BioStacks
GNC

Time-Release Vitamin C 1000 mg

1 Caplet · 90 servings · $0.16/serving

35 / 100Poor

Best for

Score Breakdown

Formulation
47
Safety
75
Final score
35/100

Ingredients (2)

Vitamin C

100%

Dose

1000 mg

Target

250–2000 mg

Form

Budget

Citrus Bioflavonoids Complex

10%

Dose

25 mg

Target

250–1000 mg

Form

Other Ingredients (5)

Polysorbate 80Emulsifier

Chassaing et al. 2015 (Nature, PMID 25731162) tested polysorbate 80 directly and showed it thinned the gut mucus barrier, altered microbiota composition, and induced low-grade inflammation and metabolic syndrome in mice. The strongest human evidence is for a related emulsifier rather than polysorbate 80 itself: Chassaing 2022 (Gastroenterology, PMID 34774538) was a controlled human feeding RCT of carboxymethylcellulose (CMC) that found microbial encroachment into the mucus layer — polysorbate 80 has not been tested in an equivalent human trial. In vitro work (e.g. Roberts 2010) shows polysorbate 80 enhances bacterial translocation across intestinal epithelium, and observational data link overall dietary-emulsifier exposure to IBD risk. EFSA is mid re-evaluation of polysorbates (E432–E436). For a supplement excipient with purely cosmetic function (improving the look/texture of soft gels and liquids), the gut-barrier risk profile is unfavorable when safer alternatives (sunflower lecithin, MCT carriers, gum acacia) are widely available.

Polyethylene Glycol (Coating)Coating

A polyether polymer used as a tablet coating and plasticizer

Rose Hips (base)Botanical Base

Dried fruit of Rosa canina used as a whole-food base in vitamin C formulas; contributes trace natural vitamin C

HypromelloseCapsule

Plant-derived capsule material from cellulose

Vegetable Acetoglycerides

Not reviewed yet

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Sources & Scoring

Nutrient data (RDA, UL, and safety thresholds) sourced from: NIH Office of Dietary Supplements and National Academies Dietary Reference Intakes (DRI).

This is not medical advice. Consult a healthcare provider before making changes to your supplement routine.

The score analyzes what's on the label: ingredient doses vs. clinical ranges, chemical forms, evidence levels, and known interactions. It does not verify label accuracy or test for contaminants — for that, look for third-party certifications like USP or NSF.