What Is Sodium Ascorbate?

Sodium ascorbate, a water-soluble salt, contains ascorbic acid or vitamin C combined with sodium. As a nutritional supplement, sodium ascorbate provides a less acidic alternative to the more common ascorbic acid. Besides its use as a nutritional supplement, sodium ascorbate is also found as a food additive.

Identification

Sodium ascorbate is sold as a nutritional supplement, as chewable tablets and powdered form, and used as a food additive. Compared to other forms of vitamin C, sodium ascorbate may provide a more bio-available source of vitamin C, meaning that it is easier for the body to absorb and make use of sodium ascorbate. However, the Linus Pauling Institute at Oregon State University argues that there is little scientific evidence that sodium ascorbate absorbs into the body more easily than other forms of vitamin C.

Sodium ascorbate contains 111 mg of sodium and 889 mg of ascorbic acid. The addition of sodium buffers the acid content of vitamin C, resulting in lowered acidity. Although instructions for making sodium ascorbate at home using pharmaceutical grade ascorbic acid have been widely published online, this chemical is also sold in most health food stores as a nutritional supplement.

Effects

Sodium ascorbate and other forms of vitamin C are important for the health of bones, connective tissues and blood vessels, and help the body to absorb iron needed for the production of red blood cells. The Linus Pauling Institute notes that vitamin C also acts as a highly effective antioxidant, preventing damage to essential molecules in the body.

Benefits

Humans do not have the ability to make vitamin C, and must receive it through food sources or nutritional supplements. The FDA recommended daily allowance for vitamin C is 75 to 90 mg per day. Sodium ascorbate supplements benefit those who do not eat a diet high in vitamin C. Sodium ascorbate is preferred over ascorbic acid by those who want to avoid food acidity. This chemical can be added to many foods without affecting their flavor, although sodium ascorbate taken by itself carries a slightly salty taste.

Considerations

Because sodium ascorbate contains sodium, this form of vitamin C should be avoided by those following a low-sodium diet. A sodium tipsheet provided by the USDA Center for Nutrition Policy and Promotion cautions those trying to avoid sodium to limit their intake of sodium ascorbate and other food additives containing sodium. Talk to your doctor before taking vitamin C supplements, because some medicatons and health conditions can affect the way vitamin C is absorbed by the body.

Warning

Taken in high doses, sodium ascorbate can lead to negative health effects, including diarrhea, skin irritation and chest pain, according to the Linus Pauling Institute. The recommended upper limit for intake of all forms of vitamin C, including sodium ascorbate, has been set by the FDA at 2,000 mg daily. Prolonged high levels of sodium ascorbate can also damage the kidneys, upper respiratory tract and gastrointestinal tract. Some people may experience an allergic reaction, particularly if taking high doses of vitamin C. Talk to your doctor before taking sodium ascorbate if you have a history of kidney or liver problems or are currently pregnant or breastfeeding.