What is Vitamin C (Vitamin C)?
Vitamin C (ascorbic acid) is a water-soluble vitamin that must be obtained through the diet because the human body cannot synthesize it. It acts as a powerful antioxidant and serves as a cofactor in many enzymatic reactions. Its deficiency leads to scurvy.
- CAS number (main form): 134-03-2
- Molecular formula: C₆H₇NaO₆
- Forms in the catalog: CSPC, Ascorbic Acid, Luwei, Kaiyuan Hengtai
What is Vitamin C used for? Why is it used?
The body cannot produce or store Vitamin C, so regular intake is required. The EFSA has scientifically approved its support for numerous essential functions, including antioxidant protection, collagen synthesis, immune function, and iron absorption. It has a wide safety margin due to its limited toxicity.
Forms and Differences
Vitamin C is available in different chemical forms; the choice of form depends on bioavailability, stability, and intended use:
- Ascorbic acid (L-ascorbic acid): The purest and most common form; it contains 100% Vitamin C and is water-soluble. Due to its acidic (pH ~2-3) nature, it may upset sensitive stomachs. It is coded as E300 as a food additive.
- Sodium ascorbate (E301) / Calcium ascorbate (E302): Buffered (mineral salt) forms of ascorbic acid. Because they are neutral-to-slightly-basic, they reduce gastric acidity and are preferred for sensitive stomachs and high doses. Sodium ascorbate provides a sodium supplement, and calcium ascorbate provides a calcium supplement (use with caution in sodium-restricted diets).
- Ascorbyl palmitate (E304): An ester of ascorbic acid and palmitic acid; it is a fat-soluble form. It is used for its antioxidant effect in fatty foods and cell membranes, offering a different distribution profile compared to water-soluble ascorbate.
- Coated / sustained-release ascorbic acid: A formulation of ascorbic acid designed for gradual release. It aims to spread absorption throughout the day to maintain plasma levels longer and improve gastrointestinal tolerance.
Use in Dietary Supplements
- Form selection and dosage: Supplements are typically available as 500-1000 mg tablets/capsules. While doses far exceeding the NRV (80 mg) are common, absorption rates drop when intake exceeds ~200 mg at one time; therefore, splitting high doses throughout the day is more effective.
- Buffered form for sensitive stomachs: For individuals where the acidity of ascorbic acid causes heartburn/discomfort, buffered (neutral) forms like sodium ascorbate or calcium ascorbate are preferred as they offer a gentler profile.
- Tolerance and side effects: Being water-soluble, excess is excreted in urine. Very high doses (generally >2000 mg/day) can cause diarrhea, nausea, and abdominal cramps (osmotic effect). These effects subside when the dose is reduced.
- Use with iron absorption: It is a common strategy to take it with iron supplements or iron-containing meals, as it increases the absorption of non-heme (plant-based) iron.
Use in the Food Industry
- Antioxidant food additive (E300, E301, E302): Ascorbic acid (E300), sodium ascorbate (E301), and calcium ascorbate (E302) are used in the food industry as antioxidants; they prevent oxygen-induced discoloration and spoilage (e.g., fruits and vegetables, meat products, canned and frozen foods).
- Fat-soluble antioxidant (E304): Ascorbyl palmitate (E304) is a fat-soluble antioxidant used to delay oxidative rancidity in fats and fatty foods; it is often formulated synergistically with Vitamin E (tocopherols).
- Food fortification and baked goods: Used to add nutritional value in fruit juices and fortified beverages, and as a dough conditioner in flour/bread production.
Effects on Health
Vitamin C plays a role in many essential functions in the body. The main functions authorized/evaluated by the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA):
- Normal function of the immune system: EFSA approved: Vitamin C contributes to the normal function of the immune system (including during and after intense physical exercise).
- Normal collagen formation: EFSA approved: Vitamin C contributes to the normal formation of collagen required for the normal function of skin, bones, blood vessels, gums, teeth, and cartilage.
- Increased iron absorption: EFSA approved: Vitamin C increases the absorption of (non-heme) iron.
- Reduction of fatigue and energy metabolism: EFSA approved: Vitamin C contributes to the reduction of fatigue and exhaustion and to normal energy-yielding metabolism.
- Nervous system and psychological function: EFSA approved: Vitamin C contributes to the normal function of the nervous system and to normal psychological function.
- Protection from oxidative stress and Vitamin E regeneration: EFSA approved: Vitamin C contributes to the protection of cells from oxidative stress and helps in the regeneration (reduction) of the reduced form of Vitamin E.
Usage Limits in Dietary Supplements
- Nutrient Reference Value (NRV): NRV: 80 mg (EU Reg. 1169/2011, Annex XIII).
- Upper Intake Level (EFSA): EFSA/SCF has not established a numerical Tolerable Upper Intake Level (UL) for Vitamin C (data insufficient; low toxicity). For reference, the US IOM (NIH ODS) defines a UL of 2000 mg/day for adults; intakes above this primarily cause gastrointestinal discomfort (diarrhea).
- Turkish legislation (TFCC): Vitamin C is an authorized nutrient under the Turkish Regulation on Dietary Supplements; the maximum daily amount is applied according to label claims. In this research, a single definitive numerical upper limit could not be verified and thus has not been fabricated.
At doses exceeding ~200 mg at one time, intestinal absorption reaches saturation; splitting high doses increases absorption efficiency.
Technical Specifications
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| Purity | ≥ 99.0 % |
| Appearance | White Crystalline Powder |
| Moisture | ≤5.0 % |
| Solubility | Water Soluble |
Scientific Studies
The following independent studies relate to the bioavailability, use, and effects of this vitamin (study types are indicated):
- PubMed 29099763 — Vitamin C and immune function (review)
- PubMed 16373990 — The immune-enhancing role of Vitamin C and Zinc and their effect on clinical conditions
- PubMed 33193359 — The long history of Vitamin C: from cold prevention to potential clinical support (review)
Technical Documents and Supply — Asuka Kimya
You can contact Asuka Kimya for SDS, TDS, CoA and supply conditions for Vitamin C.
References
- efsa.onlinelibrary.wiley.com
- ods.od.nih.gov
- eur-lex.europa.eu
- pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov
- pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov
- pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov
The usage and health information on this page has been compiled from official legislation/institution sources (EFSA, NIH ODS, Turkish Food Codex, EUR-Lex) and independent scientific publications (PubMed). The product is a food supplement/food raw material and is not intended for the diagnosis or treatment of disease.