Ascorbic Acid: A Form of Vitamin C

Ascorbic acid is a water-soluble Vitamin represented by chemical formula C6H8O6 and has a molecular weight of 176.12. It is a powerful antioxidant and very important for various biological functions. It is abundantly available in nature, the main sources being fresh fruits and leafy vegetables such as guava, mango, papaya, cabbage, mustard leaves and spinach. Traces of Pure Ascorbic acid are also found in meat, fish, poultry, eggs and dairy products.

Health Benefits of Ascorbic Acid * Ascorbic acid aids in the formation of collagen inside the body. Collagen helps in repairing the tissues, and also promotes their healthy growth. Apart from these, collagen is also necessary for our bones, teeth, gums, cartilage, capillaries and blood vessels. Collagen also helps in absorbing iron. * The shortage of ascorbic acid in the body can lead to scurvy. Loose teeth, dry mouth, follicular hyperkeratosis, hair fall are some of the symptoms that start showing up when the serum level goes below 0.2 mg/dl. * The deficiency of this acid can also lead to severe depression. * Pregnant women should have minimum of 55 mg of ascorbic acid per day. Because any deficiency of the acid can lead to scorbutic signs in new born babies (1-17 months).

Functional Benefits of Ascorbic Acid * Ascorbic acid is added to fruit drinks and soft drinks so as to compensate the loss of nutrients during the processing stages. * Addition of Ascorbic acid to beverages such as fruit drinks and soft drinks also prevents oxidative flavour deterioration. * Owing to its antioxidant properties, Vitamin C finds extensive use in meat industry as well. It accelerates colour development, inhibits formation of nitrosamine and prevents colour fading and oxidation in cured meat.

Ascorbic acid is not only an excellent preservative and processing aid but also a great nutritional additive for food products. It is added to processed foods for caloric density fortification so as to restore the loss of nutrients in the processing stages.

Uma Brothers, a Mumbai based company offers a comprehensive range of products such as Pharmaceutical Raw Materials, Soya Lecithin, Glycerophosphate, Cetrimide Powder, Guar Gum Powder, Ascorbic Acid, 12-Hydroxystearic Acid, Para Toluene Sulfonic Acid, Serratiopeptidase Powder etc. The company was established in 1978 and has established itself among the leading Suppliers and Exporters of the products mentioned above. To view the complete range of its products, and to send your queries, you can log on to www.umabrothers.in.

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