Ascorbic acid and its sodium, potassium, and calcium salts are commonly used as antioxidant food additives. These compounds are water-soluble and thus cannot protect fats from oxidation: For this purpose, the fat-soluble esters of ascorbic acid with long-chain fatty acids (ascorbyl palmitate or ascorbyl stearate) can be used as food antioxidants.


Ascorbic acid is another name for vitamin C. Normally the body obtains enough vitamin C through a proper diet, but occasionally there exists a need for vitamin C supplementation. Ascorbic acid comes in a variety of forms for oral dosing including tablets, capsules, lozenges, syrups and powders. The powdered form of ascorbic acid can be mixed in a solution and allows for easy administration.

Ascorbic acid powder can be mixed with water into a solution for drinking. It can also be sprinkled over food and eaten. Ascorbic acid in powdered form is an effective oral dosage option for those who cannot swallow pills.

Ascorbic acid powder is also used to prepare fruits for freezing. Sprinkle it on fruits or mix in a solution with water and apply to fruits prior to freezing. This application prevents the fruit from the browning discoloration caused by oxidation.

Food and Nutrition Board of the institute of Medicine recommend that men over age 18 obtain 90 mg of vitamin C per day. Women over 18 are recommended to get 75 mg per day. For adults, the maximum amount of vitamin C taken in one day should not exceed 2,000 mg. Lower amounts are recommended for children and are based specifically on age.