April 4th is 'Vitamin C Day' - The Current Status of Vitamin C Revealed in an Actual Survey

April 4th is 'Vitamin C Day' - The Current Status of Vitamin C Revealed in an Actual Survey

SPIC Co., Ltd. (Headquarters: Kamakura City, Kanagawa Prefecture, President: Takayuki Shibata), which develops "Lypo-C," established April 4th as "Vitamin C Day" (CC Day) in 2018. Eight years have passed since its establishment, and the environment surrounding Vitamin C has changed significantly, with the normalization of cosmetic medicine, the expansion of information dissemination by doctors, and a heightened awareness of health triggered by the COVID-19 pandemic.

In addition to a consciousness survey on nutrients targeting 10,000 consumers, our company conducted a survey on Vitamin C targeting 1,000 people who responded that they had consumed supplements or health foods containing Vitamin C within the past year, and 50 doctors. By comparing this with the survey conducted in 2018, we analyze from multiple angles the changes in perceived effects and intake objectives for Vitamin C, as well as the differences in awareness between consumers and doctors. We will reveal the current status of Vitamin C, which has expanded from being recognized as a beauty ingredient to becoming a "foundation supporting everyday health," and how it is positioned among consumers and evaluated by doctors today.

**Survey Summary**

• Vitamin C Achieves 'Four Crowns' Again in 2026 - Ranking 1st in Awareness, Interest, Intake Intention, and Practice • Perceived Effects Expand, Centered on Immunity and Fatigue - Top responses include 'Less prone to colds' (21.0%) and 'Fatigue recovery/prevention' (15.4%) • Intake Methods Diversify, Centered on Supplements and Diet - Supplements (tablets) are most common (56.5%), with various forms distributed • Objectives Expand Beyond Beauty to Health, Fatigue, and Immunity - In 2026, 'Health maintenance' (58.1%), 'Fatigue recovery' (50.9%), and 'Immunity' (41.0%) are top • Doctors Emphasize Internal Utilization, with Divided Opinions on Some Areas - High evaluation for infusions and prescribed preparations; evaluations of over-the-counter products are dispersed • Consumer Understanding Has Advanced, but Depth Varies - Understanding of absorption rate increased to 62.4%; however, about 60% are unaware of the required intake amount. Doctor-recommended intake is primarily high doses of '1,000mg or more.' The gap in understanding with consumers remains.

Vitamin C Achieves 'Four Crowns' Again in 2026, Surpassing Other Nutrients

In the 2026 nutrient consciousness survey targeting 10,000 people, Vitamin C ranked first in all questions: "Nutrient Known," "Nutrient of Interest," "Nutrient to Intake," and "Nutrient Consciously Consumed Daily," surpassing other major nutrients.

It became clear that Vitamin C is not just a "known nutrient" but a readily practicable nutrient that consistently connects to actions, from "wanting to take it" to "actually taking it." While other major nutrients like iron, calcium, and protein show differences in the action phase due to the difficulty in understanding or incorporating them, Vitamin C is valued for its intuitive effects and intakeイメージ, making it easy to integrate into daily life. Furthermore, maintaining its top position since the 2018 survey, Vitamin C can be said to be a completely established nutrient among consumers as one that "should be conscious of," rather than a transient health trend.

Vitamin C's Current Status Seen from Perceived Effects and Actions: While perceived effects are expanding, centered on immunity and fatigue, there is also exploration in intake methods and selection.

**The Core of Perceived Effects are 'Immunity' and 'Fatigue.' Diverse changes are being experienced.**

The most frequently reported perceived effect of Vitamin C intake was "Less prone to colds" (21.0%), followed by "Fatigue recovery/prevention" (15.4%). In addition, various skin-related effects such as "Whitening (sunburn prevention)," "Changes in age spots/freckles," "Acne," and "Skin condition" were observed in multiple categories, indicating that perceived effects are widely dispersed rather than concentrated on a few.

From these results, it can be inferred that Vitamin C is a nutrient that is perceived in various aspects of life, primarily concerning physical condition such as immunity and fatigue.

**Intake Methods Diversify, Using Supplements as a 'Base'**

Looking at Vitamin C intake methods, in 2026, "Supplements (tablets) (56.5%)" were the most common, with other forms such as granules and liquids also being used by a certain number. When combined, the utilization rate of supplements is the highest, indicating it is one of the main means of Vitamin C intake.

On the other hand, "Food (vegetables/fruits) (44.3%)" and "Nutritional drinks (29.1%)" also account for high percentages, suggesting that Vitamin C is incorporated through various methods, centered around diet and supplements.

**Top Factors in Selection are 'Price,' 'Ingredient Amount,' and 'Ease of Consumption'**

Regarding the points emphasized when purchasing Vitamin C products, looking at consumer responses by rank, "Price" was ranked first most often, followed by "Ingredient amount" and "Ease of consumption (taste/form)." In contrast, items such as "Absorption rate/in-vivo utilization efficiency," "Technology," and "Doctor/expert recommendations" ranked relatively lower compared to price and ease of consumption.

These results suggest a tendency to prioritize factors directly related to cost and ease of continued use when selecting Vitamin C products.

**Consumers are Experiencing Effects. However, Intake Methods and Selection Methods Still Show Variation**

The 2026 survey confirmed that Vitamin C is perceived to have effects, primarily regarding physical condition such as immunity and fatigue. On the other hand, intake methods have diversified to include supplements and diet, and factors directly related to ease of continued use, such as price, ease of consumption, and ingredient amount, tend to be prioritized in product selection. From these results, it can be inferred that while Vitamin C is incorporated into daily life as a familiar presence, there is diversity in situations and ways of thinking regarding intake and selection methods.

Vitamin C Evolves from a 'Beauty Ingredient' to a 'Foundation for Everyday Health' - Objectives Expand, and Expected Roles Differentiate by Gender and Age Group

**Vitamin C Intake Objectives Change Over 8 Years: Expanding Beyond 'Beauty' to 'Health, Fatigue, and Immunity'**

Regarding the purpose of Vitamin C intake, the 2018 survey showed beauty-related purposes, primarily skin-focused ones like "Whitening" and "Spot/freckle countermeasures," as the top responses. In contrast, the 2026 survey shows "Health maintenance" (58.1%), "Fatigue recovery/disease prevention" (50.9%), and "Cold prevention (immunity)" (41.0%) all achieving high percentages, positioning them at the top alongside skin-related purposes (51.9%).

From these results, it can be understood that Vitamin C has transcended its positioning as an ingredient limited to beauty purposes, expanding its role to encompass a wide range of objectives, including everyday health management and countermeasures for fatigue and immunity.

**Different 'Entry Points' to Vitamin C by Gender: Men Focus on Health Management, Women Start with Beauty to 'Achieve Health'**

Clear differences were observed when examining the purposes of Vitamin C intake by gender. Among men, usage is primarily centered on health management, such as "Health maintenance" (60%), "Fatigue recovery/disease prevention" (53%), and "Cold prevention (immunity)" (42%).

On the other hand, among women, "For skin" (68%) was the highest, making beauty purposes a significant entry point. However, "Health maintenance" (57%), "Fatigue recovery/disease prevention" (48%), and "Cold prevention (immunity)" (40%) also showed high percentages.

From these results, it can be seen that while women tend to expect multiple effects starting from beauty, and men tend to emphasize health and practical aspects, the purpose of immunity is high for both genders, indicating that Vitamin C is positioned as an everyday health measure regardless of gender.

**Vitamin C's Role Expands with Age: Young Adults Focus on Beauty and Physical Care, Middle-Aged and Older Adults See it as a Core for Health Management**

Examining the purposes of Vitamin C intake by age group reveals differences in the balance of emphasized roles depending on generation and gender.

In their 20s and 30s, both men and women show relatively high percentages for items related to physical condition awareness, such as "Health maintenance" and "Fatigue recovery/disease prevention." Furthermore, among women in the same age groups, expectations for "For skin (whitening, spots, freckles, acne)" are also high, suggesting that younger individuals ingest it with both beauty and physical care in mind.

From their 40s onwards, for both men and women, items such as "Health maintenance," "Fatigue recovery/disease prevention," and "Cold prevention (immunity)" consistently remain at high levels, and Vitamin C's positioning as a fundamental nutrient for regulating and maintaining physical condition becomes clearer. Particularly among men, the awareness of intake for health purposes becomes even more central as they age.

On the other hand, even among middle-aged and older women, expectations for "For skin" and "Aging care" remain high, indicating a reality where Vitamin C is incorporated while simultaneously being mindful of both beauty and health.

From these results, it can be inferred that Vitamin C is not a nutrient whose role is replaced with age, but rather one whose expectations, such as beauty, physical care, and health management, are layered upon each other according to life stages.

**Vitamin C: A Nutrient Whose Role Changes with Life Stages**

This survey has revealed that Vitamin C is a nutrient that has: - Expanded expectations from beauty purposes to health, fatigue, and immunity, starting from beauty objectives. - Become established in the daily lives of consumers, with its emphasized roles differing by gender and age group.

Specifically, younger individuals tend to be conscious of physical care with beauty as an entry point, while the working-age generation uses it for fatigue and stress countermeasures, and middle-aged and older generations position it as a support for health maintenance and prevention. Vitamin C has now evolved from an ingredient limited to a single purpose to a flexible foundational nutrient whose expected role changes according to life stages.

Vitamin C's Current Status as Seen from Doctor Surveys: Consumer Understanding Has Advanced. However, Differences Between Doctors and Consumers are Seen in 'Amount, Absorption, and Selection Methods'

**Vitamin C Intake Methods Doctors Consider Effective: 'Internal Utilization' Rather Than 'Intake' is the Differentiator of Effectiveness**

Regarding the question, "Which method of Vitamin C intake do you think is effective?", the highest evaluation from doctors was for "Vitamin C infusions prescribed at medical institutions," with 90% answering "very effective" or "somewhat effective." Following this, "Oral Vitamin C preparations prescribed by doctors" were also evaluated as effective by approximately 70%.

On the other hand, for over-the-counter Vitamin C tablets (pharmaceuticals), only about less than 40% (37.5%) of doctors evaluated them as "effective," with a certain number of responses indicating "cannot say either way" or "not effective," showing divided opinions. Furthermore, regarding "intake through regular meals," while the basic significance for health maintenance is acknowledged, the evaluation of effectiveness tends to be relatively lower compared to methods prescribed at medical institutions.

From these results, it can be inferred that when doctors judge the effectiveness of Vitamin C, they place more importance on factors such as the form of intake and how stably it is utilized within the body, rather than merely its presence or absence of intake.

**Doctors Most Emphasize 'Absorption Rate/In-Vivo Utilization Efficiency.' Consumers Prioritize Price and Ease of Consumption**

Regarding the points emphasized when recommending Vitamin C products to patients, doctor surveys showed "Absorption rate/in-vivo utilization efficiency (70%)" as the most frequent response. Items such as "Effectiveness/perceived effects (52%)," "Ingredient safety (52%)," and "Medical evidence (42%)" were also mentioned. It is understood that doctors evaluate products by prioritizing how stably they are utilized within the body.

On the other hand, consumer surveys ranked "Price" highest among points emphasized when purchasing, followed by "Ease of consumption (taste/form)" and "Ingredient amount." Items such as "Absorption rate/in-vivo utilization efficiency," "Technology," and "Doctor/expert recommendations" ranked relatively lower in priority.

From these results, it can be inferred that doctors and consumers have significantly different criteria for choosing Vitamin C products, with doctors tending to prioritize the rationality of internal utilization, while consumers prioritize price and ease of continued use.

**Understanding of 'Differences in Absorption Rate' is Spreading Among Consumers, but the Recognition Gap with Doctors Remains**

Consumers who answered "I know that the absorption rate of Vitamin C differs depending on the intake method" were 62.4% in 2026, a significant increase compared to the 2018 survey (39.4%). This result indicates that consumer understanding has steadily progressed over the past eight years.

On the other hand, 96% of doctors in 2026 still recognized this fact, showing consistent awareness. Although the recognition gap between consumers and doctors is showing a narrowing trend, it is suggested that differences in the depth of understanding regarding absorption rate may still remain.

**Approximately 60% of Consumers Unaware of Required Intake Amount. Doctor Recommendations Shift Towards Higher Doses Than in 2018, Continuing the Recognition Gap with Consumers**

Regarding the daily required intake amount of Vitamin C, approximately 60% (58.6%) of consumers responded "I don't know." Furthermore, even among consumers who answered "I know," there was variation in the intake amounts they assumed.

On the other hand, doctor surveys in 2026 showed that over 90% recommended "1,000mg or more." This indicates a further decrease in doctors assuming lower doses compared to the 2018 survey (approx. 80%).

From these results, it became clear that while the concept of assuming high doses of "1,000mg or more" has become widely shared among doctors over the past eight years, this premise has not sufficiently permeated among consumers, and the recognition gap regarding intake amount still remains.

**Misconceptions of Consumers Pointed Out by Doctors: Lack of Understanding of 'Absorption Rate' is the Biggest Challenge**

When doctors were asked about common misconceptions consumers have regarding the selection of Vitamin C products, 78% of doctors responded that they "do not understand the difference in absorption rate," which was the most common answer. Following this, perceptions such as "thinking that diet alone is sufficient" (58%), "thinking that inexpensive products are sufficient" (58%), and "thinking that a higher content is better" (50%) were also cited as misconceptions by about half of the doctors.

From these results, it is understood that among doctors, there is a shared recognition that Vitamin C is not something to be judged solely by intake amount or price, but that how it is absorbed and utilized within the body is important.

On the other hand, whether these ideas shared among doctors have become established as understanding among consumers as a whole remains a future challenge.

**What Doctors Most Want to Convey to Consumers Now: 'Absorption Over Quantity,' 'Frequent Intake,' 'Not Just for Beauty'**

In doctors' free-form responses, many opinions were gathered, such as "Vitamin C cannot be synthesized by the body and is constantly consumed," "It is more important to take it frequently in a way that is easily absorbed than to take large amounts at once," and "It is involved in immunity, fatigue, and overall health, not limited to beauty purposes."

Doctors want consumers to correctly understand Vitamin C not as an immediate solution, but as a fundamental nutrient to be taken daily with attention to "quality and absorption."

*Opinions are those of the doctors who responded to the survey.

**Consumer Understanding Has Advanced Over the Past 8 Years. The Next Gap to Bridge is in 'Amount, Absorption, and Selection Methods'**

Compared to 2018, consumer understanding of Vitamin C has steadily deepened.

On the other hand, doctor surveys have also revealed that knowledge regarding intake amount, absorption rate, and product selection has not yet been sufficiently shared with consumers.

Vitamin C is now entering a new phase, moving from being "a nutrient to take" to "a nutrient where how it is taken and selected is questioned."

**What is "Vitamin C Day"?**

April 4th is "Vitamin C Day" (CC Day), established by our company, SPIC Co., Ltd., in 2018. This day commemorates the achievement of Charles Glen King, who succeeded in isolating pure Vitamin C for the first time in the world on April 4, 1932, in his honor. Its purpose is to re-examine the value of Vitamin C, which is essential for humans, and to promote correct understanding and active utilization.

**Survey Overview**

Survey Name: Vitamin C Consciousness Survey Survey Period: Friday, March 6, 2026 - Tuesday, March 10, 2026 Target Respondents: [Consumers] - 10,000 men and women aged 20-50 nationwide (1st survey) - Of these, 1,000 people who responded that they consume Vitamin C through supplements or health foods (2nd survey) [Doctors] 50 doctors performing Vitamin C infusion therapy nationwide Survey Method: [Consumers] Internet survey [Doctors] Online questionnaire survey *The survey results regarding the effects and changes from Vitamin C intake are based on the perceived experiences of the respondents themselves. They do not indicate medical effects or efficacy. *When publishing these survey results, please clearly state "Survey by SPIC Co., Ltd."

<2018 Survey Overview> Survey Name: Vitamin C Consciousness Survey Target Respondents: [Consumers] 12,731 men and women aged 20-50 nationwide (1st survey), 1,000 people (2nd survey) [Doctors] 100 doctors performing Vitamin C infusion therapy nationwide Survey Period: Monday, March 12, 2018 - Monday, March 19, 2018 Survey Method: [Consumers] Internet survey [Doctors] Fax survey

Lypo-C (Lipo-Capsule) is a supplement brand developed with a focus on absorption rate, utilizing liposome technology. This technology was born from years of joint development with medical doctor Kousei Yanagisawa. Lypo-C aims to improve absorption efficiency by liposomalization, considering Vitamin C's tendency to be easily excreted from the body.

Since its launch in 2015, it has been widely supported by professionals in the medical, beauty, and health industries, and is handled in over 3,100 locations nationwide, including medical institutions, salons, and specialty stores*. *As of the end of May 2025.

SPIC Co., Ltd. is a company that develops wellness businesses across domains such as supplements, clinics, sports, and lifestyles, aiming to "Create the future of health."

SPIC Co., Ltd.: https://spic.com