Ascorbic acid is the chemical name for what's known more commonly as vitamin C. Your cells use vitamin C for a variety of purposes, including supporting the immune system. You also need the mineral calcium to stay healthy, and calcium carbonate is one common and inexpensive form of calcium available as a supplement. While there has been some question as to whether taking ascorbic acid and calcium supplements together improves absorption, but it appears that they have no effect upon each other.
Ascorbic Acid
Ascorbic acid, or vitamin C, is an antioxidant. This means that it can prevent and, to a certain extent, undo damage to cells and genetic material from environmental toxins and sources of radiation. Reginald Garrett, Ph.D., and Charles Grisham, Ph.D., in their book "Biochemistry," explain that ascorbic acid also plays important roles in the formation of certain types of tissue, including connective tissue. Deficiencies result in blood vessel, skin, gut and gum weaknesses -- in severe cases, vitamin C deficiency leads to a disease called scurvy. Natural sources of vitamin C include fruits, especially citrus.
Calcium
You need calcium to help maintain your skeletal system -- calcium is one of the components of the bony matrix that makes up the skeleton. However, you also need calcium to maintain the heartbeat and allow for muscular contraction. Good natural sources of calcium include leafy greens and dairy products. MayoClinic.com notes that men younger than 71 and women younger than 51 should get at least 1,000mg of calcium per day, either from diet or through supplementation.
Calcium Carbonate
Even though it's common for physicians and nutritionists to refer to calcium as though it is a stand-alone entity, in reality, you never take in pure calcium from food or supplements. Calcium in nature and in pills always occurs in the form of a salt, meaning that it's combined with particles of some other type. Common calcium salts include calcium carbonate and calcium citrate -- of these, calcium carbonate is the most common and least expensive. Most people absorb calcium carbonate quite well, making it a reasonable choice for supplements.
Interaction
Because ascorbic acid aids in the absorption of another important mineral -- iron -- scientists have wondered whether taking ascorbic acid with calcium could improve absorption. However, it appears this is not the case. A 1988 article published in the "Journal of Food Science" notes that giving rats ascorbic acid supplements in addition to calcium did not increase their ability to absorb the calcium from their food. As such, you needn't try to take your vitamin C and calcium together to benefit from them.
References
- "Biochemistry"; Reginald Garrett, Ph.D. and Charles Grisham, Ph.D.; 2007
- MayoClinic.com: Calcium
- "Journal of Food Science"; Bioavailability of Calcium from Tofu, Tortillas, Nonfat Dry Milk and Mozzarella Cheese in Rats: Effect of Supplemental Ascorbic Acid; A Poneros et al; Jan. 1988
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