Evidence supporting the use of: Vitamin C
For the health condition: Cholesterol (high)
Synopsis
Source of validity: Scientific
Rating (out of 5): 2
Vitamin C (ascorbic acid) has been investigated for its potential effects on cholesterol levels, particularly LDL ("bad") cholesterol. Scientific interest stems from vitamin C’s antioxidant properties, which could theoretically prevent LDL oxidation, a process implicated in atherosclerosis. Several small-scale clinical studies and meta-analyses have explored whether vitamin C supplementation can positively influence lipid profiles. Some meta-analyses, such as a 2008 review in the "Journal of Nutritional Biochemistry," have reported modest reductions in LDL cholesterol and triglycerides, particularly in individuals with high baseline cholesterol or low initial vitamin C status.
However, the overall evidence is mixed and often limited by study design, sample size, and duration. Larger, longer-term randomized controlled trials have generally failed to demonstrate a significant or clinically meaningful effect of vitamin C supplementation on cholesterol levels in the general population. Most authoritative guidelines do not recommend vitamin C supplementation specifically for cholesterol management, citing inconsistent evidence and a lack of robust clinical benefit.
In summary, while there is some scientific rationale and limited research suggesting a mild effect, the evidence is not strong or consistent enough to support vitamin C as a primary or standalone treatment for high cholesterol. Its use in this context is best seen as adjunctive, and should not replace established cholesterol-lowering therapies.
Other ingredients used for Cholesterol (high)
acai berryajoene
akkermansia muciniphila
alfalfa
algal oil
alpha-linolenic acid (ALA)
green chiretta
anthocyanins
apple
arjun tree
artichoke
ashwagandha
astaxanthin
astragalus
bacillus coagulans
bacillus subtilis
banaba
barberry
barley
basil
beet
berberine
bergamot
berry flavor
Beta-Glucan
beta-sitosterol
bifidobacterium bifidum
bifidobacterium lactis
bifidobacterium longum
black cumin
black currant
black garlic
radish
sesame
black tea
blackberry
blueberry
bonito peptide
broccoli
rice
brussel sprouts
burdock
bасора
calamari oil
campesterol
canola oil
carrot
cassia bark
catechins
caterpillar mushroom
cauliflower
celery
champignon
chia seed
chicory
Chinese salvia root
chlorella
chokeberry
cinnamon
citrus pectin
citrus sinensis (proprietary)
clove
collard
conjugated linoleic acid (CLA)
cottonseed oil
cordyceps
turmeric
curcumin
dandelion
DHA (docosahexaeonic acid)
diallyl disulfide (DADS)
diallyl trisulfide (DATS)
DPA (docosapentaenoic acid)
EPA (eicosapentaenoic acid)
epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG)
fenugreek
fiber blend (proprietary)
fish oil
fish protein
flavonols
flaxseed
fructooligosaccharides (FOS)
fruit and vegetable blend (proprietary)
gamma oryzanol
garcinia
garlic bulb
genistein
genistin
ginger
ginseng
glucomannan
gooseberry
grape
grapefruit
greek mountain tea
onion
green tea
greens blend (proprietary)
guar gum
guggul
gurmar
hawthorn
hemp oil
hesperetin
hesperidin
hibiscus
HMR lignan
Indian tinospora
inulin
knotweed
jujube
kale
krill oil
kudzu
l-carnitine
l-taurine
lactobacillus casei
lactobacillus fermentum
lactobacillus gasseri
lactobacillus helveticus
lactiplantibacillus plantarum
lecithin
lemon
lentinula edodes mycelia
lignans
linoleic acid (LA)
lycopene
mackerel
magnesium
maitake mushroom
mango
maqui berry
marine lipid
matcha
medium chain triglycerides (MCT)
moringa
mustard seed
naringin
niacin (vitamin B3)
niacinamide (vitamin B3)
nicotinamide riboside
oat
oleanolic acid
oleic acid
olive
omega-3 fatty acids
omega-6 fatty acids
omega-7 fatty acids
omega-9 fatty acids
orange
oyster mushroom
palmitoleic acid
pantethine
pear
pectin
perilla
phellodendron amurense
phenolic acids
phospholipids
phytosterols
pine bark
plant sterols
plum fruit
policosanol
pollen
pomegranate
pomelo
prebiotic blend (proprietary)
prune
psyllium
pumpkin
quercetin
quinoa
raspberry
red yeast rice
reishi mushroom
resveratrol
rhizome
rose hips
rosemary
rutin
rye
safflower oil
sardines
secoisolariciresinol diglucoside
shiitake mushroom
black ginger
sitostanol
soybean
spinach
spirulina
sterols
stevia
stigmasterol
strawberry
tocotrienols
tomato
trans-pterostilbene
trimethylglycine (TMG)
triphala
almond fruit
vegetable and fruit blend (proprietary)
vegetable blend (proprietary)
vitamin C
seaweed
wasabia japonica
water
watermelon
wheat grass
whey protein
mulberry
xylooligosaccharides
yeast
β-nicotinamide mononucleotide (NMN)
red clover
jiaogulan
tangerine
atractylodes
Indian bael
neem tree
nut grass
pterocarpus marsupium
alpinia galangal
punarnava
tinospora cordifolia
caesalpinia crista
swertia
bee pollen
lingzhi
morus
lemongrass
sunflower
root tuber
ferulic acid
dioscorea
ganoderma
morinda
zanthoxylum
birch
royal jelly
Equol (proprietary)
polyphenols
purslane
yerba mate
wheat germ
noni
nopal
goji berry
amaranth
millet seed
herbal blend (proprietary)
algae
kidney beans
cocoa
chickpea protein
AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK)
soy isoflavones
ashitaba
soursop
Alcohol
Arjuna
Apple Cider Vinegar
Ankaflavin
Angelica
acacia
Aronia melanocarpa
Allicin
Antrodia camphorata
Auricularia
Andrographolide
Avocado
Aspergillus
Ascophyllum nodosum
Aegeline
Alpha-Lipoic Acid
Astragaloside
anthocyanidins
Adzuki bean
Ampelopsin
Alpha phytosterol
Algal protein
Arjunic Acid
Alliin
Arabinoxylan
Argan nut oil
Allium tuberosum
alpha Methyl Tetradecylthioacetic Acid
Arjunolic acid
Astragalin
Black Seed
Bifidobacterium
Brutieridin
Breadnut
Brown Algae
Brassica
Bishop's Weed
Bayleaf
Bran
Black galingale
Berberis (unspecified)
Bitter Grass
Baicalein
Bael
Bean
biochanin
Basidiomycota
Bauhinia
Brazil nut
Bifidobacterium animalis
Bee products
Bombax
Bacteria
Blue-Green Alage
Baobab
Bifidobacteria
bile acid
Bacillus
bacoside
Buckwheat
Bassia scoparia
Bignay
Boerhavia diffusa
Bottle gourd
Chia seed
Cumin
Camellia sinensis
Chinese Silkvine
Charantin
Curry leaf
Cowpea
California chia
Cardarine
Cinnamomum
Chitosan
Cyanobacteria
Carqueja
Cloudberry
Capsinoids
Chebulic acid
Camelina Oil
Cod Liver Oil
Coriander
Cactus
Campestanol
Capillary Artemisia
Cashew
Cyanidin
chlorogenic acid
Chinese Fleeceflower
Curcuminoid
Citrus
Cynarin
Cereal grass
Cruciferous
Cyclanthera pedata
Chitin-Glucan Complex
Curcumen
Chordaria cladosiphon
Chinese Ligustrum berry
Curcuma
Calanus finmarchicus
C-Phycocyanin
Carob
Cabbage
Chitin
Clostridium butyricum
Cinnamaldehyde
Crocetin
Costus
Crypthecodinium
Carnosic acid
Diacylglycerol
Docosahexaenoic Acid
Diallyl sulfide
Danshen
Dunaliella
Dextrin
Dumontiaceae
Daidzein
Dragon Fruit
Date
Diterpenes
Eriocitrin
eggplant
Emblicanin
Endive
Erythrodiol
Eucheuma
Eicosapentaenoic Acid
Euglena gracilis
Eucommia ulmoides
Echium
Ecklonia
Enokitake
Fig
Garlic
Isoflavones
Lotus
Milk Protein
Prickly Pear Cactus
peanut
Pistachio
Quinoa Protein
Rhubarb
Soy Protein
Sumac
Vinegar
walnut
Zucchini
Other health conditions supported by vitamin C
AbrasionsAbscesses
Acne
Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome
Addictions (general remedies for)
Addison's Disease
Adrenal Fatigue
Age Spots
Aging (prevention)
Alcoholism
Allergies (food)
Allergies (respiratory)
Alzheimer's Disease
Anal Fistula or Fissure
Anemia
Antibiotics (alternatives to)
Antibiotics (side effects of)
Anxiety
Arteriosclerosis
Arthritis
Asthma
Athletic and Exercise Aids
Autism
Autoimmune Disorders
Bell's Palsy
Bites and Stings
Bladder Infection
Bleeding (external)
Bleeding (internal)
Blood Poisoning
Boils
Bronchitis
Bruises (healing)
Bruises (prevention)
Burns and Scalds
Cancer (natural therapy for)
Cancer (prevention)
Cancer Treatment (reducing side effects)
Canker Sores
Capillary Weakness
Carbuncles
Cardiovascular Disease
Cartilage Damage
Cataracts
Cervical Dysplasia
Chemical Poisoning
Chemotherapy (reducing side effects)
Chicken Pox
Cholesterol (high)
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disorder
Cold Sores
Colds (antiviral)
Colds (decongestant)
Colds (general)
Colds (prevention)
Colds (with fever)
Colon (atonic)
Congestion
Congestion (bronchial)
Congestion (lungs)
Congestion (sinus)
Conjunctivitis
Contagious Diseases
Convalescence
Copper Toxicity
Cough (dry)
Cough (general)
Cuts
Cystic Breast Disease
Cystic Fibrosis
Debility
Dementia
Denture Sores
Depression
Diabetes
Diabetic Retinopathy
Environmental Pollution
Epstein Barr Virus
Eye Problems
Eyesight (poor)
Fatigue
Fatty Liver Disease
Free Radical Damage
Gall Stones
Gastritis
Gingivitis
Glaucoma
Gonorrhea
Gout
Hair (loss or thinning)
Hair Care (general)
Heart (weakness)
Heavy Metal Poisoning
Hemorrhoids
Hepatitis
Herpes
Hot Flashes
Hypertension
Infection
Infection (bacterial)
Infection (viral)
Infertility
Inflammation
Inflammatory Bowel Disorders
Influenza
Injuries
Knees (weak)
Laryngitis
Lead Poisoning
Lesions
Leucorrhea
Leukemia
Ligaments (torn or injured)
Liver Detoxification
Lyme Disease
Macular Degeneration
Mastitis
Measles
Memory and Brain Function
Menorrhagia
Menstrual Irregularity
Menstruation (scant)
Metabolic Syndrome
Mononucleosis
Mumps
Nose Bleeds
Oral Surgery
Osteoporosis
Pancreatitis
PMS (general)
PMS Type C
PMS Type H
Pneumonia
Post Partum Weakness
Pregnancy (herbs and supplements for)
Progesterone (low)
Prolapsed Uterus
Prostatitis
Radiation Sickness
Rashes and Hives
Restless Leg Syndrome
Rheumatoid Arthritis
Rhinitis
Rhinitis, Allergic
Rosacea
Scars / Scar Tissue
Schizophrenia
Scratches and Abrasions
Scurvy
Shingles
Shock
Sinus Infection
Skin (infections)
Skin Care (general)
Sore Throat
Spider Veins
Spinal Disks
Sprains
Strep Throat
Stretch Marks
Sunburn
Surgery (healing from)
Surgery (preparation for)
Teeth (loose)
Tendonitis
Thrush
Tickle in Throat
Tonsillitis
Tooth Extraction
Toxemia
Triglycerides (high)
Tuberculosis
Ulcerations (external)
Ulcers
Uric Acid Retention
Urinary Tract Infections
Vaginitis
Varicose Veins
Warts
Wounds and Sores
Wrinkles
Products containing vitamin C
Nature's Sunshine Love and Peas (Sugar Free)
Nature's Sunshine Adrenal Support
Nature's Sunshine Bowel Detox
Nature's Sunshine Children's Elderberry Immune
Nature's Sunshine Children's MultiVitamin & Mineral
Nature's Sunshine Cortisol Formula (Nature's Cortisol Formula)
Nature's Sunshine Defense Maintenance
Nature's Sunshine Detox Basics (Best used by 7/31/25)
Nature's Sunshine Dieter's Cleanse
Nature's Sunshine Glandular System
Nature's Sunshine Grapine With Protectors (SynerPro)
Nature's Sunshine Hepatic System
Nature's Sunshine Iron (Chelated)
Nature's Sunshine Love and Peas
Nature's Sunshine Marine Collagen
Nature's Sunshine Marine Glo Collagen
Nature's Sunshine Master Gland Formula®
Nature's Sunshine Mega-Chel
Nature's Sunshine Milk Thistle Combination
Nature's Sunshine MultiVitamin & Mineral (SynerPro)
Nature's Sunshine MultiVitamin & Mineral (Time Release)
Nature's Sunshine Natural Changes
Nature's Sunshine Nature's Prenatal
Nature's Sunshine Nature's Harvest
Nature's Sunshine Nervous System (30 Day Program)
Nature's Sunshine Nutri-Calm
Nature's Sunshine Nutri-Calm
Nature's Sunshine Perfect Eyes
Nature's Sunshine Power Beets Pouch
Nature's Sunshine Power Beets To-Go Packs
Nature's Sunshine Power Greens
Nature's Sunshine Power Greens To-Go
Nature's Sunshine Skeletal Strength
Nature's Sunshine Solstic Twenty-Four
Nature's Sunshine Solstic Immune
Nature's Sunshine Solstic Revive
Nature's Sunshine Structural System (30 Day Program)
Nature's Sunshine Super Supplemental
Nature's Sunshine Super Supplemental (Without Iron)
Nature's Sunshine Super Trio
Nature's Sunshine Vari-Gone
Nature's Sunshine Vitamin C (1000 mg, Time Release)
Nature's Sunshine Vitamin C (1000 mg, Time Release)
Nature's Sunshine Vitamin C Ascorbates
Nature's Sunshine Chewable Vitamin C
Nature's Sunshine Citrus Bioflavonoids (Vitamin C)
Nature's Sunshine Zinc Lozenge
