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Are Vitamin C Injections Better Than Oral Supplements?
Tip
You absorb more vitamin C from injections, but they're not as convenient to take (or as easily accessible) as over-the-counter oral supplements. Since oral supplements are still highly absorbable (especially liposomal varieties), injections aren't necessary for most general health needs.
Oral or Injection?
Injectable supplements, like vitamin C, are often considered superior to oral versions because of how they're absorbed in the body. Injections bypass the digestive system and move right into the blood, while oral supplements have to make it past the stomach and into the small intestine before they can enter your bloodstream.
The Linus Pauling Institute broke this down a little further, explaining that 100 percent of the oral vitamin C you take is absorbed when you're taking up to 200 milligrams at a time. When oral doses go above 500 milligrams, less vitamin C is absorbed (and most of the excess is removed from your body when you urinate), although this isn't the case with injections. That's why blood levels go higher with intravenous vitamin C.
Choosing an Oral Supplement
Now that you have a good grasp on how the method of delivery affects absorption rates of vitamin C, it's also a good idea to familiarize yourself with the different types of oral vitamin C supplements to make sure you're getting the most bang for your buck. The Linus Pauling Institute points out that vitamin C oral supplements in the form of liquid, tablets and chewable tablets are all equally, and well, absorbed. However, "timed-release capsules" are about 50 percent less effective.