Ascorbic Acid (Vitamin C)
Economic significance
Current global market of l-ascorbic acid in an excess of US $585 million with an annual growth rate of 3%
Chemical Industry
plastic manufacturing
Ascorbic acid catalyzes the assembly of molecular chains in plastic manufacturing
water purification
Water treatment plants use chlorine to remove bacteria from water supplies
Whilst this is an effective neutraliser of bacteria and makes water safe to drink, the chlorine solution that is discharged following treatment of the water can poison streams and disturb aquatic life
Ascorbic acid is an effective chemical method for neutralising chlorine
remove the taste of iodine
developing agent and preservative in photo production
Swimming pool companies
use ascorbic acid to remove dissolved metal stains, namely iron, from the sides of pools
Because it is an acid, it has the ability to lower the pH of pool water and stabilize the other chemicals
Research/ development of synthetic vitamin C
Majority of commercial vit. C is synthesized via Reichstein process using D-glucose as starting material
50 percent of synthetic vit. C is used in vitamins and pharmaceutical preparations
Food Industry
fruit/ vegetable processing
Used as a natural ingredient preservative, ascorbic acid can prevent browning, reduce the risk of mould and other microbial growth and ultimately, preserve the freshness of the product
ascorbic acid in these environments slows down this oxidation process, due to its low PH
Additive
During the processing of beverages such as fruit juices, fruits are crushed, strained, pulped and filtered. Unfortunately, this intense process destroys a lot of the naturally occurring vitamin C found within the fruits
Enhances fermentation process in food preparation
Fix and keep red colour of meats
makes it possible to reduce both the amount of added nitrite and the residual nitrite content in the product
Flavouring agent
Ascorbic acid is often added to fruit juices, cereals, fruit-flavored candies, dried fruit, cured meats and frozen fruits, to fortify or add a citrus flavor
Preservative
baking industry and companies
The addition of ascorbic acid to fresh wheat flour improves its baking qualities, thus saving the 4-8 weeks of maturation flour would normally have to undergo after milling
higher profit yields, lower production times and higher buyer satisfaction (longer shelf life, reduced number of damaged loaves during transport.
Recent pharmaceutical trials of topical ascorbic acid have proved it reduces the appearance of fine lines and age spots significantly. This is because, it helps to promote synthesis of collagen.
A double-blind trial had a remarkable 73.7% success rate with participants who applied an ascorbic acid solution to one side of their face and a placebo on the opposite side. Both clinicians and patients noted the improvement
Cosmetic Industry
Products
Cosmetics and other personal care products may include less acidic forms of ascorbic acid, such as calcium ascorbate, magnesium ascorbate, magnesium ascorbyl phosphate, sodium ascorbate and sodium ascorbyl phosphate
which act as antioxidants to slow deterioration of the finished product caused by exposure to the air and also to control the pH of the product
Health/Medical Industry
antioxidant
ascorbic acid can help prevent cell damage caused by free radicals
prevent and treat scurvy
Scientists also use ascorbic acid in fluorescence microscopy, an essential tool to understanding cell biology
ascorbic acid helps increase fluorescence, making cells more visible to researchers
Anti-Allergen
Oral Health
Teeth and Gum