Ascorbic acid is actually a form of vitamin C. We all know that vitamin C is an essential substance for the health of the human body and its quality of life, and in case of lack or absence of vitamin C, the body is disturbed and unable to continue its life! In fact, this article is to protect your health, especially people suffering from scurvy! We are going to introduce vitamin c supplement and free you from possible diseases, for this purpose, stay with us.
Introduction of ascorbic acid
In fact, ascorbic acid is a combination of the formula C6H8O6, which was also known as hexuronic acid in the past. Ascorbic acid is well soluble in water and can form a weakly acidic solution.
Mirror isomers of ascorbic acid
Ascorbic acid has two mirror isomers, denoted by the prefixes L (for Levo) and D (for Dextro), the most important of which are briefly explained below:
L-ascorbic acid:
In fact, we deal with this isomer more often, and it may be interesting to know that it is found naturally in most foods and is a type of vitamin c.
History of ascorbic acid
In the past, researchers found that eating certain foods can prevent scurvy. In fact, scurvy is caused by a lack of vitamin C because it plays an essential role in the production of proteins such as collagen, and its absence weakens the tissue structure.
Elbert St. Giorgi first identified a chemical substance as a candidate for an antiscurvy agent between 1928-1932 and named it hexuronic acid.
This Hungarian scientist first extracted this substance from plants and then from the adrenal glands of all animals, and it was finally confirmed by Charles Glenn King in 1932.
Chemical properties
Esters
Ascorbic acid is able to react with organic acids such as alcohol, which can eventually produce esters.
The most famous esters of ascorbic acid are:
Ascorbyl palmitate: permitted food additive with antioxidant properties
Ascorbyl stearate: permitted food additive in margarine
Salts
The anion in ascorbate can form salts, the most famous of which are the following:
Sodium ascorbate: It has the highest bioavailability among the different states of vitamin C and is used in food and pharmaceutical industries.
Calcium ascorbate: used as a permitted food additive.
Potassium ascorbate: a type of food additive that is not allowed in the United States and Great Britain and is considered an allowed additive in Australia.
Nucleophilic attack
Production of 1.3 diketone by attack of ascorbic acid on a proton:
In fact, the attack of ascorbic acid on a proton produces 1-3 diacetones, which you can see below:
Applications of ascorbic acid
supplements
Ascorbic acid is very effective in the production of food supplements such as effervescent pills, vitamin C, or multivitamins.
Non-food uses
Ascorbic acid can be used as a preservative and reducer (along with other substances) in photo development solutions because it oxidizes very quickly and easily.
Other uses of this acid
Removing disintegrated metal stains
Plastic manufacturing industries
Intravenous injection of high doses of ascorbate for chemotherapy purposes
Sterilization of water in different stages of purification
As an antioxidant to increase the fluorescent signals and the color removal light of colored materials and…
The importance of ascorbic acid in our body
As we have explained in the above text, ascorbic acid has a special importance in the body of living organisms and especially humans, it is necessary to avoid the important biological points:
Scurvy or scurvy
This disease is caused by lack or lack of vitamin C in the body. If no vitamin C enters your body for about a month, you will feel the symptoms of the disease. Vitamin C plays an essential role in our body:
It plays an essential role in the synthesis of collagen proteins.
These proteins form the structural basis of our body tissues.
Lack of vitamin C causes disruption in collagen synthesis and symptoms such as bleeding gums
Infections
As we all know, vitamin C has been effective against colds for a long time, and as a result, vitamin C can be used in the treatment of infections, so the ascorbic acid of this vitamin C supplement is a strong infection killer!
The effect of ascorbic acid on diseases
Alzheimer’s prevention
Rheumatoid arthritis
Cataracts
Previous vascular problems
Anti-cancer
The importance of ascorbic acid from another point of view
When the amount of ascorbic acid in the diet is not enough, ascorbic acid (vitamin C) is used as a food supplement.
People most at risk of ascorbic acid deficiency are those with limited dietary variety or intestinal malabsorption caused by cancer or kidney disease.
It is also used to prevent and treat scurvy (a disease that causes fatigue, swollen gums, joint pain, and poor wound healing due to a lack of vitamin C in the body).
Ascorbic acid is in a group of drugs called antioxidants. It is needed by the body to help heal wounds, enhance iron absorption from plant foods, and support the immune system. It acts as an antioxidant to protect your cells from free radicals that may contribute to heart disease, cancer, and other diseases.
How should this medicine be used?
It is available as long-acting (long-acting) capsules and tablets, lozenges, chewable tablets, chewable gels (gummies), and oral liquid drops.
This medication is usually taken once a day or as directed by your doctor. Ascorbic acid is available without a prescription, but your doctor may prescribe it to treat certain conditions.
Follow the directions on the package or product label or your doctor’s instructions carefully, and ask your doctor or pharmacist to explain any part you do not understand.
Take ascorbic acid exactly as directed. Do not take more or less than recommended by your doctor.
What special precautions should we take before consuming ascorbic acid?
Tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are allergic to this ingredient, any other medications, or any other ingredients in ascorbic acid products.
Ask your pharmacist for a list of ingredients.
Tell your doctor if you have or have ever had a medical condition.
Tell your doctor if you are pregnant, plan to become pregnant, or are breastfeeding.
If you become pregnant while taking ascorbic acid, call your doctor.
Tell your doctor if you use tobacco products. Smoking may reduce the effect of ascorbic acid and you may need to take a higher dose.
What are the side effects of ascorbic acid?
Ascorbic acid may cause side effects. Tell your doctor if you have any of the following symptoms:
diarrhea
nausea
heartburn
tiredness
hot flashes
Headache
Difficulty falling or staying asleep