Vitamin C (Ascorbic acid) 500 mg: uses, price & cheaper substitutes
Common uses: Preventing and treating vitamin C deficiency (scurvy) – bleeding gums, poor wound healing, tiredness; Supporting wound healing after surgery or injury, when the diet is poor.
Listed MRPs range from ₹1.66 to ₹4.46 per tablet across 4 listings.
Price comparison
| Brand | Manufacturer | Pack | MRP | ₹ / tablet | As on |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Celin 500 | RV LIFESCIENCES LIMITED | 25 | ₹41.48 | ₹1.66 | 19 October 2026 |
| C-GEN 500 | Hnf Care Pvt Ltd | 60 | ₹260.00 | ₹4.33 | 19 October 2026 |
| Jackson Vitamin-C 500 | Jackson Laboratories Pvt Ltd | 10 | ₹44.06 | ₹4.41 | 19 October 2026 |
| Cyocin 500 | VG Pharmaceuticals | 10 | ₹44.63 | ₹4.46 | 19 October 2026 |
MRPs as printed/listed on the date shown; actual price may vary.
Uses
- Preventing and treating vitamin C deficiency (scurvy) – bleeding gums, poor wound healing, tiredness.
- Supporting wound healing after surgery or injury, when the diet is poor.
- Helping iron absorption in people taking iron tablets for anaemia.
- A supplement during illness or for people who eat few fruits and vegetables; it does not prevent colds.
How to take it
Take one 500 mg tablet once a day with water, or chew it if it is a chewable tablet, preferably after a meal to avoid acidity. Adults need only about 40 mg a day from food, and the body cannot store vitamin C, so one tablet easily covers a day's need. Do not take more than 1,000 mg a day – higher doses cause stomach pain, diarrhoea and wind and can raise the risk of kidney stones. Citrus fruits, amla, guava, tomatoes and green vegetables are good food sources. If you are taking it for bleeding gums or slow wound healing, see a doctor if there is no improvement in a few weeks.
Side effects
Common
- Stomach pain or acidity.
- Diarrhoea or loose stools with high doses.
- Wind and bloating.
Serious
Stop and get medical help urgently if you notice any of these.
- Kidney stones with long-term high doses, especially if you have had stones before.
- Severe allergic reaction – rash, swelling of the face or throat – is rare.
- In people with G6PD deficiency, very high doses can break down red blood cells.
Safety information
Alcohol
No interaction with alcohol. Heavy drinkers are often low in vitamin C, but the supplement does not protect against alcohol's harms.
Pregnancy
Vitamin C from food and normal supplement doses is safe in pregnancy and breastfeeding. Avoid high doses above 1,000 mg a day; check with your doctor.
Kidney problems
If you have kidney disease or a history of kidney stones, do not take high doses; stick to the lowest dose and ask your doctor.
Liver problems
No special precautions at normal doses.
Children
Children need much less than adults; a 500 mg tablet is an adult dose. Give children vitamin C only in paediatric doses advised by a doctor.
Missed dose
Just take the next dose at the usual time. Do not take two tablets together.
Interactions
- Iron tablets – vitamin C increases iron absorption, which is helpful in anaemia but can be a problem in people with iron overload.
- Aluminium antacids (Digene, Gelusil) – vitamin C can increase aluminium absorption; take them apart.
- Warfarin – very high doses may affect INR; tell your doctor if you are on blood thinners.
- Chemotherapy and radiotherapy – ask your oncologist before taking high-dose vitamin C.
- Deferoxamine (for iron overload) – combination can affect the heart; avoid without medical advice.
Frequently asked questions
Celin 500 before or after food?
After food. Vitamin C is acidic and can cause stomach discomfort on an empty stomach. Chewable tablets can be chewed after a meal.
Does vitamin C prevent colds or COVID?
No. Regular vitamin C does not stop you catching colds; at best it may shorten a cold slightly. It does not prevent or treat COVID-19. A balanced diet and vaccination matter far more.
How much vitamin C can I take in a day?
Adults need about 40 mg a day from food. Supplements up to 1,000 mg a day are unlikely to cause harm; more than that causes stomach pain, diarrhoea and wind and increases kidney stone risk.
Celin vs Limcee – are they the same?
Both are vitamin C 500 mg tablets from different companies; Limcee is a chewable orange-flavoured tablet. They work the same way. Pick based on taste and price.
Can I take Celin 500 daily?
Yes, one tablet a day is safe for most adults. People with kidney stones, kidney disease or iron overload should check with a doctor first.
Is vitamin C safe in pregnancy?
Yes at normal doses. Pregnant women need a little more vitamin C than other adults, and a varied diet usually provides it. Avoid high-dose supplements without medical advice.
Does vitamin C help iron absorption?
Yes. Taking vitamin C with an iron tablet, or with iron-rich food, roughly doubles the iron your body absorbs. This is why doctors often prescribe them together for anaemia.
Does vitamin C make skin fair or glowing?
Vitamin C is needed to make collagen, so a deficiency does harm the skin. But extra tablets do not lighten skin colour. Vitamin C serums act locally on the skin and are a separate matter.
Sources
- NHS – Vitamin C (19 October 2026)
- NPPA Pharma Sahi Daam (ceiling prices) (19 October 2026)
- PMBI Jan Aushadhi Product & MRP List (19 October 2026)
Medyzen Editorial Team · Last updated
This page is general information, not medical advice. Do not start, stop or change a medicine without asking a doctor or pharmacist. Terms