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Nutraceutical Ingredient

Vitamin C
Ascorbic Acid

The world's most-used vitamin — a water-soluble vitamin supplied as ascorbic acid and sodium ascorbate at ≥99.0%. Supplied against USP, EP and FCC monographs.

CAS 50-81-7 USP / EP / FCC Non-GMO Available ≥99.0% Purity Multiple Particle Sizes
C2 C3 C4 C5 O1 C=O OH OH C6 CH₂OH Ascorbic Acid C₆H₈O₆ · MW 176.12 Antioxidant · E300 Eₒ = +0.058 V (pH 7)

Technical Specifications

Full analytical profile — Ascorbic Acid (free acid) and Sodium Ascorbate forms

ParameterSpecification
CAS Number50-81-7 (Ascorbic Acid) / 134-03-2 (Sodium Ascorbate)
Molecular FormulaC₆H₈O₆ (AA) / C₆H₇NaO₆ (SA)
Molecular Weight176.12 g/mol (AA) / 198.11 g/mol (SA)
AppearanceWhite to off-white crystalline powder
OdourOdourless to faintly acidic
Assay (HPLC/Titration)≥99.0% (USP/EP/FCC)
pH (2% aqueous solution)2.4–2.8 (AA) / 6.5–8.0 (SA)
Specific Rotation [α]D²⁰+20.5° to +21.5° (5% in H₂O)
Melting Point190–192°C (dec.) — Ascorbic Acid
Solubility in Water330 g/L at 20°C (AA); 620 g/L (SA)
Loss on Drying≤0.4% (105°C, 2 h)
Residue on Ignition≤0.1% (AA); 18.0–20.0% (SA)
Heavy Metals (ICP-MS)≤10 ppm total; Pb ≤1 ppm; As ≤1 ppm
Iron Content≤2 ppm (critical for oxidation stability)
Particle Size (Powder)D90 ≤150 μm (standard fine powder)
Particle Size (Granular)D50 250–400 μm; D90 ≤600 μm
Bulk Density0.65–0.85 g/mL (powder); 0.75–0.95 g/mL (granular)
MicrobiologyTPC ≤1000 CFU/g; Yeast+Mould ≤100 CFU/g; E. coli absent; Salmonella absent
Regulatory StatusE300 (EU food additive); FDA GRAS 21 CFR 182.3013; USP, EP, FCC, JP compliant
Shelf Life24 months from manufacture date (sealed, ≤25°C, <60% RH, dark)

Formulator's Buyer Guide

Grade selection, dose benchmarks, and critical compatibility notes

Pharmaceutical Grade

USP / EP Ascorbic Acid

Purity ≥99.0% (USP/EP titrimetric assay). Heavy metals ≤10 ppm, arsenic ≤2 ppm. Residual solvents within ICH Q3C limits. pH of 2% solution: 2.4–2.8. Recommended for injectables, effervescent tablets, and pharmaceutical film coats where full pharmacopoeial traceability is mandated.

Food / Supplement Grade

FCC Sodium Ascorbate

Buffered form: pH of 2% solution 6.5–8.0. Ascorbic acid content ≥99.0% (as sodium ascorbate). Sodium content ~12% w/w — relevant for low-sodium claims. D90 granule 250–400μm for excellent flowability. Preferred in high-dose powder sachets, drink mixes, and products targeting GI-sensitive consumers.

Dose Benchmarking

Reference Intake and Inclusion

Nutrient Reference Value: 80 mg/day (EU) and 90 mg/day (US, adult male). Inclusion levels above the NRV are common across supplement formats and are set by the finished-product manufacturer against the claim position permitted in the destination market. Loading: 500–2000mg/day. UL: 2000mg/day (US IOM). IV protocols (burns, sepsis) extend to 6–24g/day under clinical supervision.

Formulation Alert

Stability & Iron Interaction

Vitamin C oxidises rapidly in solution — encapsulated or coated granule forms extend shelf life 2–3×. In powdered blends, avoid co-milling with metal ions (Fe, Cu) without an oxygen scavenger. Pro-oxidant effect at high iron ratios in aqueous systems. For iron-C combination products, use microencapsulated iron or a physical separation matrix to prevent premature degradation.

Quality, Sourcing & Compliance

SV Botanica's Vitamin C is manufactured via glucose fermentation (Reichstein-modified process) at GMP-certified facilities audited to ISO 22000 and FSSC 22000 standards. Each batch undergoes HPLC purity assay, heavy metals ICP-MS panel, microbiological testing (TPC, yeasts, moulds, E. coli, Salmonella), and particle size distribution analysis before release.

Regulatory compliance documentation includes EU food additive status (E300/E301), FDA GRAS (21 CFR 182.3013), and compliance with the EU Nutrition and Health Claims Regulation (EC 1924/2006). We supply full batch traceability documentation — CoA, MSDS, Allergen Declaration, BSE/TSE statement, and Non-GMO affidavit — with every shipment.

Packaging options: 25 kg multi-wall paper bags with polyethylene liner, 500 kg big bags (FIBC). Custom nitrogen-flush packaging available for extended shelf life. Minimum order quantity 25 kg. Lead time 10–15 business days from order confirmation.

Frequently Asked Questions

What forms of Vitamin C does SV Botanica supply?
Ascorbic acid and sodium ascorbate, both assayed at ≥99.0% against USP, EP and FCC monographs, with coated granule forms available for improved stability.
What is the difference between ascorbic acid and sodium ascorbate?
Ascorbic acid is the free acid, around pH 2.4–2.8 in a 2% aqueous solution, and suits formats where that acidity is acceptable. Sodium ascorbate is buffered at around pH 6.5–8.0. Ascorbate content of sodium ascorbate is approximately 88.9% w/w, so the two are not interchangeable on a weight basis.
What are the key technical specifications?
CAS 50-81-7 (ascorbic acid) and 134-03-2 (sodium ascorbate). Molecular weight 176.12 g/mol and 198.11 g/mol respectively. White to off-white crystalline powder, odourless to faintly acidic. Assay ≥99.0% by HPLC or titration. Specific rotation +20.5° to +21.5° (5% in water). Melting point 190–192°C with decomposition. Loss on drying ≤0.4%.
How soluble is Vitamin C in water?
Ascorbic acid dissolves at 330 g/L at 20°C and sodium ascorbate at 620 g/L, so both carry readily in aqueous and beverage systems. The buffered salt is normally specified where the acidity of the free acid is a problem for the formulation.
What are the storage requirements?
Cool, dry, dark conditions in sealed packaging. Light, heat and moisture all accelerate oxidation. Coated granule forms offer better stability under demanding storage or processing conditions.
What particle sizes are available?
Standard crystalline, fine powder and granular grades, plus coated granule forms. Specify the intended process — direct compression, sachet filling or wet granulation — at enquiry so the appropriate cut is quoted.
Is Vitamin C compatible with iron in the same formulation?
Ascorbic acid and iron salts interact, so combination products normally use microencapsulated iron or a physical separation matrix to avoid premature degradation during shelf life. Raise this at formulation stage rather than after stability testing.
What does the Certificate of Analysis cover?
Assay by HPLC or titration against the ≥99.0% USP/EP/FCC specification, specific rotation, pH in aqueous solution, loss on drying, heavy metals and microbial limits.
How are pricing, MOQ and lead time quoted?
Against your specification and volume. Form, particle size, whether a coated grade is required and pack size all move the price.

Request a Sample or Quote

Pharmaceutical, food, and cosmetic grades available. CoA and technical datasheets provided on request.

Contact Our Ingredients Team

Supplied as a bulk ingredient for further manufacture. Buyers are responsible for compliance with the regulations of their destination market. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease.