General Dosage
500-1,000 mg daily for skin benefits
Maximum dose: 2,000 mg/day (NIH Upper Tolerable Intake Level); higher doses may cause GI distress
Vitamin C Dosage Guide
Evidence:Strong
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Dosage Recommendations
General recommendation: 500-1,000 mg daily for skin benefits
Timing: Divided doses (e.g., 500 mg twice daily) improve absorption over a single large dose
Dosage by Condition
Skin health and anti-aging
500-1,000 mg dailyStrong
Photoprotection
500-1,000 mg with 400 IU vitamin E dailyModerate
Wound healing
500-1,000 mg daily pre- and post-surgeryModerate
General antioxidant support
200-500 mg dailyStrong
| Condition | Recommended Dose | Evidence |
|---|---|---|
| Skin health and anti-aging | 500-1,000 mg daily | Strong |
| Photoprotection | 500-1,000 mg with 400 IU vitamin E daily | Moderate |
| Wound healing | 500-1,000 mg daily pre- and post-surgery | Moderate |
| General antioxidant support | 200-500 mg daily | Strong |
Upper limit: 2,000 mg/day (NIH Upper Tolerable Intake Level); higher doses may cause GI distress
Timing & Absorption
Divided doses (e.g., 500 mg twice daily) improve absorption over a single large dose
Can be taken with or without food.
References
- ReviewPullar JM, Carr AC, Vissers MCM. (2017). The roles of vitamin C in skin health. Nutrients. DOI PubMed
- ObservationalCosgrove MC, Franco OH, Granger SP, et al. (2007). Dietary nutrient intakes and skin-aging appearance among middle-aged American women. American Journal of Clinical Nutrition. DOI PubMed
- ReviewMoores J. (2013). Vitamin C: a wound healing perspective. British Journal of Community Nursing. DOI PubMed
- ReviewTelang PS. (2013). Vitamin C in dermatology. Indian Dermatology Online Journal. DOI PubMed
- Bayu P, Wibisono JJ (2024). Vitamin C and E antioxidant supplementation may significantly reduce pain symptoms in endometriosis: A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials.. PloS one. DOI PubMed
- Qi S, Luo X, Liu S, Ling B, et al. (2024). Effect of vitamin B2, vitamin C, vitamin D, vitamin E and folic acid in adults with essential hypertension: a systematic review and network meta-analysis.. BMJ open. DOI PubMed
- Zhong J, Li P, Zheng F, Li Y, et al. (2024). Association between dietary vitamin C intake/blood level and risk of digestive system cancer: a systematic review and meta-analysis of prospective studies.. Food & function. DOI PubMed
Show 2 more references
- Sinopoli A, Sciurti A, Isonne C, Santoro MM, et al. (2024). The Efficacy of Multivitamin, Vitamin A, Vitamin B, Vitamin C, and Vitamin D Supplements in the Prevention and Management of COVID-19 and Long-COVID: An Updated Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Randomized Clinical Trials.. Nutrients. DOI PubMed
- Hemilä H, Chalker E (2023). Vitamin C reduces the severity of common colds: a meta-analysis.. BMC public health. DOI PubMed