The Solgar Ester-C Plus 500mg is a dietary supplement in phytocapsules, with 500mg of vitamin C per capsule in the form of Ester-C®, that is, as L-ascorbic acid calcium. Each capsule is accompanied by a 25mg complex of citric bioflavonoids, 10mg of wild rose hip (Rosa canina), 10mg of acerola (Malpighia glabra) and 5mg of rutin. The package contains 50 phytocapsules.
It is aimed at adults who want a high daily intake of vitamin C but have difficulty with the acidity of classic ascorbic acid formulations, those who take vitamin C for long periods and want a form that does not bother them with an empty stomach, and those who prefer phytocapsules instead of a large tablet.
Vitamin C in its simple form is ascorbic acid, a real acid with a low pH. When taken in grams, especially without food, this acidity is what causes the gurgling or discomfort in the stomach. The Ester-C® form is buffered, that is, neutralized: the ascorbic acid has combined with calcium and forms L-ascorbic acid calcium, a salt with a neutral pH. The vitamin is the same once absorbed, but its journey through the stomach is clearly milder.
Once in circulation, vitamin C takes on a role that no other molecule fully covers: it is an essential cofactor for the hydroxylases that stabilize the collagen triple helix. Without it, the collagen produced is unstable, and collagen is the structural protein material of the skin, gums, blood vessels and cartilage. It also acts as a water-soluble antioxidant and reduces the iron in foods to its trivalent form, making it easier to absorb. Because humans do not synthesize vitamin C and do not store it, intake must be daily.
According to the product presentation by Solgar, the formulation is described as follows:
The above statements are attributed to the manufacturer. The claim of 24-hour residence time and comparative absorbability does not correspond to an approved health claim and remains the subject of research.
Vitamin C is the only ingredient in the formulation with approved health claims. With 500mg per capsule, a quantity corresponding to 625% of the Reference Dietary Allowances, the dose comfortably covers the significance threshold for all of the following:
The citric bioflavonoids, wild rose hip, acerola and rutin are plant ingredients that traditionally accompany vitamin C in foods. They do not have an approved health claim and are presented here as components of the formulation.**
It suits those who have already tried simple ascorbic acid and found it troublesome for their stomach. It suits smokers and people with increased needs, as vitamin C is consumed faster under oxidative stress conditions. It suits those who take iron and want to improve its absorption by taking it at the same time. Finally, it suits vegans, as the formula is stated to be suitable for them.
The product is a dietary supplement and does not replace medical diagnosis or treatment. It is not intended to prevent or treat infections.
Main ingredients: per 1 phytocapsule, vitamin C (Ester-C®) 500mg (625% RDI), citric bioflavonoids 25mg, wild rose hip (Rosa canina) 10mg, acerola (Malpighia glabra) 10mg, rutin 5mg. Per 3 phytocapsules: vitamin C 1500mg (1875% RDI), bioflavonoids 75mg, wild rose hip 30mg, acerola 30mg, rutin 15mg.
Other ingredients: Ester-C® L-ascorbic acid calcium, phytocapsule shell (hydroxypropylmethylcellulose), anti-caking agents (vegetable magnesium stearate, silicon dioxide), complex of citric bioflavonoids, fruit powders (wild rose hip, acerola), rutin.
Free from: sugar, salt, starch, yeast, wheat, soy, gluten, dairy products, preservatives, sweeteners, artificial colors or fragrances. Suitable for vegans.
Form: phytocapsules.
Recommended dosage: taken as a dietary supplement for adults, one (1) to three (3) phytocapsules daily preferably with meals.
With one phytocapsule per day, the 50 phytocapsule package covers about seven weeks. With two it covers twenty-five days and with three about sixteen days. Do not exceed the recommended daily dose. Dietary supplements should not be used as a substitute for a balanced diet.
In case of pregnancy, breastfeeding or taking medication, consult a doctor or pharmacist before use. Since the form is calcium ascorbate, consider the total daily calcium intake if you are already taking a calcium supplement, and keep a two-hour gap from tetracycline or quinoline antibiotics. Store the product in a cool, dry place, away from children.
It is vitamin C in the form of L-ascorbic acid calcium, a salt with a neutral pH. The vitamin is the same, but the formulation is not acidic.
One to three phytocapsules per day, preferably with meals. Three capsules provide 1500mg of vitamin C.
About seven weeks with one capsule per day, twenty-five days with two, and about sixteen days with three.
Yes, the Ester-C® form is calcium ascorbate, so it provides a small amount of calcium. If you are already taking a calcium supplement, calculate it into your total daily intake.
They are plant ingredients that accompany vitamin C in fruits. They do not have an approved health claim and are listed here as part of the formulation.
Yes. Vitamin C increases iron absorption, so taking them together makes sense.
The formula and dose per capsule are the same. The 50 phytocapsules are the smallest size, suitable for a trial or periodic use, while there are also 100 and 250 capsule packages.
Yes. The capsule shell is plant cellulose and the formula is stated to be suitable for vegans.
* Health claims approved under Regulation (EC) 1924/2006. The product is not intended to prevent, treat or cure a human disease.
** Information on plant ingredients. The relevant health claims on botanicals are under evaluation by EFSA.
Nestlé Hellas SA
Patroklou 4, 15125 Marousi, Athens
Tel: 800 116 80 68
Key ingredients: per 1 phytocapsule, vitamin C (Ester-C®) 500mg (625% DV), citric bioflavonoids 25mg, wild rosehip (Rosa canina) 10mg, acerola (Malpighia glabra) 10mg, rutin 5mg. Per 3 phytocapsules: vitamin C 1500mg (1875% DV), bioflavonoids 75mg, wild rosehip 30mg, acerola 30mg, rutin 15mg.
Other ingredients: Ester-C® L-ascorbic calcium, phytocapsule shell (hydroxypropylmethylcellulose), anti-caking agents (vegetable stearate magnesium, silicon dioxide), complex of citric bioflavonoids, fruit powders (wild rosehip, acerola), rutin.
Free from: sugar, salt, starch, yeast, wheat, soy, gluten, dairy products, preservatives, sweeteners, artificial colors or fragrances. Suitable for vegans.
Form: phytocapsules.
Recommended dosage: taken as a dietary supplement for adults, one (1) to three (3) phytocapsules daily preferably with meals.
With one phytocapsule per day, the pack of 50 phytocapsules covers approximately seven weeks. With two it covers twenty-five days and with three about sixteen days. Do not exceed the recommended daily dosage. Dietary supplements should not be used as a substitute for a balanced diet.
In case of pregnancy, breastfeeding or taking medication, consult a doctor or pharmacist before use. Since the form is ascorbic calcium, consider the total daily calcium intake if you are already taking a calcium preparation, and keep a two-hour gap from tetracycline or quinoline antibiotics. Keep the product in a cool and dry place, away from children.
