Sodium ascorbate explained
Sodium ascorbate is one of a number of mineral salts of ascorbic acid (vitamin C). The molecular formula of this chemical compound is C6H7NaO6. As the sodium salt of ascorbic acid, it is known as a mineral ascorbate. It has not been demonstrated to be more bioavailable than any other form of vitamin C supplement.[1]
Sodium ascorbate normally provides 131 mg of sodium per 1,000 mg of ascorbic acid (1,000 mg of sodium ascorbate contains 889 mg of ascorbic acid and 111 mg of sodium).
As a food additive, it has the E number E301 and is used as an antioxidant and an acidity regulator. It is approved for use as a food additive in the EU,[2] USA,[3] Australia, and New Zealand.[4]
In in vitro studies, sodium ascorbate has been found to produce cytotoxic effects in various malignant cell lines, which include melanoma cells that are particularly susceptible.[5] [6]
Production
Sodium ascorbate is produced by dissolving ascorbic acid in water and adding an equivalent amount of sodium bicarbonate in water. After cessation of effervescence, the sodium ascorbate is precipitated by the addition of isopropanol.
External links
Notes and References
- Linus Pauling Institute, Oregon State University: Web site: Bioavailability of Different Forms of Vitamin C . 2013-09-27.
- UK Food Standards Agency: Web site: Current EU approved additives and their E Numbers . 2011-10-27.
- US Food and Drug Administration: Web site: Listing of Food Additives Status Part II . . 2011-10-27.
- Australia New Zealand Food Standards CodeWeb site: Standard 1.2.4 - Labelling of ingredients . 8 September 2011 . 2011-10-27.
- 10.1073/pnas.0506390102. Chen Q, Espey MG, Krishna MC, Mitchell JB, Corpe CP, Buettner GR, Shacter E, Levine M . Pharmacologic ascorbic acid concentrations selectively kill cancer cells: Action as a pro-drug to deliver hydrogen peroxide to tissues. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A. 102 . 38. 13604–9. September 2005. 16157892 . 1224653. 2005PNAS..10213604C . free .
- 10.1002/jcp.20286. Kang JS, Cho D, Kim YI, Hahm E, Kim YS, Jin SN, Kim HN, Kim D, Hur D, Park H, Hwang YI, Lee WJ . Sodium ascorbate (vitamin C) induces apoptosis in melanoma cells via the down-regulation of transferrin receptor dependent iron uptake. J. Cell. Physiol.. 204 . 1. 192–7. July 2005. 15672419 . 28597142 . free.
