Is Ascorbic Acid Real Vitamin C?

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Question: I have been reading that ascorbic acid is not really vitamin C. Is ascorbic acid the same as “real vitamin C?"

Vitamin C, a water-soluble vitamin found in citrus fruits, green vegetables, tomatoes, plus many other fruits, vegetables and herbs, must come from our daily diet or supplement regimen. Vitamin C helps in the absorption of iron, works to scavenge free radicals, supports the immune and cardiovascular system and plays an important role in many other biochemical functions. Vitamin C is also referred to as ascorbic acid and ascorbate.

The best source of vitamin C, as with all nutrients, is from healthful foods. Supplemental vitamin C or ascorbic acid is the bio-identical or orthomolecular form of vitamin C. Respectable scientists, allopathic and naturopathic doctors use these terms interchangeably. Unfortunately, some companies and their sponsors advocate the “real vitamin C” or “natural vitamin C,” often hawking their own exorbitantly priced herbal products. Some of these products are just herbal supplements with the addition of chemicals and elements to plain old ascorbic acid.

We offer numerous options for individuals seeking vitamin C. Our Swanson Premium Brand Vitamin C with Rose Hips offers ascorbic acid with the herbal support of rose hips for enhanced effectiveness. Our Swanson Premium Brand Buffered C with Bioflavonoids features pH neutral ascorbates with naturally occurring citrus bioflavonoids for increased antioxidant power. We also carry various herbs associated with potent amounts of vitamin C in our Swanson Premium Brand: Alma Fruit and Acerola Cherry. We also offer standardized Camu Camu Berries in our Swanson Superior Herbs line.

Ideally, we could all only consume nutritious, vitamin-rich foods grown in mineral-rich soil, free from pesticides, herbicides and other toxic substances; this would enable us to meet or exceed the RDI for every nutrient necessary for optimal health. Realistically, we have to do the best we can in today’s world when selecting food, utilizing orthomolecular supplements when necessary.

This question was answered by a trained product specialist at Swanson Health Products. Do you have a question you’d like answered? Send it via email to drea658baic@compend.me.

(Note: as per industry regulations, we cannot and will not answer medical questions, make treatment or diagnosis recommendations or comment on disease inquiries. Such questions must be answered by your doctor or professional health care provider.)

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