What Is Ascorbic Acid Used For In Food

Ascorbic acid is a chemical compound c6h8o6 that is commonly found in nature and can be used as an antioxidant food additive.

What is ascorbic acid used for in food. Naturally found in vegetables and citrus fruits ascorbic acid is an essential nutrient in human diets. Ascorbic acid vitamin c is a popular food additive and ingredient used in a wide variety of applications. Vitamin c is important for bones and connective tissues muscles and blood vessels. It acts as a vitamer of vitamin c which means it is a compound that provides the same vitamin activity as vitamin c.

Ascorbic acid is a natural antioxidant is used to prevent oxidative deterioration of fats in food products. Ascorbic acid is a vital nutrient which is involved in the repairing of tissue and the enzymatic production of the neurotransmitters. Manufacturers sometimes include it in foods as a preservative antioxidant or color stabilizer or it can be used to boost a food s vitamin c content. It interrupts the oxidation reaction in the components of food products preventing the reduction of organoleptic characteristics of products.

Vitamin c in normal quantities is a safe food product for consumption and is listed in the fda s generally regarded as safe gras listing. It is used in the prevention and treatment of scurvy. If you read the ingredients list for fruit juices and drinks cereals fruit flavored candies cured meats cereals and frozen fruits you may see ascorbic acid listed. When sold as a pure powder ascorbic acid is usually packaged in a jar or small resealable bag but be sure to check the ingredients closely for whether it s 100 pure or other ingredients.

Ascorbic acid vitamin c e300 white powder one of the strongest antioxidants. Vitamin c also helps the body absorb iron which is needed for red blood cell production. Ascorbic acid als o known as vitamin c is a water soluble vitamin necessary for normal growth development and repair of damaged tissues in the body. Citrus fruit or it can be synthesised from sugars and other carbohydrates a multi step chemical and microbial process e g.

L ascorbic acid and its sodium salt are antioxidants and they are extensively used as preservatives color stabilizers and for related functions in various foods and beverages. The ascorbic acid used as a food additive can be a highly refined and purified extract from a natural vegetable source e g. Because of its common use as a nutritional supplement food grade or better ascorbic acid can be found at most drug stores and in many supermarkets stocked alongside the other vitamin supplements. It is essentially an antioxidant which is needed for the prevention of some of the damage done when one is exposed to cigarette smoke radiation or when the body breaks down food.