Vitamin C: Acerola, Liposomal or Classic, Which to Choose

“A vitamin C, please.” The request sounds simple, but on the shelf, there’s acerola in chewable tablets, vitamin C powder, capsules, and liposomal vitamin C in capsules or a bottle. They all provide the same vitamin; what changes is the source, the dose and the way it’s taken. Here’s how we help our customers find their way. Our products are split between the liposomal vitamin C in Paris page and the acerola page.

One vitamin, three ways to provide it

Whatever the form, it’s the same molecule: L-ascorbic acid, or one of its salts such as sodium ascorbate. It’s water-soluble: the body naturally gets rid of any excess, hence the value of taking it regularly rather than in one large amount.

Its roles are well established, and we state them as authorised in Europe: vitamin C contributes to the normal function of the immune system, contributes to the reduction of tiredness, and increases iron absorption.

There’s a choice between three families: vitamin C from a fruit, acerola; pure vitamin C, known as classic; and liposomal vitamin C, coated in phospholipids.

Acerola: vitamin C from the fruit

Acerola is a small cherry from tropical regions (Malpighia glabra), naturally very rich in vitamin C. Supplements use its powder or extract, which gives a naturally sourced vitamin C, along with what the fruit itself provides.

Doses are more modest than with pure vitamin C. Novoma’s organic acerola is chewable: one 1,000 mg tablet of acerola powder provides 170 mg of natural vitamin C. Dynveo’s organic acerola comes in capsules: two capsules provide 1,200 mg of extract, including 396 mg of native vitamin C, and the bottle should be kept in the fridge. This is the form we suggest to people who prefer a product derived from a fruit, or who are looking for a reasonable daily dose.

Classic vitamin C: capsules or powder

Pure vitamin C is the simplest and most economical option. At Dynveo, it comes from Quali®-C, a vitamin C made by the DSM brand and produced in Scotland, which means its origin can be known.

The Dynveo Quali®-C vitamin C capsules are dosed at 500 mg: one to two a day, with a meal, preferably in two doses, morning and midday. The pure vitamin C powder is dosed with a scoop: one measuring scoop provides 1,000 mg, to dilute in a glass of water or fruit juice. The powder is handy for adjusting the amount, but it’s acidic: if you have a sensitive stomach, dilute it in a large glass and take it with a meal.

Liposomal: for whom, and how

In liposomal vitamin C, the vitamin is enclosed in tiny phospholipid bubbles, called liposomes, based on phosphatidylcholine derived from lecithin. Manufacturers mainly present it as gentler on the stomach. It’s often the choice of people whom classic vitamin C upsets a little.

It comes in two forms:

• In capsules: Dynveo’s liposomal vitamin C provides 1,000 mg for two capsules, with non-GMO sunflower lecithin. One capsule can be taken in the morning and one at midday.
• In liquid form: Novoma’s liquid liposomal vitamin C is taken by the spoonful, neat or diluted in a glass of water or juice. It’s lemon-flavoured and contains soy lecithin. Shake the bottle before each use, and keep it in the fridge after opening, to be used within 60 days.

What time to take it

Morning or midday, preferably with a meal. The data sheets tend to advise against taking it in the evening, as some people find it a little stimulating late in the day. When the daily dose is two capsules, splitting it between breakfast and lunch is a good habit.

A few precautions: don’t exceed the dose on the label, and ask your doctor or pharmacist for advice in case of pregnancy, breastfeeding, kidney disorders or ongoing treatment. As winter approaches, you’ll find other ideas on our winter shelf.

Frequently asked questions

Is acerola weaker than pure vitamin C?

It’s dosed lower per serving: 170 mg per Novoma tablet, 396 mg for two Dynveo capsules, compared to 1,000 mg for one scoop of powder. That’s not a drawback, it’s a different use.

Is liposomal essential?

It’s mainly worth it if classic vitamin C upsets your stomach. Otherwise, pure vitamin C in capsules or powder remains the simplest and most economical option.

Can it be taken with iron?

Yes, it’s a classic combination, since vitamin C increases iron absorption. In case of known iron overload (haemochromatosis), Dynveo’s data sheets do ask for prior medical advice.

Can children take acerola?

Novoma’s organic acerola is intended for adults and children over 6. For other products, follow the label.

Acerola, powder or liposomal: we’ll show you all three side by side in our Paris 12th shop, Tuesday to Saturday, and you’ll leave with the one that fits your habits.