Vitamin C | Time Release Immune & Antioxidant Support

Vitamin C, also known as ascorbic acid, is a water-soluble nutrient the body cannot produce on its own due to mutations in the L-gulonolactone oxidase (GLO) gene. That means every milligram must come from food or supplementation. It functions as a potent antioxidant, a cofactor for numerous enzymes, and a critical player in immune defense, collagen biosynthesis, carnitine and catecholamine metabolism, and dietary iron absorption.

Nature's Sunshine Vitamin C Time Release is designed to deliver all the powerful benefits of Vitamin C throughout the day. Each tablet features a special coating that slows absorption until the nutrients reach the intestines, helping maintain steadier levels of this essential nutrient. The formula is completely natural — no sugar, starch, artificial colorings, or flavorings — and blends Vitamin C with a base of Rose hips extract, acerola extract, Rutin, Lemon bioflavonoids, and Hesperidin complex.

This product is vegan and non-GMO, arriving in a bottle of 120 tablets. If you have questions about whether this formula fits your wellness goals, our naturopath is available for a free consultation.

Vitamin C contributes to immune defense by supporting various cellular functions of both the innate and adaptive immune system. It helps maintain epithelial barrier function against pathogens, enhances the differentiation and proliferation of B cells and T cells, promotes phagocytosis, normalizes cytokine production, and decreases histamine levels. Research suggests that regular supplementation modestly reduces cold duration — by about 8% in adults and 14% in children — though studies indicate it does not prevent colds in the general population.

As an antioxidant, Vitamin C directly scavenges reactive oxygen species in aqueous cellular compartments and plasma and can regenerate other antioxidants such as vitamin E. This capacity to fight free radicals helps protect cells from oxidative stress.

The body also needs Vitamin C to make collagen, the most abundant protein in the human body. Without adequate Vitamin C, prolyl and lysyl hydroxylase enzymes cannot properly hydroxylate collagen precursors, leading to structurally defective collagen. This cofactor role underlies Vitamin C's importance for skin integrity, wound repair, and connective tissue health.

Additionally, Vitamin C improves the absorption of non-heme iron from plant-based foods by reducing ferric iron (Fe³⁺) to ferrous iron (Fe²⁺) in the gastrointestinal lumen — a form that is more readily absorbed by intestinal cells.

This formula is a natural fit for anyone looking to support everyday immune health and antioxidant defense. Because the body cannot store Vitamin C — it is water-soluble and excess is excreted — a time-release format helps maintain more consistent levels throughout the day rather than a single spike and drop.

Adults interested in supporting collagen production for skin integrity, connective tissue health, and wound repair may also benefit. Vitamin C is an essential cofactor for collagen biosynthesis, and adequate status is necessary for normal tissue maintenance.

People who eat limited amounts of fruits and vegetables, those under physical stress, and anyone navigating cold and flu season may find this formula especially relevant. Research suggests that populations under heavy physical or cold stress show greater benefit from regular Vitamin C supplementation.

This product is vegan and non-GMO. If you're unsure whether it's right for your individual needs, feel free to reach out to our naturopath for a free consultation — it's one of the things we're most proud to offer.

Take one tablet daily with a meal.

The time-release coating is designed to slow absorption until the nutrients reach the intestines, supporting steady delivery throughout the day. Because intestinal absorption of ascorbic acid falls to about 50% or less with increasing doses above 1 g/day, the time-release mechanism may help optimize how the body utilizes each serving.