Throughout cold and flu season, Vitamin C or L-ascorbic acid, or simply ascorbate is flaunted as the single best way to avoid the common cold or even a bout of flu. These benefits are real, as scientific studies actually back up Vitamin C as a way to dramatically improve the immune system and stave off major illness. There is, however, a far longer list of benefits that come from using Vitamin C as a regular health supplement on a daily basis. Ester C is a non-acidic version of Vitamin C which some people find easier to digest.