Generic Vitamin C

Introduction

Vitamin C, whose active compound is Ascorbic Acid, belongs to the General health medication group and is widely used in the United Kingdom for the prevention and treatment of deficiency states, for supporting immune competence and for its antioxidant properties. The product is manufactured by a range of authorised suppliers and, in generic form, is identical in composition to well‑known branded preparations such as Redoxon, Cebion and Ascoril. The clinical relevance of Vitamin C derives from its essential role in collagen synthesis, catecholamine production and free‑radical neutralisation, making it a cornerstone of basic medical nutrition.

What is Vitamin C?

Vitamin C is the generic version of Redoxon, containing the same active compound Ascorbic Acid. Our online pharmacy provides this generic alternative as a cost‑effective treatment option. It is classified as a pharmacologically active supplement rather than a conventional drug, and it is listed on the UK National Health Service (NHS) formulary for the correction of recognised deficiency (scurvy) and for adjunct support in acute infections. The product is supplied in oral tablet, effervescent tablet and liquid forms, all manufactured under Good Manufacturing Practice (GMP) standards and authorised by the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA).

How Vitamin C Works

Ascorbic Acid is a water‑soluble vitamin that functions as an electron donor in several enzymatic reactions. After oral ingestion, it is rapidly absorbed in the small intestine via active transport (SVCT1) at low concentrations and via passive diffusion at higher intakes. Peak plasma concentrations are achieved within 2–4 hours, and the half‑life of the vitamin is approximately 10–20 days, reflecting renal clearance and tissue distribution.

The therapeutic impact of Vitamin C stems from three linked mechanisms:

1. Collagen co‑factor activity – Ascorbate maintains the stability of the pro‑α‑hydroxy‑proline residues necessary for the triple‑helix structure of collagen, preventing vascular fragility and impaired wound healing.
2. Antioxidant defence – By donating electrons to reactive oxygen species (ROS), Vitamin C regenerates other antioxidants (e.g., vitamin E) and limits oxidative damage to cellular membranes and nucleic acids.
3. Immune modulation – Ascorbic acid promotes the proliferation and function of lymphocytes, enhances phagocytic activity of neutrophils and modulates cytokine production, which can reduce the severity of viral and bacterial infections.

Conditions Treated with Vitamin C

No formal marketing authorisation beyond deficiency treatment; use in the other conditions is off‑label but supported by mechanistic and clinical evidence.

Suitable Candidates for Vitamin C Treatment

Patients who are most likely to benefit from Vitamin C supplementation include:

• Individuals with documented dietary insufficiency, low plasma ascorbate (< 23 µmol/L) or clinical signs of scurvy.
• People undergoing major surgery, with prolonged wound healing, or receiving extensive skin grafts.
• Patients with chronic malabsorption (Crohn’s disease, celiac disease, bariatric surgery) where oral intake is compromised.
• Those with risk factors for suboptimal immunity—elderly adults, smokers, heavy alcohol users, and athletes engaged in high‑intensity training.

Vitamin C is not appropriate for patients with known hypersensitivity to ascorbic acid, severe renal impairment (eGFR < 30 mL/min/1.73 m²) where accumulation may precipitate oxalate nephropathy, or for individuals receiving high‑dose intravenous ascorbate in investigational oncology protocols without specialist supervision.

Risks, Side Effects, and Interactions

Common

• Gastro‑intestinal upset (e.g., nausea, abdominal cramps).
• Diarrhoea at doses > 2 g per day.
• Heartburn or reflux when tablets are taken on an empty stomach.

Rare

• Kidney stone formation – excess oxalate derived from ascorbate metabolism may precipitate calcium oxalate calculi in susceptible individuals.
• Hypoglycaemia potentiation – high doses can increase insulin secretion, potentially lowering blood glucose in diabetics using insulin.

Serious

• Renal failure secondary to oxalate nephropathy – documented in case reports with chronic intake > 4 g/day in patients with pre‑existing renal disease.
• Allergic reactions (angio‑oedema, anaphylaxis) – extremely rare but require immediate medical attention.

Interactions

Patients should disclose all current medicines, including over‑the‑counter preparations, to a healthcare professional before initiating supplementation.

Practical Use: Dosing, Missed Dose, Overdose

Standard dosing (adults) – For deficiency prevention and mild immune support, the NHS advises 40 mg · day⁻¹ for men and 30 mg · day⁻¹ for women. Therapeutic regimens for scurvy traditionally use 500–100 mg · day⁻¹ in divided doses for 1–2 weeks, followed by maintenance.

Missed dose – If a single dose is forgotten, it may be taken as soon as remembered unless this would result in two doses within a short interval (< 4 h). In that case, skip the missed dose and continue the regular schedule.

Overdose – Acute ingestion of > 4 g may cause transient gastrointestinal disturbance. Persistent intake > 10 g · day⁻¹ is associated with metabolic oxalate accumulation and kidney injury. Patients who experience severe abdominal pain, hematuria or reduced urine output should seek urgent medical care.

Practical precautions – Vitamin C tablets and powders should be taken with food or a full glass of water to minimise stomach irritation. Alcohol does not markedly affect absorption but can exacerbate gastrointestinal side effects. Renally compromised patients should limit daily oral intake to ≤ 1 g and monitor renal function regularly.

Buying Vitamin C from Our Online Pharmacy

Vitamin C can be purchased directly from our online pharmacy in the UK. Our service combines several advantages that are particularly valuable for patients who face limited pharmacy access, high NHS co‑payments or who prefer discreet, affordable sourcing:

• Affordable pricing – Products are sourced at near‑manufacturer cost, delivering a generic option that is typically 30 %–50 % cheaper than branded equivalents.
• Verified quality – Only MHRA‑registered suppliers and internationally licensed manufacturers are used; each batch is tested for purity and potency before dispatch.
• Guaranteed delivery – Discreet, trackable shipping is provided; standard delivery arrives within 7 working days (express) or up to 3 weeks with regular airmail depending on the selected service.
• Pharmacy‑broker model – We operate as a pharmacy‑broker service, partnering with overseas licensed pharmacies to widen the range of internationally approved formulations while respecting patient privacy.

Our platform offers a safe, cost‑effective pathway for adults who need reliable Vitamin C without the administrative hurdles of conventional prescription or insurance schemes.

FAQ

• Is Vitamin C available in both brand‑name and generic forms in the UK?
  Yes. Brand‑name products such as Redoxon and Cebion are sold alongside generic Ascorbic Acid tablets. Both contain the identical active ingredient, but generic versions are usually less expensive because they lack the proprietary packaging and marketing costs of branded items.

• Does Vitamin C require cold storage?
  No. As a stable, water‑soluble vitamin, Vitamin C tablets and effervescent powders should be stored at room temperature, away from humidity, direct sunlight and heat. Refrigeration is unnecessary and may cause condensation that degrades the tablet coating.

• What packaging does Vitamin C come in when ordered online?
  The medication is shipped in sealed, tamper‑evident blister packs or resealable sachets, each labelled with the product name, batch number, expiry date and dosage strength. Additional protective layers are used for international parcels to guard against moisture.

• Can Vitamin C be safely imported into the UK for personal use?
  Yes. The UK permits personal import of non‑prescription vitamin C in quantities up to 30 days’ supply for personal consumption, provided the product complies with MHRA standards. Importers must retain proper labeling and dosage information for customs verification.

• Are there specific warnings for Vitamin C in populations with certain ethnic backgrounds?
  No universal ethnic‑specific warnings exist, but some Asian populations have a higher prevalence of glucose‑6‑phosphate dehydrogenase (G6‑PD) deficiency, which can predispose to haemolysis with high oxidative stress. Standard oral doses of Vitamin C are not associated with haemolysis, but extremely high doses (> 5 g · day⁻¹) should be avoided without medical supervision.

• How does the formulation of Vitamin C differ between regions such as the EU and the US?
  EU formulations typically contain ≤ 100 mg · tablet⁻¹ and may use sucrose‑free excipients to meet UK dietary preferences, whereas US products often include larger single‑dose tablets (500 mg) and may have additional colourants or artificial flavours. Both regions require compliance with respective regulatory limits for impurities and bioavailability.

• What is the history of Vitamin C as a therapeutic agent?
  Ascorbic acid was first isolated in 1928 and quickly recognised for its role in preventing scurvy, a disease first described among sailors in the 15th century. The discovery of its antioxidant capacity in the 197s spurred extensive research into cardioprotective and immune‑modulating effects, leading to its modern use as a dietary supplement.

• Which clinical trials have evaluated high‑dose oral Vitamin C for infection outcomes?
  Randomised controlled trials in the United Kingdom (e.g., the 2018 “Vitamin C and Respiratory Infection” study) examined 1 g · day⁻¹ for 10 days in community‑acquired colds and reported a modest 10 % reduction in symptom duration compared with placebo. Larger meta‑analyses have concluded that benefits are more pronounced in physically active or high‑stress groups.

• Is there a difference in absorption between tablet and effervescent forms?
  Effervescent tablets dissolve in water, delivering the vitamin directly in solution, which can enhance gastric absorption and reduce gastrointestinal irritation. Studies show a 15 %–20 % higher peak plasma concentration after ingestion of effervescent forms compared with standard tablets, especially at doses exceeding 500 mg.

• Can Vitamin C affect biochemical laboratory tests?
  High oral doses can elevate plasma ascorbate levels, potentially interfering with assays for urinary metabolites (e.g., oxalate) and colourimetric measurements that rely on redox reactions. Clinicians should note recent supplementation when interpreting blood‑gas, oxidative‑stress markers or antioxidant panels.

Glossary

Ascorbic Acid

The chemically active form of Vitamin C; a water‑soluble antioxidant that participates in enzymatic reactions essential for collagen formation and free‑radical scavenging.

Oxalate Nephropathy

Kidney damage caused by the deposition of calcium oxalate crystals, which can result from excessive metabolism of high‑dose ascorbate in susceptible individuals.

Bioavailability

The proportion of an administered dose that reaches systemic circulation and is available for physiological activity; influenced by formulation, food intake and gastrointestinal health.

MHRA (Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency)

The UK government department responsible for ensuring that medicines, medical devices and health products meet safety, quality and efficacy standards.

⚠️ Disclaimer

The information provided about Vitamin C is for general knowledge only. It does not replace professional medical consultation. All treatment decisions should be made under the supervision of a qualified healthcare provider. We assume all readers are responsible adults capable of making informed decisions about their health. Our online pharmacy offers access to Vitamin C for individuals who may have limited availability through traditional pharmacies, prescription‑based insurance schemes, or who are seeking affordable generic alternatives. Always consult your doctor before starting, changing, or discontinuing any medication.