Ascorbic acid (Vitamin C) price December 2024 and outlook (see chart below)
- North America:US$3.2/KG, -0.9% down
- Europe:US$3.06/KG, -1% down
- Northeast Asia:US$3.37/KG, -1.2% down
- South America:US$3.13/KG, -9.3% down
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Ascorbic acid (Vitamin C) price index
This post is a summary of the global Ascorbic acid (Vitamin C) price developments. The price developments of global Ascorbic acid (Vitamin C) are expressed in US$ prices converted FX rates applicable at the time when the price was valid. Ascorbic acid (Vitamin C) price index developments are calculated from multiple separate sources of data to ensure statistical accuracy.
The outlook for global Ascorbic acid (Vitamin C) prices, on the second tab, is generated from different inputs including:
- Very recent price developments of immediate cost drivers of global Ascorbic acid (Vitamin C) prices
- Recent price developments of underlying feedstocks which drive the price of Ascorbic acid (Vitamin C)
- Market futures for both cost drives and feedstocks of global Ascorbic acid (Vitamin C) prices
- Adjustment of current supply/demand imbalances in the Ascorbic acid (Vitamin C) market
- Longer term trends in likely demand conditions
Further information on the Ascorbic acid (Vitamin C) price index
What is Ascorbic acid (Vitamin C)
Ascorbic acid, commonly known as vitamin C, is a vital nutrient for humans and certain other animals. It plays several crucial roles in the body:
Antioxidant
Ascorbic acid acts as an antioxidant, helping to protect cells from damage by free radicals, which are harmful molecules that can lead to oxidative stress.
Collagen Synthesis
It is essential for the biosynthesis of collagen, a protein that helps maintain the integrity of skin, blood vessels, bones, and connective tissue.
Immune Function
Vitamin C enhances the immune system, helping to fend off infections and illnesses.
Absorption of Iron
It improves the absorption of non-heme iron (the type of iron found in plant-based foods) from the digestive tract, which can help prevent iron deficiency anemia.
Wound Healing
Due to its role in collagen production, ascorbic acid is important for wound healing and the repair of tissues.
Neurotransmitter Synthesis
It is involved in the synthesis of certain neurotransmitters, which are essential for proper brain function.
Sources of ascorbic acid include fruits and vegetables, with citrus fruits (like oranges and lemons), strawberries, kiwi, bell peppers, broccoli, and spinach being particularly high in vitamin C. Deficiency in ascorbic acid can lead to scurvy, a disease characterized by symptoms such as anemia, fatigue, swelling, and bleeding gums.
What is Ascorbic acid (Vitamin C) used for
Ascorbic acid (vitamin C) has various uses in both medical and everyday contexts due to its numerous beneficial properties. Here are some common uses:
Dietary Supplement
Ascorbic acid is often taken as a supplement to prevent or treat vitamin C deficiency. This is especially important for individuals who may not get enough vitamin C from their diet.
Boosting Immune System
It is commonly used to enhance the immune system and is believed to reduce the duration and severity of common colds and other infections.
Antioxidant Protection
As an antioxidant, it helps protect cells from damage caused by free radicals, which can contribute to chronic diseases such as heart disease and cancer.
Skin Health
Ascorbic acid is used in various skincare products due to its role in collagen synthesis. It helps improve skin texture, reduce wrinkles, and protect the skin from sun damage.
Wound Healing
Its role in collagen production makes it crucial for the healing of wounds and the repair of tissues.
Iron Absorption
It is often recommended for individuals with iron deficiency anemia as it enhances the absorption of non-heme iron from plant-based foods.
Food Preservation
Ascorbic acid is used as a preservative in the food industry to prevent oxidation and spoilage of food products.
Cosmetic Industry
It is a common ingredient in cosmetics and skincare formulations, contributing to skin brightening and anti-aging effects.
Pharmaceuticals
In addition to being a dietary supplement, it is used in various pharmaceutical products for its antioxidant properties and role in collagen synthesis.
Scurvy Treatment
Historically, and still occasionally, it is used to treat scurvy, a disease resulting from severe vitamin C deficiency.
Cooking and Baking
Ascorbic acid is sometimes used in cooking and baking to prevent browning of fruits and vegetables and to maintain the color and flavor of food.
Overall, ascorbic acid’s versatility and essential role in various bodily functions make it a widely used and important nutrient in health and wellness.
How is Ascorbic acid (Vitamin C) produced
Ascorbic acid (vitamin C) can be produced through both natural and synthetic processes. Here are the main methods:
Natural Production Plant Sources:
Fruits and Vegetables
Ascorbic acid is naturally produced in a wide variety of fruits and vegetables. Citrus fruits (oranges, lemons), strawberries, kiwi, bell peppers, broccoli, and spinach are particularly rich in vitamin C.
Synthetic Production Reichstein Process:
Developed in the 1930s by Tadeus Reichstein, this method was one of the first industrial processes for synthesizing ascorbic acid.
It involves several chemical steps starting from glucose:
Hydrogenation:
Glucose is hydrogenated to produce sorbitol.
Fermentation
Sorbitol is then fermented by bacteria to produce sorbose.
Oxidation and Ring Closure
Sorbose undergoes oxidation and chemical transformation to produce 2-keto-L-gulonic acid.
Cyclization
The 2-keto-L-gulonic acid is chemically cyclized to form ascorbic acid.
Two-Step Fermentation Process:
This modern method uses a combination of bacterial fermentation and chemical synthesis, making it more efficient and cost-effective:
First Fermentation
Glucose is converted into sorbitol, similar to the Reichstein process.
Second Fermentation
Sorbitol is then converted to 2-keto-L-gulonic acid (2-KLG) using specific strains of bacteria such as Gluconobacter oxydans.
Chemical Conversion
The 2-KLG is chemically converted into ascorbic acid.
Industrial Production
Biotechnological Methods
Advances in biotechnology have led to the development of genetically engineered microorganisms that can convert glucose directly into ascorbic acid or its precursors in a single fermentation step. This method is considered more sustainable and environmentally friendly.
Chemical Synthesis
Although less common due to the complexity and cost, chemical synthesis routes other than the Reichstein process can also produce ascorbic acid. These methods typically involve multiple steps of chemical reactions starting from various precursors.
Purification and Crystallization
After synthesis, the crude ascorbic acid undergoes purification processes to remove impurities. It is then crystallized and dried to produce the final pure ascorbic acid product.
In summary, ascorbic acid is produced both naturally in plants and through various synthetic methods in industrial settings, with modern biotechnological methods increasingly being used for efficiency and sustainability.
What types of Ascorbic acid (Vitamin C) are there
Ascorbic acid, commonly known as vitamin C, comes in various forms, each with unique properties and uses. Here are the main types:
Pure Ascorbic Acid
Description: The most basic form, pure ascorbic acid, is a white crystalline powder.
Uses: It is commonly used as a dietary supplement, in food preservation, and in skincare products.
Buffered Ascorbic Acid (Mineral Ascorbates)
Description: This form of vitamin C is combined with minerals such as calcium, magnesium, sodium, or potassium to form ascorbates.
Examples: Calcium ascorbate, magnesium ascorbate, sodium ascorbate, and potassium ascorbate.
Uses: Buffered ascorbic acid is less acidic and easier on the stomach, making it suitable for people with sensitive digestive systems.
Ester-C
Description: Ester-C is a patented form of vitamin C that contains calcium ascorbate and small amounts of vitamin C metabolites like threonate.
Uses: Claimed to be more readily absorbed by the body and gentler on the stomach.
Liposomal Vitamin C
Description: This form encapsulates vitamin C in liposomes (tiny fat-like particles) to enhance absorption.
Uses: Known for its high bioavailability, it is often used in supplements for better absorption and efficiency.
Vitamin C with Bioflavonoids
Description: Vitamin C is often combined with bioflavonoids, which are plant compounds found in citrus fruits.
Uses: Bioflavonoids are thought to enhance the absorption and efficacy of vitamin C.
Sodium Ascorbate
Description: A form of vitamin C that is less acidic and combined with sodium.
Uses: Suitable for people who need to avoid acidity and are on sodium-restricted diets.
Calcium Ascorbate
Description: A non-acidic form of vitamin C combined with calcium.
Uses: Provides vitamin C while also supplying calcium, suitable for people with sensitive stomachs.
Magnesium Ascorbate
Description: A buffered form of vitamin C combined with magnesium.
Uses: Offers the benefits of both magnesium and vitamin C, used in dietary supplements.
Ascorbyl Palmitate
Description: A fat-soluble form of vitamin C where ascorbic acid is esterified with palmitic acid.
Uses: Often used in skincare products due to its stability in formulations and ability to penetrate the skin’s lipid layers.
Vitamin C Complex
Description: This term can refer to a combination of vitamin C and various other synergistic compounds like bioflavonoids, rutin, and hesperidin.
Uses: Believed to enhance the overall effect and absorption of vitamin C in the body.
Each type of ascorbic acid has specific advantages and is chosen based on individual needs, such as digestive tolerance, absorption rate, and specific health benefits.
Market information
According to https://oec.world/ :
In 2022 Vitamin C, derivatives, unmixed were the world’s 1742nd most traded product (out of 4,648).
In 2022, the top exporters of Vitamin C, derivatives, unmixed were China ($886M), United Kingdom ($174M), Netherlands ($140M), United States ($89.7M), and Germany ($85.3M).
In 2022, the top importers of Vitamin C, derivatives, unmixed were United States ($261M), Germany ($124M), Netherlands ($96.4M), Japan ($95.9M), and South Korea ($94.5M).
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