Standard vitamin C is ascorbic acid — it absorbs well, but it's acidic. Buffered vitamin C is ascorbic acid bonded to a mineral (calcium, magnesium or sodium ascorbate) which neutralises the acidity. Same vitamin, gentler delivery.
When to pick buffered
- You get heartburn or gut discomfort from standard C.
- You take high doses (1,000 mg+) for immune support.
- You have a history of reflux or sensitive stomach.
- You take it on an empty stomach.
When standard ascorbic acid is fine
- You take a normal 500 mg–1,000 mg dose with food.
- You have no GI sensitivity.
- You're price-sensitive — standard is cheaper.
Dose notes
Vitamin C absorption saturates around 200 mg per dose. Above that, surplus is excreted. The case for higher doses (1,000 mg+) is for short bursts during immune challenge, not as a daily ceiling.