Due to the water-soluble nature of vitamin C, our body cannot produce it. Therefore, we can only obtain it through the consumption of vitamin C-rich sources. If not, the lack of vitamin C in your body can lead to adverse effects such as dry skin, immune system problems and scurvy.
Luckily, the supplement market is filled with an assortment of vitamin C supplements catering to various age groups and health conditions. They are especially useful for those who are restricted in following a healthy diet with natural foods.
While vitamin C doesn’t cure a cold, a daily intake of it helps you to recover quicker from sickness in the long run.
Read through our list of the best vitamin C supplements in Malaysia below to know which is the most suitable for your health needs!
Editor
Jodee Tan's Profile chevron_right
Expert
Mandy Chong chevron_right
Table of Contents
How we choose:
Unlike other tangible items that rely on visible results such as smartphones and makeup, vitamins are something that takes a while to feel in your body. Thus, we make sure to recommend vitamin supplements by certified brands locally and internationally.
Aside from looking up the essential vitamin to a specific problem, we also made sure to scan for online reviews by real users on marketplaces, forums and blogs. And finally, as a bonus, all research and recommendations are done with knowledge based on personal experiences by the editorial team.
Note: Please keep in mind that these supplements are for up-keeping your overall health, and not to replace any treatment for any medical condition. If you’re facing a serious medical complication, consult a doctor at the clinic or hospital.
Best Vitamin C Supplements in Malaysia
It’s common to have a poor diet as a working adult with a busy schedule. And a poor diet can lead to a weak immune system, which means being susceptible to the likes of flu.
Enhanced with bioflavonoids, this high potency vitamin C supplement will help to keep flu and colds at bay.
Features
Each Blackmores Bio C tablet contains 1000mg of vitamin C along with 100mg of bioflavonoids which helps to enhance the effectiveness in the absorption of vitamins. The one-a-day dose supplement is a great way to protect yourself against the common cold.
Testimonies
Many users have suggested taking the product on a daily basis in order to gain a smoother flu recovery. Some have also seen its effectiveness in boosting their immune system and energy levels, experiencing fewer flu attacks.
Details:
- Contains 30 tablets
- 1000mg of vitamin C with 100mg of bioflavonoids per tablet
- Intake suggestion - one tablet daily, after a meal
Studies have shown that taking vitamin C is beneficial for high blood pressure (hypertension) individuals, which are common among those above the age of 50. However, many vitamin C supplements contain sodium which can further aggravate this condition.
Fortunately, GNC’s Vitamin C 1000mg Timed-Release is a safe alternative for hypertension patients as it is sodium-free.
Feature
Enhanced with rosehip and citrus bioflavonoids, this vitamin C supplement provides high nutritive value for healthy bones, teeth, gums, and general wellbeing. Its timed-release formula ensures that your body receives the boost it needs throughout the day at a safe duration.
Testimonies
This product has been advocated for by long-term customers who have been consuming it for years. After all, the brand is well-trusted for its quality products which come at an affordable price and caters to most age groups.
Details:
- Contains 90 vegetable tablets
- Also promotes collagen and strengthens the bones, teeth and gums
- Free from sodium, added sugar, dairy, gluten, soy, and preservative
- Intake suggestion - one tablet daily
Scott’s Vitamin C Pastilles is perfect for young picky eaters as it comes in various yummy fruity flavours including mango and orange.
Feature
Made from natural juice, each pastille contains 21mg of vitamin C to fortify the diet of young children. The chewy texture also makes it a treat for kids to enjoy.
Testimonies
Thankfully, many parents have remarked that the product is an easy and effective way to get their kids to consume their daily vitamins.
Details:
- Contains 50 pastilles
- Available in mango, orange, mixed berries and peach flavours
- Intake suggestion - 3 to 4 pastilles a day
Features
With zinc, vitamin C and bioflavonoids, this is an all-rounder supplement which boosts your immunity and antioxidant production throughout the day. The timed-release formula ensures that you need only to consume one vitamin a day to keep yourself strong and healthy.
Testimonies
Users find this vitamin C effective and easy to digest, not to mention that it is very affordable.
Details:
- Contains 90 tablets
- Absorbs better with bioflavonoids
- Supports immune system, body growth and tissue repair
- Intake suggestion - one tablet daily, after a meal
Individuals who are prone to gastritis and heartburn can benefit from Blackmores' Buffered C supplement which is formulated to be gentle on the stomach.
Features
Thanks to its low acid content, this vitamin C supplement is instead buffered with mineral ascorbates, making it tolerable for extra-sensitive individuals. Furthermore, the slow-release formula and inclusion of bioflavonoids provide a longer rate of absorption besides optimising the full benefits of vitamin C.
Testimonies
Users saw an improvement in their alertness and immune system after having taken the product. Sensitive stomach individuals also reported no issues with digestion thanks to its buffered formula.
Details:
- Contains 120 tablets
- Supplies vitamin C gradually over 8 hours
- Low acid formulation
- Intake suggestion - on tablet daily, after a meal
For those who enjoy drinking vitamin c supplement drinks, you’ll like the Flavettes Effervescent Vitamin C Glow. This one is packed with antioxidants for the maintenance of glowing skin and a healthy immune system.
Features
This vitamin C supplement includes glutathione and vitamin E. Both work together to protect the skin from free radical damage due to sun exposure, improving the skin complexion overall.
Testimonies
Users reported a boost in energy and a strengthened immune system while others noticed improvements in their overall complexion with healthier glowing skin.
Details:
- 15 effervescent tablets
- Contains vitamin E and glutathione
- Intake suggestion - one tablet a day, after a meal. Dissolve in water
For those who want to stay within their budgets, keep your immune system in tip-top condition by taking these daily vitamin C plus zinc effervescent tablets from Watsons.
Features
The dual action of vitamin C and zinc is very beneficial in keeping the body healthy. Vitamin C helps neutralise harmful free radicals while zinc is essential in maintaining the production of enzymes necessary for body function and recovery.
Testimonies
In addition to its affordable price compared to other brands of vitamin C effervescent on the market, users also enjoyed its promised health benefits without any compromise in quality despite the cheaper price.
Details:
- Contains 10 orange-flavoured effervescent tablets per tube tube
- Each tablet contains 1000mg vitamin C + 10mg zinc
- Intake suggestion - one tablet daily, after a meal. Dissolve in water
Vitamin C is beneficial for diabetics in lowering elevated blood sugar levels besides reinforcing their overall immunity which may be compromised by high sugar levels.
Features
This orange-flavoured health supplement from Redoxon is free from added sugar and preservatives, making it a healthy and viable option for diabetics. Also suitable for adults, users can protect themselves against the common cold as they reap the added benefits of its zinc content.
Testimonies
Many users have claimed that this supplement improved their weak immune system and energy levels, noticing that they are more resistant to monthly flu and colds in the past. Some even reported a reduction in skin inflammation and acne.
Details:
- Contains 24 tablets (12 x 2’s)
- Each tablet contains 1000mg vitamin C and 10mg zinc
- Improves health of the immune system, gum, teeth, and bones
- Intake suggestion - half a tablet a day, dissolve in water
Benefits of Vitamin C
Vitamin C, also known as L-ascorbic acid, is essential in maintaining the general health and wellbeing of the human body. The benefits include aiding in iron absorption, enhance wound healing, and boosting the body’s immunity against diseases.
This vitamin is also necessary for the body to make collagen, which is important in the production of blood vessels, tendons, ligaments, and skin.
What is the best form of vitamin C supplement?
Vitamin C supplements typically come in the form of tablets, capsules, liquids, and powders. Generally, a healthy adult can take most forms. According to experts, slow-release Vitamin C is preferable to others as smaller doses are spread throughout the day. On the other hand, effervescent tablets are better than regular tablets if you need a quick dose as it dissolves into a solution and is easily absorbed. The common types of vitamin C you can find on the shelves are ascorbic acid, mineral ascorbates, and ascorbic acid with bioflavonoids.
Below are some points to note down for your advantage:
Ascorbic acid
This is a good choice as it is the most easily absorbed form of vitamin C by the body. However, those sensitive to acids may not be able to tolerate this purest form of vitamin C.
Instead, the affected individuals can opt for mineral ascorbates, such as sodium and calcium ascorbate. They are essentially two different forms of ascorbic acid bound to additional minerals in order to reduce its acidity.
Vitamin C + Bioflavonoids
This combination is essentially a group of nutrients found in the rinds of citrus fruits and are believed to enhance the absorption of vitamin C into the body. Therefore, it is recommended for most users.
What happens if we don't get enough vitamin C?
Vitamin C is required for the synthesis of collagen, a major component of connective tissue, cartilage, bones and teeth. Without collagen, blood vessel walls become extremely fragile; rupturing easily with impaired healing.
Vitamin C deficiency is often associated with:
- Bleeding (especially gums)
- Slow wound healing
- Scurvy
Other symptoms of vitamin C deficiency include splitting hair, dry skin, nosebleeds, swollen and painful joints, and anaemia-related symptoms such as lack of energy and tiredness.
Dosage/How Much To Take
Vitamin C is generally safe if taken within the Tolerable Upper Intake Level (UL). For kids, the maximum daily dosage is between 400 to 1,800mg while it’s 2,000mg for adults. Excessive intake may result in mild side effects such as nausea, diarrhoea and abdominal cramps. Those with certain rare medical conditions such as hemochromatosis cannot take too much Vitamin C as it can increase iron absorption.
Overall, no one form of vitamin C is better than the other. All of the products above have their pros and cons. Whatever form you choose, make sure that it contains the appropriate amount of vitamin C for your body’s condition and that it meets your dietary needs and restrictions.