Choosing the right liquid vitamin C often depends on who will be taking the supplement and why. If the supplement is going to be taken by anyone under the age of 12, generally children vitamin C formulas are suggested. Children need less of the supplement in general, so formulas made specifically for them usually have a lower dose. Those who are taking vitamin C to help fight a particular illness they are suffering from may wish to take larger doses than those simply taking a supplement daily for their health.
There are many doses and strengths of liquid vitamin C supplements, as well as some supplements which are combinations of two or more vitamins and minerals. It has been believed for decades that it is impossible to overdose on vitamin C, but modern studies and discoveries are proving this to be false. This means that supplements with wildly high doses of vitamin C might need to be avoided even by those taking them for an illness. It is also important to understand that taking more than the daily recommended dose of 60 to 75 mg is often pointless, because any excess of what the body needs is flushed out in the urine.
Those who take a liquid vitamin C for illness may be able to take higher doses, as the body may need more nutrients during this time. It is important, however, that a person does not take more than 1,000 mg a day. At these levels, you are at a much higher risk of suffering a vitamin C overdose.
If you chose to take a combination supplement, it is important to note the other vitamins or minerals included and their dose. Any other ingredient in the supplement should be researched to know what the recommended daily amount is. Many of these nutrients can have dire consequences if taken in excess, so it is a good idea to know the suggested limits.
Liquid vitamin C is preferred by some because it may be absorbed by the body more quickly and easily than powders or pills. This way, you get the most out of the supplement and are not paying for wasted product. These benefits, however, may also be dangerous if you are unaware of the possible side effects. For daily use, it is best not to exceed 70 to 100 mg per day, and those who are ill should never exceed 1,000 mg a day.
Beyond these considerations, many choose liquid supplements for the taste. Liquid vitamin C can be mixed with food or drink or taken directly. No matter how it is taken, you will most likely taste it much more than in pill form, so many prefer a pleasant flavor. Most supplements come in a citrus flavor like orange, but there are many others such lime, cherry and even berry mixes.