Types of Vitamin C

As discussed in the previous post, Vitamin C Gives You Increased Energy with the Right Amount, Vitamin C (also known as ascorbic acid or L-ascorbic acid) has many important roles in our body and is responsible for the quality of our oral health, teeth, gums, bones, and immunity among various other functions in the body. [1] Vitamin C is one of the few supplements that is extremely difficult to overdose on [3] and is also considered virtually non-toxic. [2] While we can get a small amount of vitamin C from our food, the reality is that amount in food are not high enough to provide true long-term benefits and enhancements to our health. Furthermore, when cooking at high temperatures vitamin C is easily damaged and thus the food only retains about half of the vitamin C that would otherwise be found in raw food. [2] So, what can we do to increase our intake? We turn to supplementing with vitamin C. Vitamin C supplements come in various forms, the most commonly found forms being ascorbic acid, minerals forms of ascorbate, and the recently developed liposomal vitamin C. 

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​Ascorbic Acid
The most available and inexpensive form of vitamin C is ascorbic acid. Even though it is more accessible taking it regularly can create minor side effects rendering its regular use uncomfortable. For example, individuals can experience poor digestion due to a decrease in stomach acid and enzyme production in the stomach, stomach upset, discomfort, and loose bowels movements. [3] If teeth are exposed frequently enough to pure ascorbic acid, enamel can also erode. [3]
 
Mineral forms of Ascorbic Acid (aka Mineral Ascorbates)
Many forms of ascorbic acid are paired with minerals to tame down the undesired side effects described earlier and to enhance therapeutic benefits. These forms include:
Calcium ascorbate
Chromium ascorbate
Magnesium ascorbate
Manganese ascorbate
Molybdenum ascorbate
Potassium ascorbate
Sodium ascorbate Zinc ascorbate

​Of all these listed mineral forms of ascorbic acid, the most recommended in terms of affordability, accessibility, and ease of use is sodium ascorbate, [4] [1] especially if you intend on taking it in optimal doses (e.g., 6 grams or more daily). [1] 

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Liposome-encapsulated Ascorbate
Liposome technology is used with vitamin C to increase its absorption into the blood, thus eliminating the need for absorption into the digestive system. [4] This allows the vitamin C to bypass the typical
digestive process and goes straight into the blood for a faster-acting delivery method. Loose stool and any other discomfort associated with vitamin C opti-dosing are therefore not felt. Moreover, fewer amounts are needed per dose to achieve similar effects with other forms, for example, one gram of properly-produced and orally-ingested liposome-encapsulated vitamin C produces an equivalent to, if not better effect, than 5 to 10 grams of vitamin C given intravenously for active viral syndromes. [5]
 
Which form of Vitamin C to Take?
Sodium ascorbate can be used for regular daily supplementation since it is an affordable and well-tolerated form of vitamin C. [4] For more acute reasons, or for those wanting to quickly boost their immune system, liposomal vitamin C would be a good choice. [4] 

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​[1] T. E. Levy, Curing The Incurable. Vitamin C, Infectious Disease and Toxins, MedFox Publishing, 2011. 
[2] L. Pauling, How to Live Longer and Feel Better, New York: Oregon State University Press, 1986. 
[3] T. E. Levy, Optimal Nutrition for Optimal Health, Chicago: Keats Publishing, 2001. 
[4] T. E. Levy, "The Many Face of Vitamin C," June 2005. [Online]. Available: https://www.peakenergy.com/health_ebytes/issue_9.php.