FOOD ADDITIVE

E300

Ascorbic Acid

Most complete information about food additive Ascorbic Acid (E300) - What is it? Is it harmful to health?

E300 (Ascorbic Acid) - vitamin C, natural antioxidant, acidity regulator and preservative. Essential human vitamin involved in many biochemical processes
антиокислитель • Vitamin C • Powerful antioxidant • Immune support • Collagen synthesis
✓ GRAS - Generally Recognized as Safe (FDA, EFSA). Essential vitamin for humans
AU: Approved by Food Standards Australia New Zealand as safe additive BR: Approved by ANVISA (Brazilian Health Regulatory Agency) CA: Recognized as safe by Health Canada as food additive and vitamin CN: Allowed in China without restrictions, considered a vitamin EU: Approved by European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) IN: Approved by FSSAI (Food Safety and Standards Authority of India) JP: Approved by Japanese Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare RU: No restrictions, vitamin C is considered a food product, not an additive US: GRAS status from FDA, recognized as safe food additive ZA: Approved by South African Department of Health

E300 (Ascorbic Acid) — vitamin C and powerful antioxidant

Ascorbic acid (vitamin C) is an essential nutrient for humans performing multiple functions: antioxidant protection, collagen synthesis, immune support, iron absorption enhancement. Used as antioxidant, acidity regulator and preservative in food industry. Naturally found in citrus fruits, berries, vegetables.

🌿
ORIGIN
plant
Natural origin from fruits and vegetables
⚕️
SAFETY
GRAS
Essential vitamin, absolutely safe
👶
FOR CHILDREN
Safe and necessary
Necessary for growth and development of children
🤰
PREGNANCY
Safe and recommended
Recommended during pregnancy for fetal development

⚡ Health effects

✅ Positive effects:

  • Immune system strengthening and increased resistance to infections
  • Collagen synthesis - improving skin, joints, blood vessels condition
  • Powerful antioxidant - protecting cells from oxidative stress
  • Iron absorption improvement (especially non-heme from plant foods)
  • Fatigue reduction and energy increase
  • Participation in neurotransmitter synthesis (serotonin, norepinephrine)
  • Reduced risk of chronic diseases (cardiovascular, some cancers)
  • Accelerated wound healing and post-surgical recovery

⚠️ Potential risks:

  • High doses (>2000 mg/day) may cause diarrhea, nausea, abdominal cramps
  • In people with hemochromatosis may enhance iron absorption
  • May interfere with some laboratory tests (blood glucose, creatinine)
  • Rarely - allergic reactions in hypersensitive individuals

💊 Medication interactions:

Chemotherapy drugs (doxorubicin, methotrexate): (dangerous) - High vitamin C doses may interfere with some chemotherapy drugs
Anticoagulants (Warfarin, Heparin): (moderate) - Vitamin C in high doses may reduce anticoagulant effectiveness
Estrogen-containing drugs and oral contraceptives: (moderate) - May increase blood estrogen levels
Aluminum drugs (antacids): (moderate) - Vitamin C increases aluminum absorption, use with caution
Iron supplements: (moderate) - Improves iron absorption, may require dose adjustment
Aspirin and other NSAIDs: (mild) - May increase vitamin C urinary excretion
Statins (Atorvastatin, Simvastatin): (mild) - May enhance cholesterol-lowering effect
Proton pump inhibitors (Omeprazole, Esomeprazole): (mild) - May reduce vitamin C absorption with long-term use

🔬 Chemical Properties

Formula: C₆H₈O₆
Molar Mass: 176.1240 g/mol
Appearance: White or slightly yellowish crystalline powder odorless
Solubility: Very soluble in water, moderately in alcohol
CAS Number: 50-81-7
Melting Point: 190-192°C (с разложением)
Quality Standards: Complies with USP, European Pharmacopoeia, BP, JP, FCC

🏷️ Identification in Ingredients

Look on Package For:

E300 Ascorbic Acid Vitamin CL-ascorbic acidAcidum ascorbinicumCebionRedoxon

Shopping Tips:

  • Look for natural sources of vitamin C
  • Check content in fortified products
  • Pay attention to expiration date
  • Store in cool dark place
  • Avoid heating products with vitamin C

Commonly Found In:

  • Fruit juices and nectars (fortified) (30-100 mg/100 ml)
  • Soft drinks and lemonades (10-50 mg/100 ml)
  • Confectionery, marmalade, jelly (50-300 mg/100 g)
  • Meat products and sausages (as antioxidant) (100-500 mg/kg)
  • Canned fruits and vegetables (50-200 mg/kg)
  • Bakery products (flour improver) (20-100 mg/kg flour)
  • Dairy products and baby food (10-50 mg/100 g)
  • Vitamin complexes and supplements (100-1000 mg/tablet)
  • Frozen vegetables and fruits (20-100 mg/100 g)
  • Jams, preserves, marmalades (50-150 mg/100 g)

👥 For Special Groups

👶

Children

Essential for children for normal growth, bone and tooth development, immune support. Daily requirement: 1-3 years - 15 mg, 4-8 years - 25 mg, 9-13 years - 45 mg.

🤰

Pregnancy & Lactation

Crucial during pregnancy for fetal development, connective tissue formation, anemia prevention. Recommended dose: 85 mg/day during pregnancy, 120 mg/day during lactation.

🧓

Elderly

Especially important for elderly for immune maintenance, age-related disease prevention, iron absorption improvement. May reduce risk of cardiovascular diseases.

📊 Comparison with other colorants

Code
Name
Origin
Safety
Action
E300
Ascorbic Acid
plant
allowed
E301
Sodium Ascorbate
synthetic
allowed
Details
E302
Calcium Ascorbate
synthetic
allowed
Details
E304
Ascorbyl Palmitate
synthetic
allowed
Details
E306
Tocopherols
plant
allowed
Details
E330
Citric Acid
plant
allowed
E315
Erythorbic Acid
synthetic
allowed
Details

📜 Historical Background

Scurvy caused by vitamin C deficiency was known since ancient times. In 1747 Scottish physician James Lind conducted first clinical trial proving citrus effectiveness against scurvy.

In 1928 Hungarian biochemist Albert Szent-Györgyi isolated vitamin C from peppers naming it "hexuronic acid".

In 1933 Swiss chemist Tadeusz Reichstein developed first industrial vitamin C synthesis method, receiving Nobel Prize in 1950.

Today vitamin C is one of most produced and consumed vitamins worldwide.

1747
First clinical trial
1933
Industrial synthesis
110,000 tons
Annual production
99%
Synthetic production
85 mg
Recommended adult dose

🎯 Consumption Simulator E300

Estimate your daily intake of ascorbic acid through various food products

0 mg
Current Consumption ascorbic acid
Optimal Level
Optimal
Normal
Excess
0 mg 0 mg 0 mg

Explanation: Exceeding the norm established by EFSA does not mean immediate harm, but is recommended for safe regular consumption.

Select products you consumed today:

📊Personal Norm Calculation

Daily Intake Norm: up to 3 mg per kg body weight

Recommended Maximum: 0 mg for 70 kg person

*Calculations are for reference only

*Actual content depends on manufacturer

🔬 Bioavailability & Absorption

Intestinal absorption
70%
Bioavailability
80%
Renal excretion
60%
Half-life
10%

⚠️ Problem:

Vitamin C is water-soluble vitamin, not stored in body requiring regular replenishment. High doses (>1000 mg) may cause diarrhea.

✅ Solution:

  • Divide daily dose into several intakes
  • Take with meals for better absorption
  • Combine with bioflavonoids for enhanced effect
  • Use stable forms (sodium ascorbate, liposomal vitamin C)
  • Avoid simultaneous intake with antacids

💡 Tip:

For maximum absorption take vitamin C with bioflavonoid-rich foods: citrus fruits, berries, bell peppers.

🌿 Natural Sources

🌿
Natural originFrom fruits and vegetables
100%
Natural vitamin
650 mg/100g
Maximum in rose hips
75 mg
Daily norm for women
90 mg
Daily norm for men
120 mg
Daily norm for smokers

Rose hips: Contains up to 650 mg/100g

Bell pepper: Contains 250 mg/100g

Black currant: Contains 200 mg/100g

Kiwi: Contains 180 mg/100g

Broccoli: Contains 90 mg/100g

Strawberries: Contains 60 mg/100g

Oranges: Contains 50 mg/100g

Lemons: Contains 40 mg/100g

📚 Scientific Research

EFSA - Scientific Opinion on Dietary Reference Values for vitamin C

EFSA Journal

↗ Open Research
FDA - GRAS status of ascorbic acid (E300)

FDA

↗ Open Research
WHO - Vitamin C in disease prevention and treatment

WHO

↗ Open Research
Cochrane Review - Vitamin C for preventing and treating colds

Cochrane Database

↗ Open Research
NIH - Vitamin C Consumer Information

NIH

↗ Open Research
Linus Pauling Institute Vitamin C Research

Linus Pauling Institute

↗ Open Research
Meta-analysis of vitamin C effect on cardiovascular diseases

American Journal of Clinical Nutrition

↗ Open Research
Role of vitamin C in collagen synthesis and skin health

Nutrients

↗ Open Research
EFSA - Scientific Opinion on Dietary Reference Values for vitamin C

EFSA Journal

↗ Open Research
FDA - GRAS status of ascorbic acid (E300)

FDA

↗ Open Research
WHO - Vitamin C in disease prevention and treatment

WHO

↗ Open Research
Cochrane Review - Vitamin C for preventing and treating colds

Cochrane Database

↗ Open Research
NIH - Vitamin C Consumer Information

NIH

↗ Open Research
Linus Pauling Institute Vitamin C Research

Linus Pauling Institute

↗ Open Research
Meta-analysis of vitamin C effect on cardiovascular diseases

American Journal of Clinical Nutrition

↗ Open Research
Role of vitamin C in collagen synthesis and skin health

Nutrients

↗ Open Research

❓ Frequently Asked Questions about E300

Is E300 harmful or not?

+ -
Ascorbic acid (E300) is absolutely safe and even necessary for the body. This is vitamin C, which is an essential nutrient for humans.

How much vitamin C is needed per day?

+ -
Recommended daily allowance: adults - 90 mg for men, 75 mg for women; pregnant - 85 mg; nursing - 120 mg. Smokers need 35 mg more.

Can vitamin C be taken for colds?

+ -
Yes, studies show that regular vitamin C intake may reduce cold duration by 8% in adults and 14% in children.

Which foods have the most vitamin C?

+ -
Leaders: rose hips (650 mg/100g), bell peppers (250 mg), black currants (200 mg), kiwi (180 mg), broccoli (90 mg), strawberries (60 mg), oranges (50 mg).

What happens with vitamin C deficiency?

+ -
Scurvy develops: gum bleeding, tooth loss, weakness, joint pain, poor wound healing. Severe deficiency can lead to death.

Can you overdose on vitamin C?

+ -
Vitamin C is water-soluble, excess is excreted in urine. However, doses above 2000 mg/day may cause diarrhea, nausea, abdominal cramps.

Is it true that vitamin C is destroyed by heat?

+ -
Yes, vitamin C is heat sensitive. When boiling, 50-80% is destroyed, when frying - 60-90%. Better to consume fresh or minimally processed foods.

Does vitamin C help absorb iron?

+ -
Yes, vitamin C significantly improves absorption of non-heme iron from plant foods. It is recommended to combine iron-containing foods with vitamin C.

Can children take vitamin C?

+ -
Yes, and even necessary. Daily norms: 1-3 years - 15 mg, 4-8 years - 25 mg, 9-13 years - 45 mg, 14-18 years - 75 mg (boys), 65 mg (girls).

What is the difference between natural and synthetic vitamin C?

+ -
Chemically identical, equally absorbed. Natural from foods contains bioflavonoids that improve absorption and enhance action.

Is E300 harmful or not?

+ -
Ascorbic acid (E300) is absolutely safe and even necessary for the body. This is vitamin C, which is an essential nutrient for humans.

How much vitamin C is needed per day?

+ -
Recommended daily allowance: adults - 90 mg for men, 75 mg for women; pregnant - 85 mg; nursing - 120 mg. Smokers need 35 mg more.

Can vitamin C be taken for colds?

+ -
Yes, studies show that regular vitamin C intake may reduce cold duration by 8% in adults and 14% in children.

Which foods have the most vitamin C?

+ -
Leaders: rose hips (650 mg/100g), bell peppers (250 mg), black currants (200 mg), kiwi (180 mg), broccoli (90 mg), strawberries (60 mg), oranges (50 mg).

What happens with vitamin C deficiency?

+ -
Scurvy develops: gum bleeding, tooth loss, weakness, joint pain, poor wound healing. Severe deficiency can lead to death.

Can you overdose on vitamin C?

+ -
Vitamin C is water-soluble, excess is excreted in urine. However, doses above 2000 mg/day may cause diarrhea, nausea, abdominal cramps.

Is it true that vitamin C is destroyed by heat?

+ -
Yes, vitamin C is heat sensitive. When boiling, 50-80% is destroyed, when frying - 60-90%. Better to consume fresh or minimally processed foods.

Does vitamin C help absorb iron?

+ -
Yes, vitamin C significantly improves absorption of non-heme iron from plant foods. It is recommended to combine iron-containing foods with vitamin C.

Can children take vitamin C?

+ -
Yes, and even necessary. Daily norms: 1-3 years - 15 mg, 4-8 years - 25 mg, 9-13 years - 45 mg, 14-18 years - 75 mg (boys), 65 mg (girls).

What is the difference between natural and synthetic vitamin C?

+ -
Chemically identical, equally absorbed. Natural from foods contains bioflavonoids that improve absorption and enhance action.

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