Guide
Vitamin C — when and how much
Prepared by the LekCheck team · Last reviewed: 2026-07-25 · How we create our content
Vitamin C (ascorbic acid) is important for immune function, for the formation of collagen and as an antioxidant. Most people get it from a varied diet, but supplements are popular, especially in the cold season. Below we explain what it is for, when a supplement makes sense and how to choose; choose an ingredient to see available products and prices. Megadoses bring no extra benefit and may cause stomach discomfort.
This guide was prepared by the LekCheck team and has not been reviewed by a doctor or pharmacist. This article is for general information only and is not medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Do not start, stop, or change any treatment without consulting a doctor or pharmacist.
What vitamin C is for
Vitamin C takes part in immune function, in the formation of collagen (for skin, blood vessels and connective tissue) and supports the absorption of iron from plant sources. It is an antioxidant. The body does not store it for long, so it is obtained regularly from food — citrus, peppers, kiwi, broccoli and others.
When a supplement makes sense
With a varied diet, a supplement is usually not needed. It can be useful with insufficient intake, an increased need or a limited diet. Vitamin C is popular in the cold season, but the data show that it does not prevent a cold, and the effect on its duration is modest and not for everyone.
Forms and how to choose
Vitamin C comes as tablets, chewables, effervescent (dissolvable) forms, powder, and also as liposomal vitamin C. The forms differ in convenience and price rather than in real benefit at usual doses. Effervescent forms may contain sodium — consider this on a low-sodium diet.
Caution with high doses
Vitamin C is water-soluble and the excess is removed, but very high doses can cause stomach discomfort and diarrhoea, and in predisposed people a risk of kidney stones. Do not exceed sensible doses without reason. With kidney disease, when taking medicines or in pregnancy, consult a pharmacist or doctor.
Commonly used active ingredients
Pick an ingredient to see products and prices.
Related categories
Products with current prices
Lowest prices from online pharmacies in this guide's categories — cheapest first.
ДЖАНКАР ЛАКОЧИСТИТЕЛ 100МЛ
ДЖАНКАР · 100МЛ
ВИТАМИН Б12 ампули 100 гами 1 мл. * 1
SOPHARMA · 12 ампули
БИЛКА КРЕМ ЗА РЪЦЕ И НОКТИ ЧЕРВЕНО ВИНО 65 МЛ
БИЛКА · 65 МЛ
МОКРИ КЪРПИ СМАЙЛ 15БР АНТИБАКТЕРИАЛНИ С ВИТАМИНИ
МОКРИ · 15БР
БЕБЕВИТА / BEBEVITA ПЮРЕ ЯБЪЛКА И БАНАН 190ГР 1001
БЕБЕВИТА · 190ГР
ЛАВЕНА / LAVENA САПУН МОЯТА ПРИРОДА С МАСЛИНА X 75ГР
LAVENA · 75ГР
Frequently asked questions
Does vitamin C protect against a cold?
According to the available data, regular vitamin C usually does not prevent a cold in most people. In some it may slightly shorten its duration, but the effect is modest. A balanced diet, sleep and hygiene matter more for immunity.
What dose of vitamin C is enough?
For most people the needs are covered by a varied diet; supplements usually contain doses above the daily need. Very high doses bring no extra benefit and may cause stomach discomfort. Check the amount on the pack and do not combine several products without accounting for the total dose.
Is liposomal vitamin C better?
Liposomal forms are marketed with better absorption, but at usual doses the practical benefit for a healthy person is not clearly proven and the price is higher. For most people standard forms are quite enough. The choice is a matter of convenience and budget.
Can vitamin C be taken with iron?
Vitamin C can support the absorption of iron from plant sources, so they are sometimes taken together. This matters mainly with low intake or iron deficiency. With iron supplements, follow a doctor's recommendation, especially if the intake is for a proven deficiency.
When should I be careful with vitamin C?
Be careful with high doses if prone to kidney stones, with kidney disease or when taking certain medicines. In pregnancy, breastfeeding or chronic conditions, consult a pharmacist or doctor before taking high-dose supplements.