What Is Sodium Ascorbate (Vitamin C Sodium Salt)? Applications, Dosage, Alternatives & Specifications

Sodium Ascorbate, also known as Vitamin C Sodium or L-Ascorbic acid sodium salt, is the sodium salt form of L-ascorbic acid (Vitamin C). It is an important category of vitamin C derivatives, with wide application value in the global food industry, pharmaceutical industry, cosmetic industry, and feed industry. Its molecular formula is C6H7NaO6, molecular weight is 198.11, CAS number is 134–03–2, CNS number is 04.015, and INS number is 301. In terms of chemical structure, sodium ascorbate is a salt compound formed by combining L-ascorbic acid with sodium ions. The sodium ascorbate molecule retains the enediol structure of L-ascorbic acid, which is the active center for its antioxidant function. Compared with L-ascorbic acid, the acidity of sodium ascorbate is significantly lower, with a 1% aqueous solution having a pH of approximately 6.5–8.0, which is neutral to slightly alkaline, greatly reducing gastrointestinal irritation. Sodium ascorbate appears as a white to slightly yellow crystalline powder or granules, odorless, with a slightly salty taste. It is more soluble in water than ascorbic acid (62g/100mL at room temperature), and a 10% aqueous solution has a pH of approximately 7.5. Sodium ascorbate is quite stable in the dry state when exposed to air, but undergoes slow oxidative decomposition in aqueous solution when exposed to air, metals, heat, and light. Its color gradually deepens upon exposure to light, and stability decreases after absorbing moisture. Its decomposition temperature is approximately 218°C.

Sodium ascorbate is recognized as a mild and stable source of vitamin C, holding an irreplaceable position in the global food, pharmaceutical, cosmetic, and feed industries. Its most outstanding core advantages lie in its neutral pH profile, excellent chemical stability, and extremely wide application adaptability.

Neutral pH Profile: The greatest advantage of sodium ascorbate is its near-neutral pH (1% solution pH 6.5–8.0). Compared with the strong acidity (pH approx. 2.5) of L-ascorbic acid, sodium ascorbate causes significantly less gastrointestinal irritation, making it especially suitable for individuals with sensitive stomachs, children, and long-term users. Research shows that because it is a sodium salt, it has more stable performance, and at the same time no longer has the strong acidity of vitamin C, allowing it to be taken with a variety of medications, making it superior to vitamin C. In formulations such as effervescent tablets, oral solutions, and chewable tablets, the neutral pH characteristic of sodium ascorbate allows it to be compatible with other ingredients without causing drastic pH fluctuations in the system.