Blackmores Buffered C Sustained Release Tablet

Blackmores Buffered C Sustained Release Tablet is a vitamin C supplement that provides 500 mg of vitamin C per tablet, supplied as a combination of ascorbic acid (280 mg) and calcium ascorbate (266 mg). Calcium ascorbate is a buffered, mineral-salt form of vitamin C, which makes the formula less acidic than ascorbic acid alone. Blackmores describes the tablet as sustained release, designed to release vitamin C gradually over about 8 hours rather than all at once.

Each tablet also contains a group of plant compounds commonly paired with vitamin C: rutin 50 mg, hesperidin 25 mg, citrus bioflavonoids 8.75 mg and rosehip fruit extract 41.67 mg (equivalent to 250 mg dry rosehip fruit). Vitamin C is an essential nutrient that the human body cannot make, so it has to come from the diet. It is needed for normal collagen formation, acts as an antioxidant, contributes to the normal function of the immune system and improves the absorption of non-haem iron from plant foods.

According to Blackmores Malaysia, the formula is Halal certified and contains no added salt, yeast, gluten, wheat, milk derivatives, preservatives, artificial colours, flavours or sweeteners. On DoctorOnCall Malaysia it is available in packs of 30, 90 and 120 tablets. It may suit adults who want a once-daily vitamin C supplement when their intake from fruit and vegetables is not enough, especially those who find regular ascorbic acid tablets harsh on the stomach.

Adults: Take one tablet a day with a glass of water, after food, or as directed by your healthcare professional. Swallow the tablet whole; do not crush or chew it, as this can affect the sustained-release action. Taking it at about the same time each day can help you remember. Please also check the directions printed on your pack.

Adults: 1 tablet daily (500 mg vitamin C), or as advised by your doctor or pharmacist. Do not exceed the recommended dose stated on the pack.

The tolerable upper intake level for vitamin C in adults is 2,000 mg a day from all sources, including food, drinks and other supplements. Taking very large amounts can cause stomach upset and diarrhoea. This product is labelled for adults; for children, ask a doctor or pharmacist about a suitable product and dose.

Refer to the expiry date printed on the bottle and outer packaging. Do not use the tablets after the expiry date.

Store according to the instructions on the pack. Keep the bottle tightly closed in a cool, dry place, away from direct sunlight, heat and moisture, such as a humid bathroom. Keep out of the reach of children.

• Common: Mild stomach discomfort, bloating or nausea, especially if taken on an empty stomach.
• Common: Diarrhoea or abdominal cramps, which are more likely with high total vitamin C intake from all sources.
• Less common: Heartburn or indigestion in sensitive individuals.
• Serious: Allergic reactions such as rash, itching, swelling of the face or lips, or difficulty breathing; stop taking the tablets and seek medical help.
• Serious: High vitamin C intake may increase the risk of kidney stones in people prone to them; seek medical advice if you develop severe back or side pain or blood in the urine.

• Do not take if you are allergic to vitamin C, rosehip, citrus bioflavonoids, rutin, hesperidin or any other ingredient in the product.
• People with hereditary haemochromatosis or other iron-overload conditions should not take vitamin C supplements unless their doctor advises it, because vitamin C increases iron absorption.
• People with a history of kidney stones or kidney disease should only take high-dose vitamin C on a doctor’s advice.
• Not intended for children unless recommended by a doctor or pharmacist.

• Cancer treatment: If you are receiving chemotherapy or radiotherapy, speak to your oncologist before taking antioxidant supplements such as vitamin C, as they may affect how some treatments work.
• Statins with niacin: Antioxidant supplements including vitamin C may reduce the HDL-cholesterol response to combined statin and niacin therapy; check with your doctor.
• Iron: Vitamin C increases the absorption of non-haem iron from food and iron supplements; this is useful for most people but important for those with iron overload.
• Other vitamin C sources: Avoid doubling up with other vitamin C, multivitamin or effervescent products so that your total intake stays within the adult upper limit of 2,000 mg a day.
• Other medicines: If you take any regular medicines, including blood thinners, ask your doctor or pharmacist before starting a high-dose vitamin C supplement.

• Take the tablet after a meal to reduce the chance of stomach discomfort.
• Swallow it whole so the sustained-release design works as intended; do not split, crush or chew it.
• Add up the vitamin C from all your supplements and fortified drinks to stay well within 2,000 mg a day.
• Keep eating vitamin C-rich foods such as guava, papaya, oranges and leafy greens; a supplement does not replace a balanced diet.
• Drink enough water through the day, particularly if you have had kidney stones before.
• Check with your doctor or pharmacist before use if you are pregnant, breastfeeding or taking regular medicines.

Precautions: Vitamin supplements should not replace a balanced diet. Speak to your doctor or pharmacist before use if you are pregnant or breastfeeding, have kidney problems or a history of kidney stones, have haemochromatosis or another iron-overload condition, have G6PD deficiency, or are receiving cancer treatment. Each tablet contains calcium ascorbate, so mention it if you have been advised to limit calcium. Keep track of vitamin C from other supplements and fortified products so your total intake stays within the 2,000 mg daily upper limit for adults.

When to See a Doctor or Pharmacist: Stop taking the tablets and seek medical advice if you develop a rash, swelling or difficulty breathing, persistent diarrhoea or stomach pain, or severe back or side pain that may suggest a kidney stone. See a doctor if you have ongoing symptoms such as unusual tiredness, bleeding gums or slow wound recovery, as these need proper assessment rather than self-supplementation.