Vitamin C is a powerful vitamin with infection-fighting properties, playing a large role in immune system function. Vitamin C is crucial for the formation of collagen, making this vitamin very important for wound repair, healthy gums, strong bones and teeth and, in the prevention of bruising. As a powerful antioxidant, it protects the aqueous areas of the body (including the blood, intracellular fluid, and interstitial fluid) from free radicals. Because it is a water-soluble vitamin, the body cannot store vitamin C, making regular supplementation vital. Natural Factors Vitamin C Calcium Ascorbate is a pH neutral vitamin C buffered with calcium. As a neutral salt, it is non-acidic unlike other forms of vitamin C, and is recommended for individuals who experience gastrointestinal problems (abdominal pain or diarrhea) with regular vitamin C. It can also be taken at higher doses daily for therapeutic reasons without any gastrointestinal side effects. Equally important, calcium ascorbate also replenishes the calcium that is excreted in the urine due to the chelating properties of vitamin C. Calcium also allows vitamin C to remain in the cells for a longer period.