Vitamin supplement (Water-soluble vitamin)
Last reviewed July 2026
Who is this for?
Vitamin C (also called ascorbic acid) is a vitamin supplement that helps your body fight infections, heal wounds faster, and absorb iron from the food you eat.
Acts as a reducing agent and electron donor in enzymatic hydroxylation reactions, facilitating collagen synthesis, carnitine formation, and catecholamine metabolism while enhancing non-heme iron absorption through reduction of ferric to ferrous iron. Serves as a cofactor for cytochrome P450 enzymes and antioxidant systems, scavenging reactive oxygen species and regenerating other antioxidants including vitamin E and glutathione.
Preventing and treating vitamin C deficiency (scurvy), boosting immune system, helping the body absorb iron, supporting wound healing, common cold prevention
Available Over The Counter
Get this from any pharmacy or chemist: no prescription needed.
Explore this drug
If you miss a dose, just take it when you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed one and continue as normal. No need to double up, as Vitamin C is not the type of drug where missing one dose will cause problems.
Buy from reputable pharmacies and avoid roadside sellers or open market vitamin tablets that may have been exposed to sun and heat, reducing their potency. Do not take extremely high doses thinking it will cure infections like malaria or typhoid, as Vitamin C supports your immune system but is not a treatment for these diseases. Check the expiry date before buying, as expired Vitamin C loses its effectiveness.
If you are taking iron tablets (like ferrous sulfate for blood tonic), Vitamin C increases iron absorption, which can be helpful but take them together only if your doctor says so. If you are on blood-thinning drugs like warfarin, high doses of Vitamin C may reduce their effect. Avoid taking very high doses of Vitamin C at the same time as aluminium-containing antacids (like some ulcer drugs) as it can increase aluminium absorption.
Check your specific combination
Is it safe to take Vitamin with your other drugs?
Vitamin C is generally safe during pregnancy and breastfeeding at normal recommended doses (up to 85-120mg daily), but avoid taking megadoses and consult your doctor or pharmacist before using high-dose supplements.
Store in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight and heat, since Nigerian weather can damage vitamins quickly. Keep the container tightly closed to protect from humidity and moisture. Always keep out of reach of children, especially chewable tablets that may look like sweets.
For information only: not medical advice. Always talk to a doctor or pharmacist before changing your medication.
Names this drug is sold under, especially in Nigerian and West African pharmacies
Tap a brand for packaging, NAFDAC details and authenticity check
Counterfeit Drug Warning
Fake drugs are a serious problem in Nigeria. Always buy from a registered pharmacy. If the packaging looks different from what is described above, do not use it.