The Benefits of Sodium Ascorbate as one of Dr. Vita Maca Ingredients
Dr. Vita Maca is comprised of high-quality ingredients, one of which is Sodium Ascorbate.
What is Sodium Ascorbate?
Sodium ascorbate is one of the many mineral salts of ascorbic acid (vitamin C). As the sodium salt of ascorbic acid, it is known as a mineral ascorbate.
Sodium ascorbate is an organic sodium salt resulting from the replacement of the proton from the 3-hydroxy group of ascorbic acid by a sodium ion. It has a role as a vitamin C, a water-soluble vitamin, a coenzyme, a human metabolite, a plant metabolite, a food antioxidant, a flour treatment agent, and a reduce agent. It comes an L-ascorbate.
Sodium ascorbate is a more bioavailable form of vitamin C. It is a great alternative to taking ascorbic acid as a supplement.
Sodium Ascorbate vs. Ascorbic Acid
Both sodium ascorbate and ascorbic acid are forms of Vitamin C. However, sodium ascorbate falls under the category of mineral salts. Thus, while ascorbic acid is the pure form of Vitamin C, sodium ascorbate is the sodium salt of ascorbic acid.
Ascorbic acid is acidic in nature and dissolves well in water, resulting in mildly acidic solutions. It is an organic chemical compound with a polyhydroxy function that provides it with antioxidant properties. Because of this, ascorbic acid is commonly used as an antioxidant food additive.
On the other hand, sodium ascorbate is the sodium salt of ascorbic acid. It is a common mineral salt. It is produced through the reaction between equal amounts of sodium bicarbonate and ascorbic acid, with further precipitation using isopropanol.
Being a mineral ascorbate, it is buffered and is less acidic than ascorbic acid. Typically, sodium ascobate is recommended for people with gastrointestinal problems linked with ascorbic acid – sodium ascorbate is considered mild and more abdomen-friendly.
Here are some other key differences between sodium ascorbate and ascorbic acid:
- Sodium ascorbate is milder and has less acidity compared to ascorbic acid, which makes it more stomach-friendly.
- Ascorbic acid is an organic acid; on the other hand, sodium ascorbate is a mineral salt of ascorbic acid.
- Sodium ascorbate has an ester function, while ascorbic acid doesn’t.
Benefits of Sodium Ascorbate
Do you get enough vitamin C? If you don’t have a balanced diet, and you’re feeling tired and run down, a supplement may help you. One way to gain vitamin C benefits is by taking sodium ascorbate, a supplement form of ascorbic acid – also known as Vitamin C.
Sodium ascorbate is a vitamin C supplement that’s available as a capsule or powder supplement. It provides extra vitamin C when your diet is lacking or if you have a health condition that necessitates an extra dose of this vital nutrient.
According to various studies who are experts on this field, sodium ascorbate is considered as effective as other forms of vitamin C supplementation.
Furthermore, for people who find it hard to digest acidic substances, sodium ascorbic supplements may be less irritating than pure ascorbic acid. Sodium ascorbate provides around 890 mg of vitamin C in a 1,000 mg dose. And as you might expect from its name, the rest of the supplement in sodium ascorbate consists of sodium.
But, what exactly can sodium ascorbate and vitamin C do for your health?
Listed below are some of its many health benefits.
- It may reduce your risk of chronic disease.
Vitamin C is a powerful antioxidant that can strengthen your body’s natural defenses. Studies show that consuming more vitamin C can increase your blood antioxidant levels by about 30%, helping the body’s natural defenses fight inflammation and chronic disease.
- It may help manage high blood pressure.
Worried about your blood pressure levels? Studies have shown that vitamin C may help lower blood pressure in both those with and without high blood pressure.An analysis of several studies showed that on average, taking a vitamin C supplement reduced systolic blood pressure by about 3.58 mmHg and diastolic blood pressure by about 1.5 mmHg in healthy adults. In adults with high blood pressure, vitamin C supplementation reduced systolic high blood pressure by about 4.9 mmHg and diastolic blood pressure by about 1.7 mmHg.
- It can help prevent iron deficiency.
Iron is a vital nutrient that has numerous functions in the body. It’s crucial for producing red blood cells and transporting oxygen throughout the body.Vitamin C supplements can help improve iron absorption. Vitamin C assists in converting iron that’s poorly absorbed, such as plant-based sources of iron, into a form that’s easier for the body to absorb. In fact, studies show that consuming 100 mg of vitamin C may improve iron absorption by about 67%. As a result, vitamin C may help reduce the risk of anemia, particularly among people prone to iron deficiency.
If you have low iron levels, taking a vitamin C supplement or consuming more foods rich in vitamin C may help improve your blood iron levels.
- It can help boost immunity.
One of the biggest benefits of vitamin C supplements is that it can help boost your immunity. vitamin C promotes while blood cell production, which helps protect the body against infection. Furthermore, vitamin C helps these white blood cells function more effectively, while protecting them from free radical damage.Vitamin C is also a crucial part of the skin’s defense system. It’s actively transported to the skin, where it acts as an antioxidant and help strengthen the skin’s barriers. Moreover, studies show that taking vitamin C may improve wound healing.
Low vitamin C levels have been associated with poor health outcomes. For instance, people who have pneumonia tend to have lower vitamin C levels. Vitamin C supplementation have been shown to shorten recovery time.
Sodium Ascorbate Dosage
It can be tempting to blast your system with vitamin C during flu and cold season. While it may be safe to exceed the recommended amount if your doctor approves, you’ll still need to be aware of how much sodium ascorbate supplement is too much.
Sodium ascorbate is available in capsule and powder form, and it comes in various strengths. However, whichever form you choose, take note that going beyond 1,000 mg may cause unwanted side effects.
Dosage is based on your unique needs, medical condition, and response to treatment. Always talk to your doctor first before taking any supplements, such as sodium ascorbate.
Possible Side Effects
Although sodium ascorbate is generally considered safe, high doses can cause adverse side effects, including nausea, headaches, diarrhea, stomach cramps, and heartburn. Doses over 2,000 mg are considered extreme and may put you at risk of severe diarrhea and kidney stones.
Consult your doctor before taking sodium ascorbate supplements to avoid unwanted side effects. Also, if you are taking any other medications and supplements, talk to your doctor. To avoid unwanted drug interactions, let your doctor know if you are planning to take or are taking sodium ascorbate supplements with your other medications.
How to Use Sodium Ascorbate
You can take sodium ascorbate supplements by mouth – with or without food – usually 1 to 2 times a day. Follow all directions found on the product package, or take as directed by your doctor or pharmacist.
If you’re taking the extended-release capsules, make sure to swallow them whole. Do not chew or crush extended-release tablets or capsules. Doing so can release all of the drug at once, which can increase the risk of unwanted side effects. Also, don’t split extended-release tablets unless instructed to do so.
If you are taking chewable tablets, make sure to chew them thoroughly and then swallow. If you’re taking lozenges, place the lozenge in your mouth and let it dissolve slowly.
If you’re taking sodium ascorbate in powder form, mix it thoroughly in the proper amount of liquid. Stir well. Then, drink all of the mixture right away. Do not prepare mixture for future use. If you’re using the liquid form of this vitamin, measure the dose carefully using a special measuring spoon/device. Do not use a household spoon as you might not get the correct dose.
The Bottom Line
Sodium ascorbate is one of the many mineral salts of ascorbic acid (vitamin C). It provides extra vitamin C when your diet is lacking or if you have a health condition that necessitates an extra dose of this vital nutrient.
It has been linked to many impressive health benefits, such as improving iron absorption, reducing risk of chronic disease, blood pressure management, and boosting immunity.
Although sodium ascorbate is generally considered safe, high doses can cause adverse side effects, including nausea, headaches, diarrhea, stomach cramps, and heartburn. Consult your doctor before taking sodium ascorbate supplements to avoid unwanted side effects.
Overall, sodium ascorbate supplements are a great way to boost your vitamin C intake if you struggle to get enough from your diet.
