Ascorbic acid is a water-soluble antioxidant, also known as vitamin C and a natural nutrient found in fruit and vegetables. Ascorbic acid is chemically very close but not identical to citric acid. In dietary supplements, ascorbic acid is used both as an active substance and as an excipient with several functions. Ascorbic acid has E-number 300.
As an excipient in dietary supplements, ascorbic acid can act as an antioxidant that prevents the ingredients from hardening. However, if ascorbic acid is used as an antioxidant, it must not be declared as vitamin C. Ascorbic acid is also used as an acidity regulator.
Ascorbic acid is industrially produced from a sugar that can be extracted from various raw materials. It is palm fruit kernels that are the basis for the excipient ascorbic acid in Pharma Nord's preparations.
