Vitamin C plays a vital role in keeping the body's immune system working efficiently. It also helps build collagen, muscle and skin. Being an antioxidant, Vitamin C is one of your best defenses against the damaging effects of free radicals.

Most living creatures can produc vitamin C in their own bodies, that is, with the exception of humans and a small number of other animals. Because human cannot produce it in their own bodies, Vitamin C must be taken from external sources, like food and vitamin supplements.

There are many forms of Vitamin C supplements. The most popular forms are:

Ascorbic Acid Crystals

Pure ascorbic acid crystals either have a tart or sour taste depending on the person's palate. Being 100% vitamin C, they are the most concentrated form of Vitamin C. You can get 4 grams of vitamin C for every level teaspoon of the crystals.

Ascorbic acid crystals are used for maintaining the fresh appearance of fruits and meats and in canning and preserving (1 or 2 grams of ascorbic acid crystals per jar). This form of Vitamin C is not for people with sensitive stomachs.

Ascorbic Acid Tablets

Each ascorbic acid tablet typically contains 500 mg of Vitamin C and 50 mg of citrus bioflavonoids. In order to hold it together, ascorbic acid tablets need binderes. During manufacturing ascorbic acid tablets are also glazed with lubricants so they don't stick to the tablet machines.

Ascorbic acid tablets should not be used for megadoses of vitamin C. When you take in dozens of tablets per day, your body has to handle an excessive amount of the tablet's binder and lubricant. Never chew ascorbic acid tablets as tooth enamel damage can happen over the years. It's best to take a tablet with some food and water. An un-chewed tablet may cause some local irritation to a sensitive stomach until the tablet finally breaks up.

Sodium Ascorbate Crystals

People with sensitive stomachs can use sodium ascorbate as Vitamin C supplement. Sodium ascorbate is slightly salty in taste and many use it as table salt substitute. However, its sodium content (at 131 mg per gram of Vitamic C) may not go well with people who have hypertension or water retention problems. Sodium ascorbate can be added to food without affecting the taste. You can also use it as a toothpaste (never do the same with ascorbic acid as it will damage your teeth). If you want to megadose on Vitamin C, use sodium ascorbate.

Other forms of Vitamin C are chewable Vitamin C (for kids), calcium ascorbate crystals, C-salts, magnesium ascorbate, ascorbyl palmitate, and potassium ascorbate,.