What is the difference between Vitamin C and Ester-C?

If we say there is no difference between vitamin C and Ester-C, we might not be too far from the truth, because both offer similar health benefits. However, one of the major differences between vitamin C and Ester-C is that the former contains L-enantiomer of ascorbic acid, whereas the latter contains calcium ascorbate as one of its ingredients. Unlike vitamin C that is present naturally in fruits and vegetables, Ester-C is made artificially in the laboratory.

As a result of this, Ester-C is quite expensive compared to vitamin C. Another difference is that Ester-C is less acidic compared to vitamin C. Although, there is no evidence that says too much of vitamin C intake is dangerous, but people with certain gastrointestinal problems are not supposed to be taking too much of vitamin C. Apart from these little differences, vitamin C and Ester-C can be said to be the same when it comes to their health benefits.

Vitamin C is a water-soluble vitamin that cannot be synthesized in the human body. Most people get their vitamin C from orange juice or a multivitamin. However, the best way to obtain this vitamin is from fresh fruits and vegetables. The average diet of an individual contains only 1/100th of the amount of vitamin C that they should be getting.

Ascorbic acid is the major protection against reactive oxygen species and free radicals, for all life forms on earth, and Ester C is a patented form of calcium ascorbate. The manufacturing process entails the buffering of ascorbic acid with calcium. The form of vitamin C has higher bioavailability. Ester C is more expensive compared to vitamin C. It is also harsher on the digestive system, as it may cause stomach discomfort.