Profile L Ascorbic acid is an organic acid with antioxidant properties. Its appearance is white to light yellow crystals or powder. It is water soluble. The L enantiomer of ascorbic acid is commonly known as vitamin C. L Ascorbic acid is a versatile water soluble radical scavenger widely distributed in aerobic organisms that plays a central role in the protection of cellular components against oxidative damage by free radicals and oxidants that are involved in the development and exacerbation of a multitude of chronic diseases such as cancer, heart disease, brain dysfunction, aging, rheumatism, inflammation, stroke, emphysema, and AIDS. L Ascorbic acid (also called vitamin C) is a carbohydrate like substance involved in the metabolic functions including synthesis of collagen, maintenance of the structural strength of the blood vessels, metabolism of certain amino acids, and the synthesis or release of hormones in the adrenal glands. It occurs as a white or slightly yellow crystal or powder with a slight acidic taste. L Ascorbic Acid is freely soluble in water; sparingly soluble in alcohol; insoluble in chloroform, ether, and benzene. Properties Appearance White odourless crystalline solid Empirical formula: C6H8O6 Molecular weight: 176.1 Melting point: About 190°C (with decomposition) Source of L Ascorbic Acid The main sources of L ascorbic acid for humans are from plants and animals with indigenous biosynthetic capabilities of producing L ascorbic acid. The ubiquitousness of L-ascorbic acid throughout the human body emphasizes its daily requirement and vitality as a nutrient for healthy maintenance. Its biological half-life in humans is 14 to 40 days after normal intake and a vitamin C free diet in a human develops scurvy in about 3 to 4 months. The vast majority of species of plants and animals are known to synthesize their own vitamin C. A majority of vertebrates such as amphibians, reptiles, birds, and mammals are able to synthesize L ascorbic acid. Molecules similar to ascorbic acid are made by some fungi but not by bacteria. ? Applications Ascorbic acid (Vitamin C) is an essential nutrient that the human body cannot manufacture from other compounds. • It is needed for the formation of collagen, the protein that makes up connective tissue, and is essential to muscles, bones, cartilage, and blood vessels. • Ascorbic acid is also a good anti-oxidant, preventing damage from oxygen free radicals. • Ascorbic acid (vitamin C) is used extensively in the food industry, not only for its nutritional value but for its many functional contributions to product quality. • Acting as an antioxidant, ascorbic acid can improve the color and palatability of many kinds of food products. By removing oxygen from its surroundings, ascorbic acid in its reduced form becomes the oxidized form, de hydro ascorbic acid (see in the fig). This oxidizing action reduces the available oxygen in its immediate environment, making ascorbic acid an effective antioxidant. • L ascorbic acid or L ascorbate is a vital nutrient for many animals, including humans. It is an antioxidant which protects the body against oxidative stress. Market Scenario Ascorbic acid is major food ingredients, and also plays a major role in the fermentation industry. In the past ten years, the markets for these products have changed dramatically. The demand for ascorbic acid in food and non food applications has increased continuously and substantial capacities have been built up. The global market for isoascorbic acid, ascorbic acid and citric acid is estimated at $1,700 million. Food applications account for $1,080 million, feed applications for $90 million. Chinese producers currently have a market share of 37% in isoascorbic acid, 65% in ascorbic acid and 34% in citric acid. Sales of isoascorbic acid will grow at an average annual growth rate (AAGR) of 2.9%. The European market for citric acid accounts for a total of 37% of sales and the U.S. market for 28% of sales. Current world production is estimated at approximately 80,000 metric tons per year with a worldwide market in excess of $600 million. It is synthesized both biologically and chemically from D glucose. ?