PEScience Prolific-1 Pre-Workout Review
One scoop. Everything you need. Nothing you do not. Prolific-1 is PEScience's complete single-scoop pre-workout, built for serious gym-goers who want maximum cognitive and performance benefits with a moderate, dialed-in caffeine dose that energizes without over-stimulating. The product is designed for the athlete who has been burned by pre-workouts that leave them jittery, itchy, or so wired they cannot focus on their training. The page states that Prolific-1 is meant to fix those problems. Its listed features include 200 mg of caffeine for moderate, focused energy, maximum cognitive support through focus and mind-muscle connection ingredients in a single scoop, and complete pre-workout dosing without needing to double-scoop. The formula is described as zero beta-alanine, so buyers should not expect itching, tingling, or distractions mid-set. It is sold in three flavors: Guava Pineapple Punch, Red Razz Candy, and Orange Cream. Each tub contains 25 servings, and a sample size is available for a small price so customers can try one serving before buying a full tub. The page lists the product as gluten free and third-party tested. The Key Features section describes Perfect Energy and Strong Focus, which uses a selected set of stimulants and cognitive enhancers to deliver strong but smooth energy from 200 mg of caffeine alongside focus meant to keep the user in a focused state of mind for the whole workout. It also describes Pump and Performance, claiming the product is at the top of the game in energy, focus, pump, and performance, and that it gives a new level of mind-muscle connection. A third section, A Better Experience, says the product is designed not to cause itchy tingly skin, not to lose effectiveness after a few uses, and to deliver the same hit each time in a refreshing flavor. The supplement facts show a serving of one scoop weighing 16 g, with 30 calories. Pump and performance ingredients include 6,000 mg of L-Citrulline, 2,500 mg of Betaine Anhydrous, 2,000 mg of Arginine Nitrate, and 200 mg of green tea leaf extract. Energy and focus ingredients include 1,000 mg of L-Tyrosine, 250 mg of Citicoline, 200 mg of caffeine, and 200 mg of L-Theanine. The page also lists 250 mg of Vitamin C and 150 mg of sodium. Directions say to mix one scoop with 8 to 10 ounces of cold water. The page notes that raw materials are tested for purity before use and that finished products receive third-party testing before release, with certificates of assurance shown for the flavors. The page also suggests pairing Prolific-1 with High Volume for a stimulant and pump combination, and offers a caffeine-free alternative within the same brand line.
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Study, Trial or Testing Result Summary
Members Only45 human studies · 21 improved
9 of these 45 human studies gave vitamin c by drip, not by mouth.
Only vitamin C has study findings here, at 250 mg, the dose used in the best trials. The main energy ingredients listed in the store (caffeine, citrulline, tyrosine, theanine, citicoline and others) have no findings given, and the label hides them in blends without amounts. Vitamin C seems to help energy mainly in people whose vitamin C levels are low. In 167 young adults with low levels, 250 mg daily for 4 weeks improved well-being, and also mood and fatigue in those who stayed low [1]. A follow-up of 155 similar people found only marginal mood gains [2]. In 40 young adults with low levels, 1000 mg daily improved mental vitality [3]. A single large intravenous dose eased fatigue in office workers for up to one day [4]. In people who were not low, the large trials found no benefit. In 8112 French adults, a lower daily dose for about 6 years did not change vitality [5], and 1.5 g daily for 2 years did not help fatigue in adults with an inherited nerve disease [6]. Most buyers will not be low in vitamin C, so any energy from this product likely comes from ingredients not reviewed here. Animal and cell studies are never counted.
See all 45 studies →Hide the studies
- In two placebo-controlled trials of 404 adults with Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease type 1A, ascorbic acid at two doses over 12 to 24 months had little meaningful effect on fatigue.Interventions for fatigue in peripheral neuropathy.
- Across nine studies of 720 people, three of four controlled trials found intravenous vitamin C lowered fatigue scores more than control, and four of five uncontrolled studies saw fatigue fall.Feasibility of Vitamin C in the Treatment of Post Viral Fatigue with Focus on Long COVID, Based on a Systematic Review o…
- A review of 37 studies in cancer patients found intravenous vitamin C may ease fatigue and other symptoms, but the evidence is preliminary and mostly uncontrolled.Intravenous Vitamin C and Cancer: A Systematic Review.
- A review of supplements for football players said vitamin C may improve performance by lowering oxidative stress, but gave no numbers and called for more research.The efficacy of dietary supplements on health status and performance of football players: a systematic review.
- In 8112 healthy French adults, a daily antioxidant capsule containing 120 mg vitamin C for about 6 years did not change quality of life scores, including vitality, compared with placebo.Long-term antioxidant supplementation has no effect on health-related quality of life: the randomized, double-blind, pla…
- In 275 adults with early COVID-19 given a 10-day combination that included vitamin C, less fatigue at day 14 was seen only when famotidine was added, not with the vitamin C combination alone.Read the study on PubMed (41693032) →
- In 271 adults with Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease type 1A, 1.5 g of ascorbic acid daily for 2 years did not differ from placebo on neuropathy or on secondary outcomes including fatigue.Ascorbic acid in Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease type 1A (CMT-TRIAAL and CMT-TRAUK): a double-blind randomised trial.
- In 215 working men aged 30 to 55, a high-dose B vitamin, vitamin C and mineral supplement for 33 days improved vigour, stress and mental health ratings and made them feel less mentally tired than placebo.Effects of high-dose B vitamin complex with vitamin C and minerals on subjective mood and performance in healthy males.
- In 202 hemodialysis patients, a multinutrient supplement containing vitamin C for 12 weeks did not reduce fatigue compared with placebo, though some heart rate variability measures improved.Effects of nutritional supplementation on fatigue, and autonomic and immune dysfunction in patients with end-stage renal…
- In 171 young adults, two extra daily servings of fresh fruit and vegetables for 14 days improved vitality and motivation, but blood vitamin C did not explain these benefits.Let them eat fruit! The effect of fruit and vegetable consumption on psychological well-being in young adults: A randomi…
- In 167 young adults with low vitamin C, a 250 mg vitamin C tablet daily for 4 weeks improved well-being after two weeks, and also mood and fatigue in those with consistently low vitamin C, while placebo showed no change; kiwifruit gave somewhat stronger effects.KiwiC for Vitality: Results of a Randomized Placebo-Controlled Trial Testing the Effects of Kiwifruit or Vitamin C Table…
- In 160 heart bypass surgery patients, vitamin C plus omega-3 fatty acids given from the day before surgery through the first 5 days after reduced post-operative fatigue more than placebo.The combined effect of vitamin C and omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids on fatigue following coronary artery bypass gra…
- In 141 healthy office workers, a single 10 gram intravenous vitamin C dose lowered fatigue scores for up to one day compared with saline placebo, especially in those with low starting vitamin C, and also lowered oxidative stress.Intravenous vitamin C administration reduces fatigue in office workers: a double-blind randomized controlled trial.
- In a 3-month double-blind trial of 99 people with severe kidney failure taking 250 mg vitamin C three times weekly, symptoms including fatigue were similar to placebo, and nausea trended worse with vitamin C.Vitamin C supplementation in kidney failure: effect on uraemic symptoms.
- In 58 healthy adults with mild prolonged tiredness, a supplement combining pomegranate extract with B vitamins and vitamin C reduced fatigue scores over 8 weeks compared with placebo, though vitamin C was not tested alone and biochemical markers did not change.Combination of Chemically Characterized Pomegranate Extract and Hydrophilic Vitamins against Prolonged Fatigue: A Monoce…
- In healthy young adults with low vitamin C levels, 500 mg twice a day for 4 weeks improved attention and work absorption compared with placebo, with a trend toward less fatigue.Vitamin C supplementation promotes mental vitality in healthy young adults: results from a cross-sectional analysis and …
- In a 28-day placebo-controlled trial of 46 adults with long COVID, twice-daily liposomal vitamin C (500 mg) with l-arginine reduced persistent fatigue (2 of 23 still fatigued vs 21 of 23 on placebo) and improved walking distance and handgrip strength.Effects of l-Arginine Plus Vitamin C Supplementation on Physical Performance, Endothelial Function, and Persistent Fatig…
- In 40 young adults with low vitamin C, 1000 mg daily for 4 weeks improved mental vitality and reduced inflammation compared with placebo, with gut bacteria changes linked to the gains.Gut microbiota links vitamin C supplementation to enhanced mental vitality in healthy young adults with suboptimal vitam…
- In 36 volunteers, 1 g of vitamin C daily for 30 days improved maximal oxygen uptake and lowered oxidative stress only in those with the lowest vitamin C levels, and it did not reduce fatigue index.Antioxidant supplementation, redox deficiencies and exercise performance: A falsification design.
- In 28 men with marginal vitamin C status, 1000 mg daily for 8 weeks produced a physical activity rise that was not statistically significant compared with placebo, though cold episodes were fewer.Vitamin C supplementation slightly improves physical activity levels and reduces cold incidence in men with marginal vit…
- In 26 overweight middle-aged women doing aerobic training for 3 months, drinking 500 mL of orange juice daily was linked with lower blood lactate, suggesting less muscle fatigue than training alone.Orange juice improved lipid profile and blood lactate of overweight middle-aged women subjected to aerobic training.
- Eating two SunGold kiwifruit daily for 4 weeks improved mood disturbance, wellbeing and vitality compared with usual diet in 26 adults with mild to moderate mood disturbance.SunGold Kiwifruit and Psychological Health (GoKiPH): A Randomised Controlled Crossover Trial.
- In 25 healthy young adults, a single dose of a pre-workout drink containing 500 mg vitamin C along with other ingredients raised self-rated energy and vigour compared with placebo, though adding synephrine gave no extra benefit.Effects of acute ingestion of a pre-workout dietary supplement with and without p-synephrine on resting energy expenditu…
- In 25 breast cancer survivors, 500 mg vitamin C plus vitamin E daily for 10 weeks alongside strength training did not reduce fatigue more than placebo.Effect of strength training and antioxidant supplementation on perceived and performance fatigability in breast cancer s…
- In 20 obese adults on a calorie-restricted diet, 500 mg of vitamin C daily for 4 weeks lowered self-reported fatigue and reduced heart rate and perceived exertion during exercise compared with placebo.Vitamin C status and perception of effort during exercise in obese adults adhering to a calorie-reduced diet.
- In 18 healthy volunteers, 1000 mg a day of ascorbic acid for 8 days did not reduce physical fatigue during a long cycling task, while a different product did.Effects of Applephenon and ascorbic acid on physical fatigue.
- In 17 people doing hard cycling at high altitude, a 3-week broad antioxidant capsule that included vitamin C did not improve performance; a different supplement combination did better than both this capsule and placebo.Effects of antioxidant supplementation on exercise performance in acute normobaric hypoxia.
- In 14 healthy volunteers, 3000 mg a day of ascorbic acid for 8 days did not change physical fatigue during a long cycling task compared with placebo.Daily oral administration of crocetin attenuates physical fatigue in human subjects.
- In 12 middle-aged triathletes during a 90-minute cycling session, taking vitamin C with glutathione improved energy-related metabolic and heart measures and lowered an oxidative stress marker compared with placebo, though vitamin C was not tested alone and this was a single acute session.Enhancing Supplemental Effects of Acute Natural Antioxidant Derived from Yeast Fermentation and Vitamin C on Sports Perf…
- In 155 young adults with low vitamin C, a 250 mg vitamin C tablet daily for 4 weeks only marginally improved mood until day 12, with effects weaker than kiwifruit, though mood improved in those with low starting vitamin C.Smartphone survey data reveal the timecourse of changes in mood outcomes following vitamin C or kiwifruit intervention i…
- In 61 hemodialysis patients, 100 mg of intravenous vitamin C after each session for 6 months did not improve energy-related quality of life or red blood cell production compared with no vitamin C.Effects of intravenous ascorbic acid on erythropoiesis and quality of life in unselected hemodialysis patients.
- In 8 people with COPD, a single 2 g IV vitamin C dose compared with saline reduced quadriceps neuromuscular fatigue and lowered inflammatory C-reactive protein during exercise, but did not improve breathlessness or exercise tolerance.Ascorbate attenuates cycling exercise-induced neuromuscular fatigue but fails to improve exertional dyspnea and exercise…
- In 7 male triathletes, 6 weeks of a daily antioxidant capsule containing 600 mg ascorbic acid did not change maximal oxygen uptake or muscle fatigue compared with placebo.No effect of antioxidant supplementation in triathletes on maximal oxygen uptake, 31P-NMRS detected muscle energy metabo…
- In 214 outpatients with COVID-19, 8000 mg ascorbic acid for 10 days did not shorten symptoms, including fatigue, compared with usual care.Effect of High-Dose Zinc and Ascorbic Acid Supplementation vs Usual Care on Symptom Length and Reduction Among Ambulator…
- In an open-label trial of 40 head and neck cancer survivors, 100 mg vitamin C tablets daily for 8 weeks gave less fatigue relief than Tualang honey.Effects of Tualang Honey on Cancer Related Fatigue: A Multicenter Open-label Trial of H&N Cancer Patients.
- In 39 advanced cancer patients with cachexia, a 4-month combined treatment including 500 mg daily vitamin C improved fatigue scores and lowered inflammatory markers, but the study had no placebo group.A phase II study with antioxidants, both in the diet and supplemented, pharmaconutritional support, progestagen, and ant…
- In a small uncontrolled pilot of 23 iron-deficient women, a daily food-derived supplement that also contained vitamin C was taken for 8 weeks, and self-reported energy improved, though vitamin C alone was not tested and there was no placebo group.A Food-Derived Dietary Supplement Containing a Low Dose of Iron Improved Markers of Iron Status Among Nonanemic Iron-Def…
- In a survey of complementary medicine practitioners giving IV vitamin C (average 28 g every 4 days), 59 of 9,328 patients with data had lethargy or fatigue as a side effect, and most side effects were minor.Vitamin C: intravenous use by complementary and alternative medicine practitioners and adverse effects.
- In 1,643 Spanish adults aged 65 and over followed for about 3.5 years, low dietary vitamin C intake was linked to a higher risk of frailty, which includes exhaustion, but this link was not statistically significant on its own.Low vitamin intake is associated with risk of frailty in older adults.
- In a 90-day follow-up of 923 Indonesian COVID-19 survivors, vitamin C combined with other micronutrients and favipiravir did not significantly change post-COVID symptoms, including fatigue, which was the most common symptom.Vaccination status, favipiravir, and micronutrient supplementation roles in post-COVID symptoms: A longitudinal study.
- In a survey of 576 people in Syria who had COVID-19, 76.4% reported using vitamin C, but the survey did not measure whether vitamin C improved energy or fatigue, and fatigue was the most reported symptom.COVID-19 infected patients' experiences in Syria, and the role of the pharmacists during their infection.
- In 411 dentists and their wives, people who took little vitamin C reported about double the number of fatigue symptoms compared with those who took more.Daily vitamin C consumption and fatigability.
- In a retrospective German cohort of 125 breast cancer patients, adding intravenous vitamin C of 7.5 g for at least 4 weeks was associated with fewer treatment side effects, including fatigue, than no added vitamin C.Intravenous vitamin C administration improves quality of life in breast cancer patients during chemo-/radiotherapy and a…
- In a retrospective chart review of 86 cancer patients given high-dose IV vitamin C (50 to 150 g per infusion), patients overall reported improved fatigue, pain, and mood, with temporary nausea and injection-site discomfort as the most common side effects.Retrospective Evaluation of Clinical Experience With Intravenous Ascorbic Acid in Patients With Cancer.
- In 67 adults with shingles, about 2 weeks of intravenous vitamin C alongside standard treatment was followed by reduced pain and less general fatigue, but the study had no placebo group.Intravenous vitamin C in the treatment of shingles: results of a multicenter prospective cohort study.
Review Totals and Summary
Members Only2,464 reviews · 88% positive
PEScience Prolific-1 Pre-Workout has 53 ratings across the two stores (33 at PEScience and 20 at Vitacost), and the themes below come from the written reviews that could be read on their pages. Only four written reviews were readable on the PEScience page, alongside several customer questions, while the Vitacost page showed 20 short reviews dated December 2025 to February 2026. Every review discussed here is about the powder, and the page notes about other forms were not needed. Buyers most often praise the effect and the flavor. On the effect side, one reviewer describes full focus and a great pump every workout, and another reports clear energy with a great pump. A buyer says it gives a push without a tingle, which matches the page claim that Prolific-1 avoids the itchy skin many pre-workouts cause. A runner loves the orange flavor and says the product sits really well with her stomach, which she considers extremely important. Reviewers also credit the quality of the ingredients and call the brand reputable. Several say they buy it again, with one saying they keep coming back to it, and one first-time flavor buyer calls it a great pre-workout "as always," which suggests earlier PEScience purchases. One person likes that the package is not too big and fits easily in a gym bag. Flavor is the one area where opinion splits. Orange Cream was called not as sweet as one buyer expected but still really good. At Vitacost, the raspberry lemonade was said to taste like fruit juice rather than the extremely sour type, and the reviewer found it enjoyable. Another reviewer still ranks Sour Green Apple as their ultimate flavor, but puts this one in their top three. The clear negative is Guava Pineapple Punch: Karen S. did not think it was very good, called it kinda yucky, and says she keeps drinking it mainly because it was not cheap. That is the only comment touching on value, and it is tied to that flavor rather than to the product as a whole. On complaints, the Vitacost written reviews contain none about taste, mixing, side effects or value. The star breakdown there is 10 five-star, 6 four-star, 2 three-star, 2 two-star and no one-star ratings, so the lower ratings are not explained in the readable text. The product seems to suit people who want focus, energy and a pump without tingling or itching, and those with sensitive stomachs, such as runners. Questions on the PEScience page add practical points. The label warns against combining it with other caffeinated beverages, so one customer asked about using it with daily coffee, and PEScience suggested High Volume for coffee drinkers instead. Another asked about taking it together with High Volume, and PEScience said there is no need, as it is like combining Prolific with High Volume. Two customers asked about vegan status, and PEScience confirmed it is vegan friendly.
Biohacker Summary
Members Only10 of 10 recommend it
Vitamin C, the main ingredient, gets a mostly positive response, with five of the ten panelists recommending it, one saying they use it, three staying neutral, and one who stopped. The most common reasons are collagen support for skin and joints, immune help, and antioxidant protection, and several suggest taking it with collagen, with one advising about an hour before a workout. Doses people mention include 250 milligrams, 500 milligrams, about a gram a day split into divided doses, an extra gram a day, and 2 to 4 grams for inflammation. One panelist says plasma levels peak around 250 milligrams twice a day, and another says the best dose is unclear and high doses might blunt some of the benefits of exercise. Forms mentioned include food sources, liposomal liquid, and topical serums, and the one panelist who stopped quit a serum only because of its smell.
See all 10 biohackers →Hide the biohackers
Ben Greenfield · Vitamin C · recommends
- States that vitamin C is extremely important for collagen turnover and cites orthopedic data showing that 500 mg to 1 g of vitamin C can reduce the rate of complex regional pain in total knee replacements and wrist fractures.
- Mentions vitamin C as part of a bare-minimum protocol.
- Notes that while vitamin C has significant value, the optimal dose is a vexed question, and high doses might not always be beneficial, potentially blunting the hormetic effects of exercise.
- Notes that IV vitamin C has been used for decades for cancer patients with almost no standardization and that he receives many questions about its effectiveness and combination with chemo.
- Recommends Vitamin C for skin repair post-tattoo.
- Does not agree that ascorbic acid is vitamin C, comparing it to calling chaff wheat, and notes that it is made from genetically modified cornstarch or corn syrup byproducts using solvents.
- Warns against ascorbic acid, stating that it does not cure scurvy and that the world has been led astray by the deception around it versus the whole food vitamin C complex.
- Warns against taking 1,000 mg of vitamin C immediately after a workout for individuals under 50, as it can dull the body's natural adaptation signal.
- Warns that using high-dose antioxidants like vitamin C directly before or after a hyperbaric session is not a great idea, as it could impair some of the effects by reducing reactive oxygen species.
- Warns that taking a whole bunch of antioxidants like vitamin C after a workout can suppress the body's inflammatory response, which is necessary for benefits like mitochondrial proliferation and satellite cell generation for new muscle.
Siim Land · Vitamin C · recommends
- Recommends taking vitamin C with collagen to support joint collagen synthesis.
- States that vitamin C is needed for initiating collagen synthesis and that higher vitamin C intake appears to increase vitamin C content in the skin.
- Lists sauerkraut and fruit as sources of Vitamin C.
- Notes that Vitamin C is one of several supplements with human evidence.
- Notes that researchers found vitamin C alleviates ferro-aging, a process of iron overload and lipid peroxidation that drives aging, and that it directly inhibited ACSL4, a protein driving ferro-aging.
- States that Vitamin C has a central role in aging and longevity, and that in monkeys, oral vitamin C slowed ovarian aging during a 3.3-year study.
- States that vitamin C is one of the most important vitamins for staying healthy and aging well, and that intakes of 200 to 400 mg a day from food or supplements largely saturates plasma and neutrophils in most healthy adults. He also recommends spreading out the vitamin C across the day to avoid oversaturation.
- Mentions vitamin C in comparison to topical melatonin for oxidative defense, stating that melatonin would compete but is not as broadly validated clinically.
- Was found to be vitamin C deficient by True Health and Mayo Clinic tests, and now addresses this by eating one extra kiwi fruit daily.
- States that the biggest evidence for multivitamin is that it improves cognition and enhances episodic memory in elderly people, who tend to have worse diets and are more likely to be deficient.
Dr. Eric Berg · Vitamin C · neutral
- Mentions that lemon is loaded with vitamin C, and when combined with coffee, vitamin C significantly increases the bioavailability of antioxidants in the coffee.
- Dr. Berg states that Vitamin C helps fight biofilms and is essential for making collagen in gums, teeth, and capillaries.
- Recommends Vitamin C as a cofactor, especially for collagen.
- States that high doses of vitamin C, like 2 to 4 grams, can greatly reduce inflammation and support the immune system.
- Highly recommends taking natural food vitamin C, about 500 mg, at the first sign of a cold.
- Recommends consuming foods high in vitamin C to block the effects of grains.
- Recommends ensuring that collagen supplements come with vitamin C.
- Vitamin C works as an antioxidant that supports skin and artery health.
- Recommends pairing collagen with vitamin C to support absorption.
- Sauerkraut also contains vitamin C and beneficial bacteria that may support digestive health.
Thomas DeLauer · Vitamin C · recommends
- Recommends taking vitamin C along with collagen about an hour before a workout for connective tissue benefits.
- Uses vitamin C as part of their immunity duo, stating it is important for boosting the immune system, especially during cold and flu season.
- Recommends consuming vitamin C to aid in NADPH recycling, which is necessary for glutathione to be reused after neutralizing oxidative stress.
- Takes Purity's liquid liposomal vitamin C for immune support and overall wellness, finding it easy to add to water, juice, or take straight up due to its good taste.
- Compares the Vitamin C content of oranges (53mg) to guava (228mg), noting guava has 4x more.
- States that collagen synthesis is vitamin C dependent, in the context of glowing skin.
- Recommends Vitamin C for sleep, noting that intake in the range of 125 to 200 mg per day is associated with a lower risk of sleep disorders and sleep apnea, with the benefit plateauing beyond this range.
- Recommends consuming a little bit of vitamin C, such as a couple of berries or kiwi, along with flavanol-rich cocoa to help the delicate flavanols hold up and prevent oxidation in the gut.
- Explains that vitamin C improves the ability of neutrophils to engulf bacterial infections, and that they have a greater ability to engulf larger infections.
- Recommends using a multivitamin to ensure adequate micronutrient intake, especially when wholesome food is less available.
Dave Asprey · Vitamin C · recommends
- Recommends taking vitamin C for better skin health.
- States that currently, he is only taking vitamin C and vitamin D.
- Dave Asprey reflects on how new research clarifies the mechanism behind IV vitamin C's anti-cancer effect, vindicating a decades-old idea that was dismissed for the wrong reasons.
- Notes that plain Vitamin C isn't enough and that most people never think to check for a specific ingredient that makes it work.
- Dave Asprey recommends taking maybe a gram of vitamin C a day in divided doses, noting that plasma levels peak around 250 milligrams twice a day.
- Recommends Qualia Vitamin C Plus, highlighting its combination of seven forms of vitamin C with 250 mg of citrus bioflavonoids, which helps with absorption and use for building collagen and a strong immune system.
- Warns that taking too much vitamin C can raise oxalate levels, emphasizing that everything has risk and reward.
- Recommends Vitamin C as the real biological fix for deep focus issues, explaining how the brain hoards it at levels 100 times higher than blood and how to bypass the blood-brain barrier.
- States that Ensure is like SlimFast but worse, and that its ingredients, including synthetic vitamins, guar gum, maltodextrin, high fructose corn syrup, and seed oils, are disgusting and should not be given to sick or well people.
- Recommends IV Vitamin C, or even oral versions, for helping the body heal and for cells to remain supple and fluid.
Dr. Mark Hyman · Vitamin C · recommends
- Recommends vitamin C as a basic supplement during detoxification to help with inflammation and detoxification.
- Dr. Hyman mentions vitamin C as an advanced therapy for skin repair.
- Mentions topical vitamin C as an antioxidant that can help skin with aging.
- Mentions that what they do when a cold comes on is not just vitamin C.
- Recommends ensuring adequate vitamin C intake on a regular basis for immune support, stating it's important for healthy immune function despite mixed data on its effectiveness for colds.
- Mentions that vitamin C was the very first vitamin discovered, isolated, and synthesized in 1932, and its deficiency caused scurvy.
- Recommends nutrient-dense foods rich in vitamin C, such as guavas and parsley, to reduce inflammation.
- Used intravenous vitamin C cocktails to help him detoxify and recover from chronic fatigue.
- Recommends vitamin C for immune system support and modulation.
- Relies on Big Bold Health's HTB Immune Energy Chews, which deliver 1000mg of sprouted Himalayan tardy buckwheat, along with vitamin C, D, magnesium, and zinc, to support immune balance, resilience, energy, and focus.
Dr. Rhonda Patrick · Vitamin C · neutral
- Lutein and zeaxanthin can also be obtained from certain multivitamins.
- Recommends nutrients like vitamin C for men to prioritize sperm mitochondrial health.
- Dr. Rhonda Patrick's daughter chugs an Emergency fizzy drink in the morning to ensure she gets some vitamin C and micronutrients before school.
- Choosing a multivitamin that includes lutein and zeaxanthin ensures you get meaningful amounts every day.
- Notes that ~35% of Americans are low in vitamin C.
- Recommends increasing vitamin C intake if concerned about skin aging, noting it is an essential cofactor for collagen synthesis.
- Suggests avoiding a multivitamin if it contains biotin before a testosterone blood test to prevent confounding results.
- Multiple randomized controlled trials show older adults taking a standard multivitamin (like Centrum Silver) had measurable improvements in processing speed, cognition, and episodic memory.
- Currently takes the Pure Encapsulations O.N.E Multivitamin.
- Rhonda's current supplement routine includes Vitamin C.
Andrew Huberman · Vitamin C · uses
- Takes a multivitamin every day for longevity.
- Recommends AG1, a vitamin, mineral, and probiotic drink, and notes that for a limited time, a subscription comes with additional supplements.
- Takes an extra gram of vitamin C a day for its effects on immunity and potential synergy with collagen.
- Found the Met RX Big 100 Bar to be 'magic' on the trail because it's a hunk of calories with protein and fortified with vitamins and minerals, despite being something they would never eat in normal life.
- Started taking AG1 in 2012 and still takes it every single day to ensure he meets his quota for daily vitamins and minerals and to support gut health, which is critical for proper brain function, immune system, and neurotransmitter production.
- Has been taking AG1 daily since 2012 because it is the highest quality and most complete foundational nutritional supplement, ensuring he gets all necessary vitamins, minerals, and micronutrients for daily health.
- Has been drinking AG1 since 2012, finding it difficult to get enough vitamins, minerals, micronutrients, and adaptogens from diet alone. He finds that taking AG1 daily improves all aspects of his health, including physical and mental health, performance, recovery from exercise, and immune system strength, and also notices more mental clarity and energy.
- Recommends AG1 as the highest quality and most complete foundational nutritional supplement, containing vitamins, minerals, probiotics, prebiotics, and adaptogens to cover dietary gaps and support a demanding life.
- States that AG1 is the highest quality and most complete foundational nutritional supplement available, containing vitamins, minerals, probiotics, prebiotics, and adaptogens, and that he has been taking it daily since 2012, often twice a day, to bolster his energy, immune system, and gut microbiome.
- Huberman mentions that vitamin C seems to help with the absorption or utilization of collagen protein.
Peter Attia · Vitamin C · stopped
- Recommends vitamin C as an important molecule for skin, noting its role as a precursor for collagen synthesis, a powerful antioxidant, and a regulator of complexion for even skin tone.
- Tried a vitamin C serum mixed with ferulic acid but stopped using it because she hated the smell. She notes that topical application of vitamin C far exceeds the levels achievable by ingestion for skin benefits.
- States that vitamin C deficiency is associated with an elevated risk of cataract, but supplementation to supranormal levels has not been shown to protect against cataract formation.
- Mentions the elimination of scurvy through the work of James Lind and the eventual understanding that it was due to vitamin C, initially thought to be just citrus.
- Notes that while vitamin C deficiency is associated with an elevated risk of cataract, supplementation to supranormal levels has been conclusively shown not to protect against cataract formation.
- Mentions that a survey of doctors showed they recommend Vitamin C for COVID-19, but notes there is no real evidence behind it.
- Expresses skepticism about 'panacea treatments' for cancer, specifically mentioning a 'twenty thousand dollars of vitamin C' treatment, implying it's an example of something he's 'squirrely' about due to cost and unproven claims.
- Asks if vitamin C matters for immune function, suggesting a need for a definitive study.
- Warns against the "total nonsense" of taking excessive amounts of vitamin C, especially in specific forms like liposomal vitamin C, for immunity, stating that it is idiotic and potentially dangerous to think it will offer immunity.
- Would love to see more research done on mega dose intravenous vitamin C for viral infections, noting some interesting but not followed-through research from the 1960s.
Bryan Johnson · Vitamin C · neutral
- Uses Vitamin C as an example of how it would be great if people knew that when they took it, it had a measurable amount and wasn't polluted, which is what Brian ensures with his products.
- Applies vitamin C after showering.
- Takes 250 milligrams of Vitamin C.
- Recommends Vitamin C for skin health, noting it's good to pair with collagen peptides and is included in the Blueprint stack.
- Bryan Johnson takes Vitamin C daily as part of his Longevity Mix, which is an antioxidant-rich essential vitamin that supports immune function and metabolic energy.
- He uses Vitamin C, typically in a serum, in the morning for skin health.
RAL Summary
Members OnlyTier 4 for Energy
The tier rests only on vitamin C, a minor nutrient in a caffeine-based pre-workout, and even its findings are mixed rather than showing it does not work, so the evidence supports tier 4, not tier 5. So it is graded Tier 4, as the studies disagree.
- Emerging: not enough evidence to rank higher yet.
Where the evidence disagrees: 19 of the 45 human studies found no effect.
More Details
Members OnlyBody systems · Combine with · Possible side effects
Body systems: Nervous system, Immune system, Cardiovascular system
Combine with: To use this product for its intended purpose (energy and workout performance), pair it with creatine monohydrate (3-5 g daily) for strength and power, and L-citrulline or citrulline malate (6-8 g) for pump and nitric oxide support. Electrolytes (sodium, potassium, magnesium) and adequate hydration help offset caffeine's a med effect and support muscle function. L-theanine (100-200 mg) can smooth caffeine jitters. If your real goal is heart and blood flow, consider beetroot extract or nitrate, L-citrulline, omega-3 fish oil (EPA/DHA), CoQ10, and magnesium instead, and use stimulants cautiously. Consult a healthcare provider if you have a cardiovascular condition, high blood pressure, or take meds.
Possible side effects: No side effects were reported in the vitamin C studies given. Reviewers mention no tingling and good stomach tolerance, and the label warns against combining it with other caffeinated drinks.
Supplement Facts
Vitamin C 250 mg · Pump & Performance 0 · Energy & Focus 0
| Vitamin C | 250 mg | |
| Sodium | 150 mg | |
| Pump & Performance | 0 | † |
| Energy & Focus | 0 | † |
Other ingredients: Natural & Artificial Flavors, Citric Acid, Malic Acid, Calcium Silicate, Silicon Dioxide, Sucralose, Acesulfame Potassium, Tartaric Acid, Beet Juice Concentrate.
Directions: Mix 1 scoop with 8-10 ounces (250-300 mL) of cold water. CONTAINS 200mg CAFFEINE PER SCOOP. Do not exceed 1 scoop per day. Caffeine sensitive individuals should start with 1/2 scoop to assess their tolerance.
Barcode (UPC) 810011191785 · Label source: Reverseagelab · Report a label change
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Graded November 7, 2026 by the Reverse Age Lab evidence engine, from human studies, real reviews and our biohacker panel. How we grade. Is this medical advice? No. Rala organizes the published evidence; go over any change with your doctor, especially if you take meds.
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