The Truth About Ascorbic Acid: Healthy or Dangerous?

In some health and fitness circles, where ascorbic acid is considered a “synthetic form of vitamin C,” influencers and some nutritionists warn their followers of the dangers of ascorbic acid. But is it really as bad as they claim, or like many things in nutrition, are they misinformed? I’ll try to set the record straight, covering many of the reasons some people warn against using ascorbic acid, and also covering its benefits and why I use and recommend it. If you have thoughts or questions I don’t cover, share them in the comments area. What is Ascorbic Acid? You may have heard the term “ascorbic acid,” but what exactly is it? Ascorbic acid is a water-soluble vitamin, commonly known as vitamin C. Chemically speaking, it is an organic compound with the molecular formula C₆H₈O₆. This essential nutrient plays a crucial role in the functioning of our bodies. It acts as an antioxidant, protecting cells from harmful free radicals, which are unstable molecules that can cause damage. Ascorbic acid also plays a vital role in collagen synthesis, a protein that supports the structure and health of our skin, bones, and connective tissues. One study published in the Journal of the American College of Nutrition found that adequate vitamin C intake is associated with a reduced risk of chronic diseases, such as cardiovascular disease and certain types of cancer.Johnston, C. S., et al. (2014). Vitamin C supplementation slightly improves physical activity levels and reduces cold incidence in men with marginal vitamin C status: A randomized controlled trial. Journal of the American College of Nutrition, 33(5), 417-424. Another study published in Nutrients emphasized the role of ascorbic acid in enhancing immune function and supporting the body’s defense against pathogens.Carr, A. C., et al. (2017). Vitamin C and immune function. Nutrients, 9(11), 1211. What is the difference between ascorbic acid and vitamin C? The terms “ascorbic acid” and “vitamin C” are often used interchangeably, but they’re not the same. All ascorbic acid is vitamin C, but not all vitamin C is ascorbic acid. Ascorbic acid is a specific form of vitamin C. Chemically, ascorbic acid is the purest form of vitamin C, with the molecular formula C₆H₈O₆ I mentioned above. It is the active and most well-known component of vitamin C. However, vitamin C is a broader term that encompasses not only ascorbic acid but also other related compounds with vitamin C activity. These compounds include dehydroascorbic acid, ascorbyl palmitate, and various mineral ascorbates, which are salts of ascorbic acid. While ascorbic acid is the most common and readily available form of vitamin C, “vitamin C” describes the presence and activity of all the compounds. They contribute to the overall vitamin C activity and have similar functions and benefits as ascorbic acid itself. Different forms of vitamin C can be found in a variety of food sources. For example: Ascorbic Acid: This is the purest form of vitamin C and is commonly found in fruits and vegetables such as citrus fruits (oranges, lemons), berries (strawberries, blueberries), kiwi, bell peppers, and leafy greens (spinach, kale).USDA FoodData Central Dehydroascorbic Acid: This is an oxidized form of vitamin C that can be converted back to ascorbic acid within the body. Foods like broccoli, Brussels sprouts, and cauliflower contain dehydroascorbic acid, which can be utilized by the body to provide vitamin C act