What is Ascorbic Acid?
Ascorbic acid, commonly known by the name Vitamin C is an organic compound. It’s also known as Hexuronic acid. It has the chemical formula of C6H8O6. It is a white solid, but it can appear to be yellowish in its impure form. It is acidic and dissolves completely in water to give slightly acidic solutions. Ascorbic acid is a necessary element for the human body. It is mainly found in various fruits and vegetables. On exposure to light, the substance changes to dark in colour. In its dry state, ascorbic acid is stable, even when exposed to air. But when it’s mixed with a solution, it rapidly oxidizes to form an acid.
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Uses of Ascorbic Acid
Ascorbic acid is one of the essential minerals required by the human body for its proper functioning. Therefore, ascorbic acid tablet uses are high in the field of medicine. Especially Ascorbic acid (Vitamin C) chewable tablets uses are high for treating patients of vitamin C deficiency. The body mostly requires it as it produces substances like collagen, adrenaline and dopamine, which help maintain the body’s proper functioning. However, there are various other uses of ascorbic acid, which are mentioned below:
Health benefits of Ascorbic Acid
Ascorbic Acid Benefits for Skin and Personal Care
Uses of Ascorbic acid in food and beverages
Use of Ascorbic acid in agriculture
Use of Ascorbic acid in Animal Fodder
Health Benefits of Ascorbic Acid
Ascorbic acid, commonly known as Vitamin C, is an essential nutrient required by the human body. Vitamin C is used to cure immune system deficiencies. It may also be used as protection against cardiovascular diseases. Ascorbic acid also protects us from various eye diseases. Being an antioxidant, the use of the ascorbic acid tablet is high in medicine, as it is used to cure the damage done to the body when it is exposed to radiation. Ascorbic acid tablets are available in a variety of doses in the market. However, Ascorbic acid tablet 500 mg uses and demand are high in the market as it is used to treat a condition called Scurvy which occurs due to vitamin C deficiency in the body. The ascorbic acid tablet 500 mg price in India is around Rs. 40-50. The ascorbic acid tablet benefits are multifold, but health professionals mostly prescribe it to patients with a deficiency of Vitamin C in their body.
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Ascorbic Acid Benefits for Skin and Personal Care
Ascorbic acid is an antioxidant and is an essential ingredient in most hair care and cosmetic products. It is used in hair care products as it helps in the formation of collagen in the body, and collagen is an essential substance that promotes healthy and thick hair growth. Ascorbic acid powder uses are essential in making skincare products. The vitamin C powder is mixed in serums and moisturizers to reduce fine line and prevent skin-wrinkling. The use of ascorbic acid-based skincare products provides us with youthful and glowing skin.
Usage of Ascorbic Acid in Food and Beverages
Ascorbic Acid or vitamin C is found naturally in many fruits and fresh vegetables. It’s added to many fruits juices, cereals, candies and other food products to retain the vitamin C component and add a citrus flavour. Ascorbic acid is also used as a preservative in many food items like bread, jams, cured meats, etc.
Use of Ascorbic Acid in Agriculture and Animal Fodder
Ascorbic acid is used extensively in agriculture as a nutrient supplement for plants. It helps in the proper growth of the plants. It is also used as the main ingredient in most animal food to provide the growth of animals.
Side Effects of Ascorbic Acid
With all the benefits of ascorbic acid or vitamin C, there are certain disadvantages also. The excess amount of vitamin C in the body can cause allergic reactions, swelling of the throat, lips, face and tongue. In case of any of these symptoms, always consult a doctor. Other usual side effects of ascorbic acid are stomach ache and difficulty in breathing, cramps in the stomach, nausea and Diarrhoea.
Fun Facts About Ascorbic Acid
Here are some of the most amusing facts about Ascorbic Acid:
Ascorbic acid is used in many beauty products to reduce ageing and provide glowing skin.
In the 1940s ascorbic acid, tablet use was essential in the process of healing.
As ascorbic acid or vitamin C is soluble in water, it only stays in the human body for 20-24 hours.
In many studies in the medical field, it has been proved that Vitamin C can prevent cancer.
FAQs on Uses of Ascorbic Acid
1. What is ascorbic acid, and what is its chemical formula according to the NCERT syllabus?
Ascorbic acid is the chemical name for Vitamin C, an essential water-soluble vitamin required by the human body. It is a white, solid organic compound with the chemical formula C₆H₈O₆. It is naturally found in many citrus fruits and vegetables and is vital for various biological functions.
2. What are the primary uses of ascorbic acid for human health?
Ascorbic acid plays several crucial roles in maintaining human health. Its primary uses include:
- Treating and preventing the deficiency disease known as Scurvy.
- Boosting the immune system to help the body fight off infections.
- Acting as a powerful antioxidant, protecting cells from damage caused by free radicals.
- Aiding in the absorption of iron from plant-based foods.
- Supporting the synthesis of collagen, which is essential for healthy skin, bones, and connective tissues.
3. How does ascorbic acid function as an antioxidant?
Ascorbic acid functions as an antioxidant by readily donating its electrons to neutralise highly reactive and damaging molecules called free radicals. By sacrificing its own electrons, it stops these free radicals from causing oxidative stress and damage to vital cellular components like DNA, proteins, and lipids, thereby protecting the body at a molecular level.
4. Why is ascorbic acid commonly used as a food additive?
Ascorbic acid is widely used as a food additive primarily for two reasons. Firstly, it serves as a natural preservative or antioxidant (E300), preventing food spoilage by inhibiting oxidation that can cause changes in colour, flavour, and freshness. Secondly, it is used to fortify foods like juices and cereals, increasing their Vitamin C content.
5. What is the specific biochemical role of ascorbic acid in the synthesis of collagen?
Ascorbic acid acts as an essential cofactor for two key enzymes, prolyl hydroxylase and lysyl hydroxylase. These enzymes are critical for the hydroxylation of proline and lysine amino acids during the formation of collagen. This step is vital for creating a stable triple-helix structure for collagen, the main structural protein in skin, bones, and other connective tissues. Without ascorbic acid, this process fails, leading to weakened tissues as seen in Scurvy.
6. What deficiency disease is caused by a lack of ascorbic acid?
As per the CBSE Class 12 Chemistry syllabus, a deficiency of ascorbic acid (Vitamin C) in the diet leads to a disease called Scurvy. The key symptoms include bleeding gums, joint pain, fatigue, and poor wound healing, which are direct results of impaired collagen synthesis.
7. Can taking too much ascorbic acid have negative side effects?
Yes, while ascorbic acid is essential, consuming excessively high doses can lead to side effects. Because it is water-soluble, the body usually excretes any excess. However, very large amounts can overwhelm this system and may cause:
- Digestive issues such as diarrhoea, nausea, and stomach cramps.
- Heartburn and headaches.
- In rare cases, an increased risk of developing kidney stones in susceptible individuals.
