What is Ascorbic Acid? 

Ascorbic acid is known for its antioxidant properties. It is  a molecular bond  of carbon, hydrogen, and oxygen. Most people are familiar with L-ascorbic acid, more commonly referred to as vitamin C. 

When not in  vitamin C form, ascorbic acid may be used  in solutions to develop film. Ascorbic acid oxidizes easily, but prevents  the destruction of various cells - hence the term antioxidant. It must be stored in a cool dark place. It also oxidizes in the presence of metals, so it  should not  be stored in any type of metal container. 

As vitamin C, ascorbic  acid was once invaluable  in preventing diseases like scurvy, caused by lengthy ship voyages. To combat scurvy, sailors  and passengers were often given oranges, which are high in vitamin C. While most animals synthesize ascorbic acid naturally, humans  and primates do not. For this reason, supplementation is required, generally available through food sources. Along with citrus fruits, broccoli, spinach, and cranberries are all excellent sources of ascorbic acid. 

Since the discovery that ascorbic acid could prevent scurvy, modern natural food manufacturers have sought  to market vitamin C in tablet form. Vitamin C  is also  a frequent addition to fruit juices. There has been much debate over  the ability of vitamin C  to prevent the common cold. While for years, natural foods manufacturers insisted that taking large amounts  of vitamin C could actually shorten cold duration, the final result of clinical trials suggests that vitamin C reduces the cold by little  more than half a day. 

However, when vitamin C is combined  with zinc, it has  a tendency  to reduce the number  of days a cold lasts, largely due  to the properties  in zinc. Fortunately, vitamin C does not have a high rate  of toxicity, even at very high doses. Therefore, while taking large doses may not improve one’s cold,  it is also not likely to harm one  in any way. 

Ascorbic acid  is essential to the body’s processes, and all humans must consume it through either food  or supplementation. Vitamin C helps to produce collagen. It is also vital in  the production  of dopamine and adrenaline, and necessary to the function of almost all major organs. 

Low levels  of ascorbic acid can result in loose teeth, anemia, inability to heal quickly, and easier bruising.  In general, though, people with fairly healthy diets get enough ascorbic acid without supplementation. When a person's diet is low in vitamin C, supplementation  should be considered to promote overall health.