouble. It's absorbed better, too, like a sponge soaking up water. And the allergenic potential? Lower. Much lower.*
Why do we need extra Vitamin C?
Did you know we're among the few mammals that can't produce their own Vitamin C? Plus, it is a water-soluble nutrient that our bodies can't store. This means it must be regularly supplied through diet (or supplementation).4
Severe deficiency leading to serious health concerns is rare in the developed world. Still, there are times when your daily needs for this nutrient are likely to increase.
Studies show that people exposed to external factors (such as pollution), those dealing with constant tension & pressure, emotional ups and downs, or those who are more prone to catch a cold (or the flu) are more likely to need more Vitamin C.*5
And here's where Calcium Ascorbate may play an important role due to its superior bioavailability.*6
By supporting other neuro-nutrients (like Zinc and Iron) absorption, Calcium Ascorbate may not only help deal with deficiency, but also improve overall health.*
In fact, according to research, simply consuming 100 mg of Vitamin C may improve Iron absorption by 67%.7 This characteristic is particularly significant for people following a vegan or vegetarian diet, as they often lack these nutrients.*
Yet, the best source of Vitamin C is (most of the times) whole foods:
But if your diet lacks these, our HCF® advanced nootropics can step in with Calcium Ascorbate. It's like a safety net, catching you when you fall short. Ultimately, it's about finding a balance that supports your well-being.*
* These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease. The contents of this website do not constitute advice and are provided for informational purposes only. See our full medical disclaimer
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Meet Our Experts

Kerri Rachelle PhD c., RDN, LDN, CSSD, A-CFMP
Author, Linkedin
Author, Linkedin
Kerri Rachelle, a Registered Dietitian (RDN, LDN, CSSD, A-CFMP), PhD candidate in Integrative Medicine, and published author, specializes in nutrient absorption, cellular health, gut health, detoxification, and mental health. She is an international presenter for the Integrative and Functional Nutrition Specialist Certificate Program and the founder of Revolution Health, where she leads a team dedicated to sharing her expertise in natural practices that address the root causes of health issues, empowering health professionals worldwide.