Ascorbic acid is a naturally occurring organic compound with antioxidant properties. It is also known as vitamin C. Sodium ascorbate is the sodium salt of ascorbic acid.
Ascorbic acid is found in citrus fruits, tomatoes, potatoes, and leafy green vegetables. Sodium ascorbate is a white, crystalline powder that is readily soluble in water. It is used as a dietary supplement and as an ingredient in some food and beverage products.
The human body does not synthesize ascorbic acid and must obtain it from the diet. Ascorbic acid is essential for the synthesis of collagen, a protein that forms the basis of connective tissue. It also plays a role in the absorption of iron from the diet and in the immune system.
Ascorbic acid and sodium ascorbate are both effective antioxidants. They scavenge harmful free radicals and prevent oxidative damage to cells. Ascorbic acid is more acidic than sodium ascorbate and has a lower pH. This means that it can donate electrons more readily than sodium ascorbate. As a result, ascorbic acid is more effective than sodium ascorbate in neutralizing free radicals.
Ascorbic acid is also a reducing agent. This means that it can donate electrons to other molecules, such as enzymes, to help them function properly. Sodium ascorbate does not have this ability.
The human body metabolizes ascorbic acid and sodium ascorbate differently. Ascorbic acid is absorbed into the bloodstream and taken up by cells where it is used for various metabolic processes. Sodium ascorbate is not absorbed into the bloodstream but is taken up by cells and converted into ascorbic acid.
Ascorbic acid has many functions in the body and is important for good health. However, too much ascorbic acid can be toxic. The safe upper limit for adults is 2,000 milligrams per day. Sodium ascorbate is not toxic even at high doses.
If you are looking for a dietary supplement, you may want to consider taking sodium ascorbate instead of ascorbic acid. Sodium ascorbate has all the benefits of ascorbic acid but is less acidic and less likely to cause stomach upset.
Multiple Benefits of Vitamin C and Why is it important?
Vitamin C is one of the most important vitamins that our bodies need in order to function properly. It is involved in many different processes in the body, including the production of collagen, the formation of blood vessels, and the absorption of iron. It is also a powerful antioxidant, which means that it can help to protect our cells from damage caused by free radicals.
There are many different benefits of vitamin C, which is why it is so important for our health. Here are just a few of the ways in which this essential vitamin can improve our health:
1. Boosts Immunity
One of the most important benefits of vitamin C is that it can help to boost our immune system. This is because vitamin C helps to produce white blood cells, which are essential for fighting off infection. If you suffer from frequent infections or illnesses, then increasing your intake of vitamin C could help to improve your immunity.
2. Heals Wounds
Another important benefit of vitamin C is that it can help to heal wounds. This is because vitamin C is involved in the production of collagen, which is a protein that helps to form new tissue and repair damaged tissue. So, if you have a cut or wound, increasing your intake of vitamin C could help it to heal more quickly.
3. Reduces Inflammation
Vitamin C also has anti-inflammatory properties, which means that it can help to reduce inflammation throughout the body. This is beneficial for conditions such as arthritis, as it can help to reduce pain and swelling. If you suffer from any inflammatory conditions, then increasing your intake of vitamin C may help to improve your symptoms.
4. Prevents Cell Damage
As we mentioned earlier, vitamin C is a powerful antioxidant. This means that it can help to protect our cells from damage caused by free radicals. Free radicals are unstable molecules that can damage our cells and lead to the development of diseases such as cancer. By taking antioxidant supplements, such as vitamin C, we can help to protect our cells from this damage.
5. Improves Brain Function
Vitamin C is also involved in the production of neurotransmitters, which are chemicals that help to send signals between nerve cells in the brain. This means that vitamin C can help to improve brain function and cognitive performance. If you want to boost your brain power, then increasing your intake of vitamin C could be a good idea.
These are just a few of the many different benefits of vitamin C. As you can see, this essential nutrient plays a vital role in our health and well-being. If you want to enjoy all of these benefits, then make sure to include plenty of foods rich in vitamin C in your diet or take a supplement if necessary.
How much dosage of Vitamin C do we need per day?
Vitamin C is an essential nutrient required for many important biological functions. It is involved in the synthesis of collagen, a major structural protein in the body, and is also a potent antioxidant. The recommended daily allowance (RDA) for vitamin C is 90 mg for men and 75 mg for women (1). However, many experts believe that these recommendations are too low and that the RDA should be closer to 1000 mg per day.
Vitamin C is found in a variety of fruits and vegetables, with citrus fruits being a particularly rich source. Other good sources include bell peppers, broccoli, kale, and strawberries. It is also available in supplement form.
The body does not have the ability to store vitamin C, so it must be obtained from the diet on a daily basis. When taken in large doses, vitamin C can cause side effects such as diarrhea, nausea, and stomach cramps. However, these side effects are generally only seen at doses above 2000 mg per day.
So how much vitamin C do you need per day? The answer may depend on a variety of factors, including your age, health status, and lifestyle. If you are generally healthy and don’t smoke cigarettes, you may only need the RDA of 75-90 mg per day. However, if you are an older adult, have a chronic disease, or are a smoker, you may need more vitamin C than the RDA to maintain optimal health.
Some experts recommend taking 500-1000 mg of vitamin C per day in order to prevent or treat conditions such as the common cold, cancer, heart disease, and stroke (2). While there is still some debate as to whether or not high doses of vitamin C are truly effective in these cases, there is no doubt that this nutrient plays an important role in overall health.
If you are interested in taking a vitamin C supplement, be sure to talk to your doctor first to determine the right amount for you.