Food Additives in Consumer's Product

____ Ascorbic acid a.k.a. Vitamin C _____


A water-soluble nutrient that can be easily secreted from the human body when not needed. Human cannot synthesize their own vitamin C hence are required to obtain this vitamin through fruits and vegetables. Human vary greatly in their vitamin C requirement. It is natural for one person to need 10 times as much vitamin C as another person, plus a person's age and health status can dramatically change his or her need for vitamin C.

Functions/Beneficial properties of Vitamin C

• cofactor in several enzymatic reaction in the human body
• strengthen the human immune system
• repairs damaged tissues - external and internal
• maintenance of bone, teeth and cartilage
• production of collagen
• maintains normal blood fat and cholesterol level

In consumer products, ascorbic acid/vitamin C is used for

1. Preservatives

• prevents food spoilage from bacteria, molds, fungi or yeast.
• slow or prevent changes in color, flavor or texture
• delay rancidity and maintains freshness
• e.g - fruit sauce, jellies, beverages, snack food, cereals

     2.  Nutrients

• replace vitamins and minerals lost in processing - enrichment
• increase nutrients that may be lacking in the diet - fortification
• e.g - breads, fruit beverages, instant breakfast drinks, energy bars

     3.  pH control agents and acidulants

• control acidity and alkalinity 
• prevent spoilage
• e.g - beverages, frozen desserts, chocolate, low acid canned foods

Deficiency in Vitamin C can/may cause

• scurvy
• gum inflammation, loss of teeth
• high blood pressure
• decreased resistance towards disease-causing agents (low immunity)
• cardiovascular and joint diseases
• cataracts
• cancer

Overdose in Vitamin C can/may cause

• diarrhea
• iron overload disorder
• kidney stone formation

makanyaaa , rajin-rajin la makan sayur sama buah-buahan . ^^

Fruits rich in Vitamin C !