Sodium ascorbate, otherwise known as Vitamin C or ascorbic acid, is a water soluble vitamin and antioxidant, as mentioned in Medline Plus, a website supported by the National Institutes of Health.
Contents
Uses
As a food additive, it has the E number E301 and is used as an antioxidant and an acidity regulator. It is approved for use as a food additive in the EU, USA, and Australia and New Zealand.
Benefits
Cancer Prevention
According to the Office of Dietary Supplements, taking ascorbic acid or sodium ascorbate can help with cancer prevention and treatment. Patients who take sufficient amounts of vitamin C have a lower chance of developing various forms of cancer like breast, lung and colon cancer. High vitamin C blood levels can shrink tumors and abnormal growths. Sodium ascorbate is an effective antioxidant that protects the cells from the harmful effects of free radicals. This supplement can even complement and enhance the effectiveness of other antioxidants. Free radicals that come from environmental pollutants, tobacco, smoke and radiation contribute to cancer. Adult females should have at least 75mg of vitamin C per day and 90mg for adult males.
Cardiovascular Health
The incidence of developing cardiovascular disease is significantly low for patients taking sodium ascorbate, as described in the Office of Dietary Supplements. The antioxidant effects of this supplement contribute to cardiovascular health. Oxidative damage due to free radicals is one of the major causes of cardiovascular disease; this type of damage takes place in the body’s cells. Too many chemical changes in these cells increases the risk for chronic cardiovascular conditions. Smoking, which affects the blood vessels and circulation, worsens cardiovascular health. For this reason, smokers need to add 35 more milligrams in their daily ascorbic acid requirement.
Good Eye Health
According to the American Optometric Association, one of the benefits of sodium ascorbate is good eye health. Vitamin C helps promote healthy capillaries and soft tissues which are abundant in the eyes. This vitamin also helps ocular blood vessels to work and function properly. With older patients, vitamin C lowers the risk for cataract formation and Age-Related Macular Degeneration or AMD, the two leading causes of vision loss. Regular intake of vitamin C through diet or nutritional supplements is important for the maintenance of good eye health.
Caution
Less common or rare – with high doses
- Side or lower back pain
Some of the side effects that can occur with ascorbic acid may not need medical attention. As your body adjusts to the medicine during treatment these side effects may go away. Your health care professional may also be able to tell you about ways to reduce or prevent some of these side effects. If any of the following side effects continue, are bothersome or if you have any questions about them, check with your health care professional:
Less common or rare – with high doses
- Diarrhea
- dizziness or faintness (with the injection only)
- flushing or redness of skin
- headache
- increase in urination (mild)
- nausea or vomiting
- stomach cramps
Interactions
None are recorded.
Other names
Ascor L 500 and Betac
Reference
Source: LiveStrong, http://www.livestrong.com/article/348175-what-are-the-health-benefits-of-sodium-ascorbate/
Wikipedia, https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sodium_ascorbate
Drugs.com, http://www.drugs.com/cdi/ascorbic-acid.html