What is the Difference Between Vitamin C and Ascorbic Acid?

Vitamin C and ascorbic acid are often used interchangeably, but they are not exactly the same. Ascorbic acid is the purest form of vitamin C, while other forms of vitamin C contain additional supplements. The main differences between vitamin C and ascorbic acid are:

• Source: Vitamin C is naturally occurring and is found in various fruits and vegetables, while ascorbic acid is primarily artificial. However, both substances have similar health benefits.
• Composition: Ascorbic acid is a component of vitamin C, but naturally occurring vitamin C found in food contains other compounds, such as rutin, bioflavonoids, and various factors like K-factor, J-factor, and P-factor. Ascorbic acid is missing at least 80% of what makes up real food vitamin C.
• Absorption: Approximately 70%–90% of vitamin C is absorbed at moderate intakes of 30–180 mg/day. However, at doses above 1 g/day, absorption falls to less than 50%, and absorbed, unmetabolized ascorbic acid is excreted in the urine.
• Bioavailability: Some studies suggest that certain forms of vitamin C, such as Ester-C, may have better bioavailability than ascorbic acid. However, other studies have shown no significant differences in bioavailability between synthetic or food-derived vitamin C.

In summary, while ascorbic acid is a part of vitamin C, it is not the entire vitamin C complex. Naturally occurring vitamin C found in food contains additional compounds that contribute to its overall health benefits. However, both ascorbic acid and vitamin C have similar health benefits and can be used to supplement vitamin C intake.

Comparative Table: Vitamin C vs Ascorbic Acid

Vitamin C and ascorbic acid are often used interchangeably, but they have some differences based on their sources and purity. Here is a table comparing the two:

Vitamin C is a water-soluble vitamin that plays a crucial role in various bodily functions, including immune system support and collagen production. Ascorbic acid, on the other hand, is the purest form of Vitamin C. While they are essentially the same chemical compound, the main difference lies in their sources and purity. Vitamin C can be found naturally in certain foods or synthetically in dietary supplements, whereas ascorbic acid is primarily produced synthetically. Despite the differences in production, ascorbic acid functions like Vitamin C and is often prescribed for the same purposes.