Essential-C & Flavonoids from Pure Encapsulations is a food supplement in vegetarian capsule form, providing a high-strength, buffered form of vitamin C alongside the flavonoids quercetin and rutin. Each pack contains 90 capsules. The vitamin C is supplied as Ester-C calcium ascorbate, a non-acidic, buffered form designed to be gentler on the digestive system than standard ascorbic acid.

Key Features

• High-strength buffered vitamin C: each capsule provides 619mg of vitamin C from Ester-C calcium ascorbate, a non-acidic form that is gentler on the digestive system than standard ascorbic acid.
• Supports normal immune function and helps reduce tiredness: vitamin C contributes to the normal function of the immune system and to the reduction of tiredness and fatigue.
• Supports collagen formation: vitamin C contributes to normal collagen formation, needed for the normal function of blood vessels, bones, gums, skin, teeth and cartilage.
• Contains flavonoids alongside vitamin C: each capsule also provides 50mg of quercetin and 100mg of rutin, plant compounds found naturally alongside vitamin C in many fruits and vegetables.
• Free from common allergens and artificial additives: the capsules are vegetarian and vegan, and free from wheat, gluten, egg, peanuts, dairy, soy and GMOs, with no artificial colours, flavours or sweeteners.
• Flexible daily dosing from one pack: the suggested serving of 1 to 2 capsules a day means one 90-capsule pack lasts between 45 and 90 days, depending on the dose chosen.

What does "Ester-C" mean on the label?

Ester-C is the branded name for the calcium ascorbate complex used as the source of vitamin C in this product. It is a non-acidic, buffered form of vitamin C. Some people find this type more comfortable to take than standard ascorbic acid, particularly at higher doses.

Why does each capsule contain so much more vitamin C than the recommended daily amount?

Each capsule provides 619mg of vitamin C, equivalent to 774% of the Nutrient Reference Value (NRV). This is a high-strength formula, so a single capsule already provides well above the amount adults typically need each day. The suggested serving of 1 to 2 capsules gives flexibility, and it is not necessary to take the maximum dose to get a substantial amount of vitamin C.

What are quercetin and rutin?

Quercetin and rutin are flavonoids, a group of plant compounds found naturally in many fruits and vegetables, often alongside vitamin C. This product provides 50mg of quercetin and 100mg of rutin per capsule in addition to the vitamin C.

Is Essential-C & Flavonoids suitable for vegans?

Yes. The capsule shell is plant-based (hydroxypropyl methyl cellulose) and none of the other ingredients are derived from animals, so this product is suitable for both vegetarians and vegans.

Essential-C & Flavonoids contains Ester-C calcium ascorbate (the source of vitamin C, calcium and threonic acid), rutin, quercetin and ascorbyl palmitate. The capsule shell is vegetarian, made from hydroxypropyl methyl cellulose.

Nutritional information (per capsule, serving size 1 capsule)

*NRV = Nutrient Reference Value. **NRV not established.

This product is free from wheat, gluten, egg, peanuts, dairy, soy and GMOs, and contains no artificial colours, flavours, sweeteners, or unnecessary binders, fillers or preservatives. The capsules are suitable for vegetarians and vegans.

Take 1 to 2 capsules a day, in divided doses (spaced across the day rather than taken together), with or between meals, or as directed by a healthcare professional.

If you are pregnant or breastfeeding, have any health condition, or are taking any medication, speak to a healthcare professional before taking this product.

Only use if the safety seal is intact.

This food supplement should not be used as a substitute for a varied and balanced diet.

Do not exceed the stated daily dose of 2 capsules.

Each capsule provides 619mg of vitamin C. The maximum suggested daily dose of 2 capsules provides 1,238mg of vitamin C, which is above the 1,000mg a day that the NHS considers unlikely to cause harm.

Keep out of the reach of young children.

No side effects are commonly reported when this product is taken at the standard serving of 1 capsule a day.

According to NHS guidance, taking more than 1,000mg of vitamin C a day, which this product can provide at the maximum suggested dose of 2 capsules, may cause stomach pain, diarrhoea and flatulence. These effects stop once the higher intake ends.