Ascorbic acid and vitamin C
Vitamin C is an essential vitamin found in many different foods. But what is ascorbic acid, and which version is suitable for a low-histamine diet? Find out more here in this blog article.
What is the difference between ascorbic acid and vitamin C?
People often talk about vitamin C, and then again about ascorbic acid. This can be very confusing. What does this mean for us? Are the substances vitamin C and ascorbic acid identical, and do they therefore have the same effect? We will clarify this for you.
What is vitamin C?
Vitamin C is a water-soluble vitamin that cannot be stored by the body. It is partially responsible for vital functions in the human body. Therefore, we must consume it daily to avoid a deficiency. Vitamin C is found in many plant-based foods, especially in fruits and vegetables. Vitamin C is available in low and high doses in dietary supplements. There are vitamin C tablets or capsules, but also powdered fruits and vegetables as a source of vitamin C. Vitamin C
- contributes to the normal function of the immune system during and after intense physical exercise.
- contributes to normal collagen formation for the normal function of blood vessels.
- contributes to normal collagen formation for the normal function of bones.
- contributes to normal collagen formation for normal cartilage function.
- contributes to normal collagen formation for the normal function of gums.
- contributes to normal collagen formation for the normal function of the skin.
- contributes to normal collagen formation for the normal function of teeth.
- contributes to normal energy metabolism.
- contributes to normal functioning of the nervous system.
- contributes to normal psychological function.
- contributes to normal function of the immune system.
- contributes to the protection of cells from oxidative stress.
- contributes to the reduction of tiredness and fatigue.
- contributes to the regeneration of the reduced form of vitamin E.
- increases iron absorption.
Would you like to easily integrate vitamin C into your daily routine? Our DextroFit combines natural vitamin C from acerola with dextrose in a practical lozenge. Vitamin C contributes, among other things, to the normal function of the immune system, normal energy metabolism, as well as the reduction of tiredness and fatigue. DextroFit is lab-tested, free from unnecessary additives, and is vegan as well as suitable for a low-histamine, low-fructose, gluten-free, and lactose-free diet.
Ascorbic acid should not be confused with citric acid. The organic acid is water-soluble, crystalline, and odorless and colorless. Its extremely sour taste is striking. The chemical term for vitamin C is L-(+)ascorbic acid. This is derived from the term “anti-scurvy acid.” The name came about because observations showed that the sailor's disease, scurvy, manifested during a vitamin C deficiency. “Ascorbic” can therefore be translated as “without scurvy.”
Ascorbic acid and its use
Ascorbic acid is primarily used as an antioxidant. D-isoascorbic acid is used to preserve foods and to strengthen the color intensity of a food product. For example, it is added to cooked sausages and meat to enhance the red color, to make the product last longer, and to make it appear more appetizing. On the packaging, this preservative or ascorbic acid derivative is visible as E 300, E 301, E 302, or E 304.
In naturally cloudy apple juice, ascorbic acid reduces the quinones contained, making the juice lighter in color. Ascorbic acid is also used in fats to prevent them from turning rancid, in flour to increase dough volume, or in the pharmaceutical sector to stabilize products. Ascorbic acid is also used in the private kitchen. The substance, declared as vitamin C powder, prevents freshly cut fruit from turning brown.
Is there a difference between ascorbic acid and vitamin C?
Especially in the case of histamine issues, the intake of vitamin C as a dietary supplement is recommended. Our low-histamine dietary supplements contain pure vitamin C from the acerola cherry. Acerola is rich in polyphenols and bioflavonoids, which provides a balanced ratio of plant substances.
You can also find natural vitamin C from acerola in our Bio 1mmunFit. Here it is combined with selected plant-based ingredients such as moringa, black cumin, ashwagandha, cranberry, turmeric, and reishi. Vitamin C contributes to the normal function of the immune system and the reduction of tiredness and fatigue. Bio 1mmunFit is organic, lab-tested, and free from unnecessary additives – it is also vegan, gluten-free, and lactose-free, as well as suitable for a low-histamine and low-fructose diet.
Vitamin C: requirements and foods
The daily vitamin C requirement depends on your age and gender. Up to the age of 4, the human body needs 10 mg of vitamin C per day. For 13- to 15-year-olds, this is about 85 mg daily. Male 15- to 19-year-olds need 105 mg of vitamin C, whereas the requirement for female adolescents is 90 mg per day. Adult men need 110 mg, adult women 95 mg daily. The requirement for pregnant and breastfeeding women is higher, at 105 and 125 mg of vitamin C per day. For smokers, the requirement increases to 135 mg for women and 155 mg for men. You can meet your vitamin C needs with these low-histamine foods:
- Currants
- Acerola cherry
- Broccoli (e.g., in our organic smoothie powder)
- Bell pepper
- Pointed cabbage
- Parsley
- Sea buckthorn
- Bell pepper
