Part 6/10:
An industry insider explains that absorption efficiency diminishes at higher doses; from 30-180 mg, the body absorbs 70-90%, but beyond 500 mg, absorption drops to roughly 50%. Furthermore, some formulations with metabolites like calcium ascorbate or magnesium ascorbate might retain vitamin C in the body longer, up to 24 hours, compared to standard ascorbic acid.
Additionally, timing matters. Consuming vitamin C alongside caffeine, for example in coffee or tea, can reduce absorption due to competing processes. Therefore, the optimal approach might be to balance supplement intake with dietary sources.