What is the difference between rose hip vitamin C and synthetic vitamin C?

Chemically, the vitamin C (L-ascorbic acid) in rose hip is identical to synthetic L-ascorbic acid. The difference lies in what surrounds it — rose hip provides vitamin C within its natural plant matrix, which includes bioflavonoids, carotenoids, tannins, and other phytonutrients that occur naturally alongside vitamin C in the fruit. Some research suggests these accompanying compounds may support vitamin C absorption and retention. Our approach: we use both rose hip extract (for its natural nutrient profile) and pure L-ascorbic acid (for precise dosing) across our product range.

What does 50:1 extract mean?

A 50:1 extract means that 50 parts of raw rose hip material are used to produce 1 part of extract. This is a highly concentrated form, which allows us to deliver a meaningful dose of natural vitamin C and phytonutrients in a capsule size that combines well with other ingredients. Our 89 mg of 50:1 rose hip extract provides 40 mg of naturally occurring vitamin C (50% NRV), plus the full spectrum of bioflavonoids and other compounds naturally present in the fruit.

What are bioflavonoids and why do they matter?

Bioflavonoids (also called flavonoids) are a diverse group of plant compounds found in fruits, vegetables, and herbs. In rose hips, the main flavonoids include quercetin, ellagic acid, and various anthocyanins. These compounds are antioxidants in their own right and may work synergistically with vitamin C. Some studies suggest flavonoids can help protect vitamin C from oxidation in the body, potentially extending its activity. This is one reason whole-food extracts like rose hip are valued in nutritional supplementation.

Is rose hip extract safe for long-term use?

Rose hip extract is well tolerated and has a long history of use in food supplements. The amounts in our Immune Complex (89 mg extract providing 40 mg vitamin C) are well within safe ranges. Rose hip is essentially a concentrated fruit powder and is considered safe for most adults. As always, we recommend consulting a healthcare professional if you are pregnant, breastfeeding, or taking medication before starting any new supplement regimen.

Ingredient Deep Dive · Rose Hip (Rosa canina)

Rose Hip

The fruit of the wild rose — nature’s concentrated source of vitamin C.

Rose hips from Rosa canina, the dog rose, are one of the richest plant sources of natural vitamin C. Our Immune Complex uses a 50:1 extract providing both vitamin C and naturally occurring bioflavonoids.

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What is Rose Hip?

Rose hip is the fruit (specifically the accessory fruit, called a 'hip') of the rose plant, most commonly Rosa canina (dog rose). After the rose petals fall, the hip develops and ripens to a bright red or orange colour, typically harvested after the first frost when its sugar content is highest. Rose hips are one of the richest plant sources of vitamin C, alongside a complex profile of naturally occurring bioflavonoids, carotenoids (including lycopene and beta-carotene), phenolic compounds, and pectin.

The relationship between rose hip and vitamin C is historically significant — during World War II, when citrus imports were severely restricted in the United Kingdom, rose hip syrup became the primary source of vitamin C for children, supplied through the government's national wild rose hip collection programme. This heritage reflects a key principle: nature typically provides nutrients within a matrix of complementary compounds that can influence absorption and activity. The bioflavonoids in rose hip, for example, may support vitamin C utilisation and stability.

Traditional use

Rose hip has a long tradition of use in European herbal medicine as a natural source of vitamin C and bioflavonoids. The whole-fruit profile of rose hip provides vitamin C alongside its naturally occurring complementary compounds.

Why we use Rose Hip in Nutri-Leaf formulas

Nutri-Leaf Immune Complex uses rose hip as a natural source of vitamin C, providing the nutrient within its whole-food profile alongside bioflavonoids and other naturally occurring compounds. The rose hip complements the added zinc, selenium, echinacea, and ginger in the Immune Complex formula. This reflects our belief that nutrients from whole-food sources can offer a broader phytochemical profile than isolated vitamins alone.

Products containing Rose Hip

The Nutri-Leaf product featuring rose hip is Immune Complex, where it provides natural vitamin C alongside zinc, selenium, echinacea, and ginger in one daily capsule. Vitamin C contributes to the normal function of the immune system.

Explore how Immune Complex combines botanical and nutrient ingredients on our Immune Support guide. Learn more about our approach to whole-food ingredients on the Ingredient Philosophy page.

Food supplements are not a substitute for a balanced and varied diet and a healthy lifestyle.

Ingredient profile

Rose hip — more than just a natural source of vitamin C.

What it is
Rose hip is the fruit of the rose plant, most commonly Rosa canina (dog rose). Nutri-Leaf Immune Complex uses rose hip as a natural source of vitamin C.
Why we use it
Every ingredient in our formulas serves a specific nutritional purpose. What you see on the label is exactly what’s in the capsule.
German quality sourcing
All ingredients are sourced to meet German and EU pharmacopoeia quality standards, then manufactured into finished supplements in Germany by an FSSC 22000 certified food-supplement producer.
Benefits & research
Role in the body
Rose hip provides vitamin C within its whole-food profile, alongside bioflavonoids and other naturally occurring compounds. The vitamin C claims above are those approved for the nutrient itself.
Role in the formula
Nutri-Leaf Immune Complex uses rose hip as a natural source of vitamin C, providing the nutrient within its whole-food profile alongside zinc, selenium, echinacea and ginger.
EU quality standards
Nutrient Reference Values (NRVs) are set by EU Regulation 1169/2011. Our formulas are designed to provide meaningful percentages of these reference values per daily serving.

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Frequently asked questions

Your questions about Rose Hip (Rosa canina) and quality.

Chemically, the vitamin C (L-ascorbic acid) in rose hip is identical to synthetic L-ascorbic acid. The difference lies in what surrounds it — rose hip provides vitamin C within its natural plant matrix, which includes bioflavonoids, carotenoids, tannins, and other phytonutrients that occur naturally alongside vitamin C in the fruit. Some research suggests these accompanying compounds may support vitamin C absorption and retention. Our approach: we use both rose hip extract (for its natural nutrient profile) and pure L-ascorbic acid (for precise dosing) across our product range.
A 50:1 extract means that 50 parts of raw rose hip material are used to produce 1 part of extract. This is a highly concentrated form, which allows us to deliver a meaningful dose of natural vitamin C and phytonutrients in a capsule size that combines well with other ingredients. Our 89 mg of 50:1 rose hip extract provides 40 mg of naturally occurring vitamin C (50% NRV), plus the full spectrum of bioflavonoids and other compounds naturally present in the fruit.
Bioflavonoids (also called flavonoids) are a diverse group of plant compounds found in fruits, vegetables, and herbs. In rose hips, the main flavonoids include quercetin, ellagic acid, and various anthocyanins. These compounds are antioxidants in their own right and may work synergistically with vitamin C. Some studies suggest flavonoids can help protect vitamin C from oxidation in the body, potentially extending its activity. This is one reason whole-food extracts like rose hip are valued in nutritional supplementation.
Rose hip extract is well tolerated and has a long history of use in food supplements. The amounts in our Immune Complex (89 mg extract providing 40 mg vitamin C) are well within safe ranges. Rose hip is essentially a concentrated fruit powder and is considered safe for most adults. As always, we recommend consulting a healthcare professional if you are pregnant, breastfeeding, or taking medication before starting any new supplement regimen.

Discover German quality supplements

Rose hip — nature’s vitamin C with flavonoids, in every Immune Complex capsule.

manufactured in Germany by an FSSC 22000 certified producer. Plant-based HPMC capsules. Free shipping from €20 across the EU.

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Rose Hip

The fruit of the wild rose — nature’s concentrated source of vitamin C.

What is Rose Hip?

Traditional use

Why we use Rose Hip in Nutri-Leaf formulas

Products containing Rose Hip

Rose hip — more than just a natural source of vitamin C.

Benefits & research

Supplements containing Rose Hip (Rosa canina).

Immunity Complex

Guides about ingredients and nutrition.

Zinc and Selenium: The Dynamic Duo for Immune Health

How to Read a Supplement Label Like a Nutritionist

Seasonal Immune Support: A Practical Guide for Autumn and Winter

Your questions about Rose Hip (Rosa canina) and quality.

Rose hip — nature’s vitamin C with flavonoids, in every Immune Complex capsule.

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