What is ascorbic acid?
Ascorbic acid also commonly known as Vitamin C. It is soluble in water and is a chemical element necessary for a human body. Ascorbic acid is primarily found in fruits and vegetables. Talking about its physical properties it is white or slightly yellow crystal or powder and it has an acidic taste. When the substance is exposed to light, it becomes dark. When Ascorbic acid is in a dry state, it is stable even in the presence of air but when mixed with a solution it oxidizes rapidly. The empirical formula of Ascorbic acid is C6H806.
Ascorbic Acid Uses
Ascorbic acid is one of the most important types of vitamin that is required by humans and therefore one of its main uses is in the medical field. Ascorbic acid is mainly used to treat and prevent vitamin C deficiency. It is required by our body to maintain and function normally and it also helps produce other substances like collagen, adrenaline and dopamine. However, there are several other uses of Ascorbic acid. They are listed as below:
- Health Benefits
- Personal Care
- Food and Beverage
- In Agriculture and Animal Fodder
Health Benefits
Being an antioxidant, ascorbic acid helps to recover from the damage done to the body due to exposure to radiation or inhaling tobacco smoke. It helps in repairing worn-out and damaged tissues.
Personal Care
It can also be used as an antioxidant in cosmetics and personal care products like makeup products. It is also found in skin and hair care products.
Food and Beverage
Ascorbic acid is also usually used in preservatives, acidity regulators, colour fixative, nutrition supplements in food and beverages.
In Agriculture and Animal Fodder
One of the commercial uses of Ascorbic acid is that it is often offered as a nutritional supplement in agriculture or animal and poultry food.
Side effects of ascorbic acid
Get immediate medical assistance if you have any symptoms of allergy, hives, swelling of your throat, lips, face, tongue, and difficulty breathing.
Terminate the use of ascorbic acid and call your doctor for help for the following scenarios:
- Weakness or tired feeling, stomach pain, joint pain, weight loss
- Fever, difficult or painful urination, chills, increased urge to urinate
- severe pain in your lower or side back, blood in the urine.
Usual side effects are:
- Stomach upset, heartburn
- Diarrhoea, nausea, cramps in the stomach.
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Frequently asked questions
1. What is the major benefit of ascorbic acid?
Ans: Ascorbic acid or vitamin C, is necessary for the development, repair, and growth of body tissues.
2. 500mg ascorbic acid is used for what purpose?
Ans: To prevent and treat low levels of vitamin C in people who do not intake sufficient vitamin from their daily diet.
3. Consuming 1000mg of Vitamin C is safe?
Ans: The recommended amount of vitamin C for adults is 65 to 90 mg per day. The maximum limit is 2,000 milligrams a day.
These are some of the popular uses of Ascorbic acid. To know more about properties, the structure of acids and bases you can keep visiting BYJU’s or download our app for interesting content and learning experience.
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