Ester c efficacy compared to vitamin c

Pro Research Analysisby

Searched over 200M research papers

Analyzed relevant papers

Ester-C vs. Vitamin C: Bioavailability and Retention

Research comparing Ester-C (a calcium ascorbate formulation) to regular vitamin C (ascorbic acid) shows that both forms increase vitamin C levels in the blood, but Ester-C may offer some advantages. In a clinical trial, Ester-C led to a higher maximum plasma concentration and a greater increase in leukocyte (white blood cell) vitamin C levels at 8 and 24 hours after a single dose, compared to ascorbic acid. This suggests that Ester-C is retained longer in immune cells, which could be beneficial for immune support . Animal studies also found that Ester-C is absorbed more quickly and excreted more slowly than regular ascorbic acid, supporting the idea of improved retention and bioavailability .

Ester-C vs. Other Vitamin C Formulations: Cellular Effects

When compared to other advanced vitamin C formulations like PureWay-C, Ester-C appears less effective in certain cellular activities. PureWay-C was shown to promote faster and greater neurite outgrowth, fibroblast adhesion, and reduction of T-cell hyperactivation than Ester-C in cell studies . In human trials, PureWay-C also resulted in higher serum vitamin C levels and greater reductions in markers of inflammation and oxidative stress compared to Ester-C and ascorbic acid, indicating that some newer formulations may outperform both Ester-C and regular vitamin C in these areas .

Ester-C vs. Vitamin C: Tolerability and Gastrointestinal Effects

For individuals sensitive to acidic foods, Ester-C is better tolerated than regular ascorbic acid. In a clinical trial, participants reported significantly fewer mild to moderate stomach-related side effects with Ester-C than with ascorbic acid. More participants rated Ester-C as "very good" in terms of tolerability, making it a preferable option for those prone to gastrointestinal discomfort from vitamin C supplements .

Conclusion

Ester-C offers some advantages over regular vitamin C, including better retention in immune cells and improved gastrointestinal tolerability, especially for sensitive individuals 137. However, some newer vitamin C formulations, such as PureWay-C, may provide even greater benefits in terms of absorption, cellular effects, and reduction of inflammation 24. Overall, Ester-C is a well-tolerated and effective form of vitamin C, but it may not be the most potent option available for all health outcomes.

Sources and full results

Most relevant research papers on this topic

Determination of plasma and leukocyte vitamin C concentrations in a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial with Ester-C®

Ester-C® has higher bioavailability of vitamin C in plasma and leukocytes compared to ascorbic acid and placebo, suggesting longer retention within leukocytes.

RCT

2016·

28citations

·S. Mitmesser et al.

A novel vitamin C preparation enhances neurite formation and fibroblast adhesion and reduces xenobiotic-induced T-cell hyperactivation.

PureWay-C enhances neurite formation, fibroblast adhesion, and reduces xenobiotic-induced T-cell hyperactivity faster and more effectively than other vitamin C formulations.

In Vitro StudyRigorous Journal

2007·

15citations

·B. Weeks et al.

An acute study on the relative gastro-intestinal absorption of a novel form of calcium ascorbate.

ESTER-C, a novel form of calcium ascorbate, is more readily absorbed and excreted less rapidly than L-ascorbic acid, potentially providing optimal cellular concentration for biochemical activity.

Non-RCTAnimal Study

1987·

9citations

·Bush Mj et al.

Vitamin C-lipid metabolites: uptake and retention and effect on plasma C-reactive protein and oxidized LDL levels in healthy volunteers.

PureWay-C is more rapidly absorbed and leads to higher serum vitamin C levels and greater reduction of inflammatory and oxidative stress markers than other forms of vitamin C, including Ester-C.

Non-RCTRigorous Journal

2008·

10citations

·D. Pancorbo et al.

Synthesis of lipophilic vitamin C and evaluation of its antioxidant performance in sunflower seed oil frying.

Lipophilic vitamin C, tetrabutyryl vitamin C ester (TVCE), shows superior protection against oxidation during sunflower seed oil frying compared to vitamin E, suggesting it may be an effective fat-soluble antioxidant.

2024·

1citation

·Min Fu et al.

Synthesis and Biological Evaluation of Ascorbyl-Conjugated Peptide Derivatives as Collagen Synthesis Stimulating Agents in Human Skin Fibroblasts

Ester-bonded vitamin C-conjugated peptide GEKG has a more stimulating effect on collagen production and related gene expression than either vitamin C or GEKG alone.

In Vitro Study

2020·

4citations

·Kyeong‐Yong Park et al.

Safety and tolerance of Ester-C® compared with regular ascorbic acid

Ester-C calcium ascorbate significantly causes fewer epigastric adverse effects and is better tolerated than regular ascorbic acid in individuals sensitive to acidic foods.

RCT

2006·

16citations

·J. Gruenwald et al.

Enhanced Vitamin C Delivery: A Systematic Literature Review Assessing the Efficacy and Safety of Alternative Supplement Forms in Healthy Adults

Alternative vitamin C forms, such as Calcium ascorbate EC, show better tolerability and potential to increase leukocyte vitamin C concentrations, crucial for immune function and infection protection.

Systematic Review

2025·

1citation

·Philip C. Calder et al.

In vitro assessment of skin permeation properties of enzymatically derived oil‐based fatty acid esters of vitamin C

Coconut oil-derived fatty acid esters show faster skin permeation rates than sunflower oil-based esters, suggesting their potential for efficient vitamin C delivery in emulgel formulations.

In Vitro Study

2024·

1citation

·M. Ćorović et al.

Clinical efficacy and safety of oral and intravenous vitamin C use in patients with malignant diseases

Oral vitamin C intake shows no significant effect in patients with malignancies, while intravenous vitamin C administration shows heterogeneous data and no clear positive trend.

Systematic ReviewRigorous Journal

2021·

13citations

·C. Hoppe et al.

Try another search

cholesterol lowering diet plans

omeprazole efficacy for gastrointestinal symptoms

diagnosis of obsessive compulsive disorder

supplements for alcohol withdrawal

diabetes self-monitoring methods

distance between Mars and the Sun