Vitamin C (Ascorbate)

Evidence: ★★★★☆ · Status: OTC Supplement

In plain English

Your body literally can't build collagen without it, and it mops up free radicals. Take it with collagen for tendons.

How it works

Cofactor for prolyl/lysyl hydroxylases (P4HA1) in collagen synthesis, for dopamine-β-hydroxylase (noradrenaline), and a water-phase antioxidant regenerating vitamin E.

Molecular target & official sources

SLC23A1 vitamin C transporter (NCBI Gene) · Ascorbic acid (PubChem CID 54670067)

Protocol

200–1,000 mg/day. **Bottom line:** Foundational; deficiency impairs connective tissue and immunity.

Helps with: Joint Health · Skin & Hair

Stacks with

Iron (boosts absorption of plant iron) and collagen (it's the cofactor that builds collagen).

Shares a pathway — often paired with: Caffeine, Modafinil / Armodafinil, Amphetamine (Adderall) / Lisdexamfetamine (Vyvanse), Methylphenidate (Ritalin).

Availability & where to buy

Available over the counter. Widely available OTC — e.g. iHerb (ships worldwide); in Singapore also Guardian, Watsons, GNC, Shopee / Lazada. Look for a third-party-tested / GMP mark and check the dose per serving. Cheap — ~S$10–20/month; split the dose, large single doses aren't better absorbed.

How it works: the Monoamines pathway →

Used in these protocols

• Knee Pain
• Knee Pain
• Wrist / Elbow Tendinitis
• Ankle / Foot Pain
• Chronic Fatigue / Low Energy
• Skin Aging / Wrinkles
• Skin Aging / Wrinkles
• Immunity

Compare Vitamin C (Ascorbate)

• Vitamin C (Ascorbate) vs Omega-3 (EPA/DHA)
• Vitamin C (Ascorbate) vs Anastrozole / Exemestane (Aromatase Inhibitors)
• Vitamin C (Ascorbate) vs Collagen Peptides (+ Vitamin C)
• Vitamin C (Ascorbate) vs Glucosamine + Chondroitin
• Vitamin C (Ascorbate) vs SAM-e (S-Adenosylmethionine)
• Vitamin C (Ascorbate) vs Boron
• Vitamin C (Ascorbate) vs Glycine
• Vitamin C (Ascorbate) vs Vitamin D3 (+ K2)