Difference Between Vitamin C & Lemon Extract

Vitamin C is ascorbic acid and is present in lemons and other citrus as well as tomatoes, leafy green vegetables and several varieties of fruit. Lemon extract is the essence of lemon zest infused in alcohol and does not necessarily contain vitamin C. While vitamin C and lemon extract come from the same source, they have different functions and uses.

Functions and Uses of Vitamin C

Vitamin C is a water-soluble vitamin that helps your body make collagen, which holds your tissues together. Vitamin C also maintains your blood vessels, boosts your immune system, helps you produce brain hormones and enables your body to absorb calcium and iron. Because Vitamin C is water-soluble, your body does not store it in your cells. Your kidneys filter excess vitamin C from your body in the urine. Vitamin C, in the form of ascorbic acid, is also a food preservative that prevents oxidation, which makes foods turn brown.

Functions and Uses of Lemon Extract

Lemon extract is a flavoring agent commonly used in confections in place of lemon zest or other lemon flavoring. The extract has a strong lemon flavor, and 1 tsp. of extract is roughly equivalent to 2 tsp. of actual lemon zest. The alcohol in the extract evaporates during cooking, leaving behind the lemon flavor and aroma. Lemon extract serves no purpose inside the body; in aromatherapy, however, lemon is considered an invigorating scent, according to Valerie Ann Worwood, author of "The Complete Book of Essential Oils and Aromatherapy."

Vitamin C Dosing

The recommended daily allowance of Vitamin C is 90 mg for males over age 19 and 75 mg for females within the same age range. The recommended dosage for pregnant women is 80 to 85 mg, and nursing mothers need 115 to 120 mg. However, because vitamin C is water-soluble and passes out of your body, you can take significantly more than this. The tolerable upper limit for adults is 2,000 mg per day.

Making Lemon Extract

You can find commercial lemon extract in the spice aisle in the grocery store. However, you can also make your own with fresh lemons and a high-quality clear alcohol, such as vodka. Add the zest from two lemons to a glass jar with a lid. Pour enough vodka into the jar to cover the lemon zest, cover the jar and let it steep for at least two weeks. Strain the liquid through a filter to remove the zest and store it in a cool, dry place for up to one year.