Nature’s Way Vitamin C 500mg Tablet

Nature’s Way Vitamin C 500mg Tablet is a vitamin supplement that provides 500mg of vitamin C in each tablet. Vitamin C, also called ascorbic acid, is a water-soluble vitamin that the human body cannot produce or store in large amounts, so it needs to be obtained regularly from the diet. Good food sources include guava, papaya, oranges, kiwi fruit, strawberries, capsicum, broccoli and other fresh fruit and vegetables.

Vitamin C contributes to the normal function of the immune system and to normal collagen formation, which is important for healthy skin, blood vessels, gums, bones and cartilage. It also acts as an antioxidant that helps protect cells from oxidative stress, and it improves the absorption of non-haem iron from plant foods. People who smoke, people with a limited intake of fruit and vegetables, and people whose diets are very restricted may have lower vitamin C levels than others.

Each 500mg tablet provides several times the recommended daily intake of vitamin C for adults, while the usual serving of one to two tablets a day stays well below the adult upper intake level of 2,000mg a day. The tablet is designed to be swallowed whole with water rather than chewed. Nature’s Way Vitamin C 500mg Tablet is listed in a pack of 200 tablets; please refer to the product label and packaging for the full ingredient list and product information.

Swallow the tablet whole with a glass of water, preferably with a meal. Do not chew or crush the tablet. If you take two tablets a day, you may take them together or split them between two meals. Follow the directions on the product label or the advice of your doctor or pharmacist.

Adults: One to two tablets (500mg to 1,000mg vitamin C) daily with meals, or as directed by your doctor or pharmacist. Follow the dosage on the product label.

Do not exceed the recommended dose. The upper intake level of vitamin C for adults from all sources is 2,000mg a day, and higher amounts are more likely to cause stomach upset and diarrhoea. For children, use only on the advice of a doctor or pharmacist, and check that a tablet of this size is suitable for them to swallow.

Store in a cool, dry place, away from direct sunlight, heat and moisture. Keep the bottle tightly closed after each use, as vitamin C can degrade when exposed to humidity and air. Keep out of reach of children.

• Common: Mild stomach discomfort, nausea or heartburn.
• Common: Diarrhoea or abdominal cramps, especially with higher intakes.
• Uncommon: Headache.
• Serious: Pain in the side or back, or blood in the urine, which may indicate kidney stones in susceptible people – see a doctor.
• Serious: Allergic reaction such as rash, swelling of the face, lips or throat, or difficulty breathing – stop taking it and seek medical help immediately.

• Do not use if you are allergic to vitamin C or any other ingredient of the tablet.
• Avoid unless advised by a doctor if you have haemochromatosis or another iron-overload condition, as vitamin C increases iron absorption.
• Avoid unless advised by a doctor if you have a history of kidney stones, hyperoxaluria or kidney disease.

• Chemotherapy and radiotherapy: Antioxidant supplements may affect how some cancer treatments work; consult your oncologist before taking vitamin C.
• Statins and niacin: Vitamin C taken with other antioxidants may reduce the HDL-raising effect of niacin with simvastatin; tell your doctor if you take these.
• Iron supplements: Vitamin C increases absorption of non-haem iron, which is usually not a concern for healthy people but matters for people with iron-overload conditions.
• Other vitamin C sources: Multivitamins, effervescent tablets and fortified drinks also contain vitamin C; add up your total intake to stay within the recommended amount.
• Food: Taking the tablet with a meal can reduce stomach discomfort.

• Take the tablet with a meal to reduce the chance of stomach upset.
• Keep eating plenty of fresh fruit and vegetables, as a supplement does not replace a balanced diet.
• Check other supplements and fortified drinks so your total vitamin C intake stays within the recommended amount.
• Close the bottle tightly after use and keep it away from bathroom humidity.
• If you smoke, speak to your doctor or pharmacist about your vitamin C needs and support to quit.
• Tell your doctor you take vitamin C before blood or urine tests, as high intakes can affect some test results.

Precautions: Speak to a doctor or pharmacist before use if you are pregnant or breastfeeding, have kidney disease or a history of kidney stones, have haemochromatosis or thalassaemia, have G6PD deficiency, are receiving cancer treatment, or are taking other medicines or supplements. High intakes of vitamin C can interfere with some laboratory tests, including certain blood glucose readings, so let your doctor know you take it.

When to See a Doctor or Pharmacist: See a doctor if you have frequent or prolonged infections, unusual bruising, bleeding gums or slow wound healing, as these need medical assessment. Stop taking the tablets and see a doctor if you develop persistent diarrhoea, side or back pain, or blood in the urine. Seek medical help immediately if you notice signs of an allergic reaction.