What is Ascorbic Acid (Vitamin C)?

Are Vitamin C and Ascorbic Acid the Same?

Ascorbic acid is more commonly known as vitamin C. A potent water-soluble vitamin with various essential functions in the body, it can be obtained from certain foods and consumed as a dietary supplement. Vitamin C has antioxidant properties and is an enzyme “co-factor” for at least eight important biochemical reactions in the human body.

‌‌‌‌Why Supplement with Vitamin C?

In the past few decades, vitamin C has been one of the most researched of all vitamins. Studies suggest that vitamin C has been shown to improve the immune system, skin health, heart health, and more.

Unlike most mammals, humans cannot synthesize vitamin C from glucose, which is why we need to obtain it from foods or supplements. Scientists believe that our human ancestors underwent a genetic mutation eon ago which resulted in our losing the ability to make our own vitamin C.

When consumed, vitamin C is absorbed in the small intestine, and the concentration in the blood is controlled by the kidneys, which will excrete excess vitamin C, if present, in the urine. Within the human body, the largest concentration of vitamin C can be found in the pituitary gland, adrenal glands, brain, leukocytes, and the eyes. 

Ascorbic Acid uses as follows:

In Food

Food additive Ascorbic Acid powder can be used as Color fixative, Preservatives, Acidity Regulators, nutrition supplements in food such as in meat products, fermented flour products, beer, tea, fruit juices, canned fruit, and canned meat.

In Beverage

Ascorbic Acid can be used as Preservatives, Acidity Regulators, nutrition supplements in beverage.

In Pharmaceutical

Ascorbic Acid  can be used as Nutritional therapy, antioxidants in Pharmaceutical.

In Health and Personal care

Ascorbic Acid can be used as antioxidant in cosmetics and personal care products including makeup, as well as skin and hair care products.

In Agriculture/Animal Feed/Poultry

Ascorbic Acid can be used as nutritional supplement in Agriculture/Animal Feed/Poultry feed.

In Other Industries

Ascorbic Acid can be used as intermediate in other industries.