Ascorbic acid, also known as vitamin C or L-ascorbic acid, is a natural organic compound (C6H8O6) containing antioxidant properties.
Ascorbic acid is found in plants and food, including citrus fruits, tomatoes, and green vegetables. It is also produced by the kidney of some animals. Humans are not able to produce ascorbic acid and must obtain it from the diet, or else they will develop a deficiency. Industries are producing ascorbic acid through a multistep process. It involves bacteria that reduce glucose and produce ascorbic acid as a byproduct.
Ascorbic acid can be used in a variety of forms, including salts and esters. It appears on ingredient lists under different names, such as sodium ascorbate, calcium ascorbate, potassium ascorbate, ascorbyl palmitate, or ascorbyl stearate.