What Is Vitamin C (Ascorbic Acid)? Ascorbic acid is a water-soluble form of vitamin C. Vitamin C is an essential vitamin, meaning the body cannot produce it. Some dietary sources of vitamin C include kiwis, bell peppers, strawberries, oranges, broccoli, and tomatoes. However, ascorbic acid is a fragile molecule, and the levels of ascorbic acid in foods often decrease during preparation, cooking, and storage. Oxidation, heat, and alkalinity also reduce the levels of vitamin C in foods. Many individuals opt to take ascorbic acid powder to maximize the benefits of vitamin C, as it provides better dosing control and more consistent results. Ascorbic acid is a potent antioxidant that can also regenerate other antioxidants in the body. The body uses vitamin C to synthesize l-carnitine, certain neurotransmitters, and collagen. Numerous bodily functions rely on ascorbic acid, including iron absorption, immune system support, wound healing, and more. Ascorbic acid powder is available in several forms: pure ascorbic acid, ascorbic acid combined with Sodium Ascorbate, and other ascorbates, including Calcium Ascorbate and Ascorbyl Palmitate. Potential Benefits of Vitamin C Supplement Ascorbic acid is a physiological antioxidant that protects cells by suppressing free radical damage. It also helps regenerate other antioxidants to improve cell protection and scavenge free radicals. Like most antioxidants, ascorbic acid has neuroprotective properties. Ascorbic acid also enhances nitric oxide synthesis to improve blood flow, which helps distribute nutrients throughout the body. Vitamin C supplements synergize with vitamin E to potentiate each nutrient’s antioxidant effects. Vitamin C supports many elements of the immune system. Ascorbic acid helps promote the production of infection-fighting white blood cells, and it may enhance the function of these white blood cells by protecting them from free radicals. Vitamin C also supports a strong skin barrier. Vitamin C may shorten the duration and reduce the severity of cold symptoms as well. Ascorbic acid’s immune-boosting benefits are particularly notable in athletes. Vitamin C and Zinc Vitamin C and zinc synergize to enhance each other’s wound healing and immune support properties. Ascorbic acid plays a role in many of the phases of wound healing. Once an injury clots, some inflammation is normal. At this stage, the body signals neutrophils to participate in the wound healing process. Neutrophils are inflammatory cells that remove pathogens and any foreign material present in the wound. However, prolonged inflammation can cause poor healing. Ascorbic acid helps clear these neutrophils along with their toxic contents. Ascorbic acid also promotes new tissue growth during the proliferative phase of wound healing by synthesizing collagen. This collagen synthesis process is also critical for strong bones, cartilage, and teeth. Ascorbic acid may enhance iron absorption. Low levels of iron can lead to anemia. Meat is one of the primary sources of heme iron, which is easier to absorb than non-heme iron. Most of the iron in plants is nonheme, which puts vegans and vegetarians at greater risk for iron deficiency. However, ascorbic acid converts difficult to absorb nonheme iron into the more easily absorbed heme form. Sodium Ascorbate Vitamin C Drink To make this vitamin C drink, you will need: One 8 ounce drinking glass A set of kitchen measuring spoons A spoon (for stirring) PureBulk 100% Pure Ascorbic Acid Powder Sodium Bicarbonate Powder (Arm & Hammer Baking Soda) Approximately 2 to 3 ounces of warm to slightly hot drinking water In a dry 8-ounce drinking glass, mix 5 g of Ascorbic Acid (one level teaspoon) and 2.5 g Baking Soda (1/2 level teaspoon). Add 2 ounces of warm to slightly hot drinking water. A violent reaction occurs, generating (CO2) bubbles. Stir for 10 to 20 seconds or until bubbles slow, and the solution turns clear. This reaction creates 5.62 grams of Sodium Ascorbate (NaA), 1.25 grams of Carbon Dioxide gas, and 0.51 grams of water. Consume within 10 minutes, as Sodium Ascorbate will react with oxygen in the air to lessen potency. For children 3 to 12 years old, use half the adult serving amount, i.e., 1/2 level tsp Ascorbic Acid Powder and 1/4 level tsp Baking Soda. After stirring and the solution has turned clear, add 4 ounces of fruit juice. NOT RECOMMENDED FOR CHILDREN UNDER 3 Y/0 Ascorbic Acid Powder FAQ Is This the Bioactive Form L-Ascorbic Acid? PureBulk’s Ascorbic acid powder contains the bioactive form L-ascorbic acid. Most products labeled as ascorbic acid contain the L- form, as the D- form and the racemic DL- form aren’t as commercially available. Is A Non-Gmo Statement Available for This Product? Yes! You may request a copy of the Non-Gmo statement for this product by using the comments box provided on the COA request form. What are the Potential Side Effects of Vitamin C? Most people tolerate ascorbic acid powder well without side effects. However, excessively high doses of vitamin C may cause diarrhea. Mixing and Solubility of Vitamin C PureBulk’s ascorbic acid is a white to off-white, fine powder. Ascorbic acid powder dissolves quickly in water and has a sour taste. Individuals can add it to juice if they dislike the sour taste. It is normal for ascorbic acid crystals to discolor slightly upon exposure to air and moisture. Purity and Concentration of Ascorbic Acid (Vitamin C) PureBulk's L-Ascorbic acid is derived from sorbitol, derived from glucose, and contains no fillers, additives, or anti-caking agents. Keep cool and dry, away from strong light and heat. Do not freeze. References https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/14498993/ https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/3667346 https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/17509858 https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/24796079/ https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/25157026 https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/20200263 https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/10799377 https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/8864290 https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/9109530 https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/1983355 https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/10075731/ https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/4601508 https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/23440782 https://journals.plos.org/plosmedicine/article/info%3Adoi%2F10.1371%2Fjournal.pmed.0020168 https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/16297506/ https://www.thelancet.com/journals/lancet/article/PIIS0140-6736(74)91874-1/fulltext https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/10101920 https://jcp.bmj.com/content/54/3/176 https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/12805247 https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0891584998001324 https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/700025 https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/6641851 https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/15785002/ https://www.sciencedirect.com/topics/medicine-and-dentistry/ascorbic-acid-deficiency Further Research Linus Pauling Institute Micronutrient Information Center: Vitamin C National Institutes of Health Office of Dietary Supplements: Vitamin C fact sheet
