L-Ascorbic Acid

Fires involving this material can be controlled with a dry chemical, carbon dioxide or Halon extinguisher. A water spray may also be used. (NTP, 1992)

Use water spray, powder, carbon dioxide.

Fresh air, rest.

Rinse with plenty of water (remove contact lenses if easily possible).

Rinse mouth.

EYES: First check the victim for contact lenses and remove if present. Flush victim's eyes with water or normal saline solution for 20 to 30 minutes while simultaneously calling a hospital or poison control center. Do not put any ointments, oils, or medication in the victim's eyes without specific instructions from a physician. IMMEDIATELY transport the victim after flushing eyes to a hospital even if no symptoms (such as redness or irritation) develop.

SMALL SPILLS AND LEAKAGE: If you spill this chemical, you should dampen the solid spill material with water, then transfer the dampened material to a suitable container. Use absorbent paper dampened with water to pick up any remaining material. Seal your contaminated clothing and the absorbent paper in a vapor-tight plastic bag for eventual disposal. Wash all contaminated surfaces with a soap and water solution. Do not reenter the contaminated area until the Safety Officer (or other responsible person) has verified that the area has been properly cleaned.

SRP: Expired or waste pharmaceuticals shall carefully take into consideration applicable DEA, EPA, and FDA regulations. It is not appropriate to dispose by flushing the pharmaceutical down the toilet or discarding to trash. If possible return the pharmaceutical to the manufacturer for proper disposal being careful to properly label and securely package the material. Alternatively, the waste pharmaceutical shall be labeled, securely packaged and transported by a state licensed medical waste contractor to dispose by burial in a licensed hazardous or toxic waste landfill or incinerator.

SRP: At the time of review, regulatory criteria for small quantity disposal are subject to significant revision, however, household quantities of waste pharmaceuticals may be managed as follows: Mix with wet cat litter or coffee grounds, double bag in plastic, discard in trash.

SRP: Criteria for land treatment or burial (sanitary landfill) disposal practices are subject to significant revision. Prior to implementing land disposal of waste residue (including waste sludge), consult with environmental regulatory agencies for guidance on acceptable disposal practices.

Personal protection: particulate filter respirator adapted to the airborne concentration of the substance. Collect the spilled substance into containers. If appropriate, moisten first to prevent dusting. Wash away remainder with plenty of water.

Unless specifically excluded, residues resulting from the use of the following substances as either an inert or an active ingredient in a pesticide chemical formulation, including antimicrobial pesticide chemicals, are exempted from the requirement of a tolerance under FFDCA section 408, if such use is in accordance with good agricultural or manufacturing practices. Ascorbic acid is included on this list.

BALB/c male mice (288) were allocated into four groups: group 1 (48 animals), control diet; group 2 (48 animals), control diet and 500 ppm 2-acetylaminofluorene (2-AAF); group 3 (96 animals), control diet and 250 mg/mL of ascorbic acid in water; group 4 (96 animals), control diet, 2-AAF, and ascorbic acid. Food and water consumptions were measured at weekly intervals. The animals were killed at 28 days and necropsied. There were no detectable differences in relative food consumption due to the addition of ascorbic acid or to an interaction of ascorbic acid with 2-AAF. However the presence of ascorbic acid in the water was associated with a significant reduction in relative water consumption. The addition of 2-AAF caused a significant increase in relative water consumption, and a significant interaction of ascorbic acid with 2-AAF was detected. Major histological findings were restricted to the urinary bladder. Vacuolization of the transitional epithelium, simple and nodular urothelial hyperplasia, fibrosis, and chronic inflammation of the lamina propria were found in varying degrees in the urinary bladders of mice receiving 2-AAF alone and in combination with ascorbic acid. The most severe lesions were seen in the mice given the combination of 2-AAF and ascorbic acid. The urinary bladders of mice receiving the control diet and ascorbic acid alone were normal. The chronic inflammation and fibrosis were restricted primarily to the fundus of the urinary bladder. The lamina propria contained an increased amount of collagen, an increase in the vasculature and an infiltration of mononuclear inflammatory cells ...

Effect of ascorbic acid on metal toxicity.

... Male F344 rats /were injected/ intraperitoneally with 0, 458, or 687 umol/kg 4-aminophenol (PAP). PAP caused selective necrosis to the pars recta of the proximal tubule. Coadministration of ascorbic acid (457 and 687 umol/kg) with PAP protected the rats against the nephrotoxicity, markedly reduced the effect on renal function, and limited the extent of renal tubular necrosis.

Oxytocin decreases the rate of placental transmission of ascorbic acid.

For more Interactions (Complete) data for L-Ascorbic Acid (41 total), please visit the HSDB record page.

TERRESTRIAL FATE: Based on a classification scheme(1), an estimated Koc value of 10(SRC), determined from a log Kow of -1.85(2) and a regression-derived equation(3), indicates that L-ascorbic acid is expected to have very high mobility in soil(SRC). The pKa of L-ascorbic acid is 4.70(4), indicating that this compound will exist almost entirely in the anion form in the environment and anions generally do not adsorb more strongly to soils containing organic carbon and clay than their neutral counterparts(5). Volatilization from moist soil is not expected because the acid exists as an anion and anions do not volatilize. L-Ascorbic acid is not expected to volatilize from dry soil surfaces(SRC) based upon an estimated vapor pressure of 9.8X10-11 mm Hg at 25 °C(SRC), determined from a fragment constant method(6). L-Ascorbic acid exhibited moderate biodegradation using an enriched consortia derived from domestic sewage(7), suggesting that biodegradation is an important environmental fate process in soil(SRC).

AQUATIC FATE: Based on a classification scheme(1), an estimated Koc value of 10(SRC), determined from a log Kow of -1.85(2) and a regression-derived equation(3), indicates that L-ascorbic acid is not expected to adsorb to suspended solids and sediment(SRC). A pKa of 4.70(4) indicates L-ascorbic acid will exist almost entirely in the anion form at pH values of 5 to 9 and therefore volatilization from water and moist soil surfaces is not expected to be an important fate process(5). According to a classification scheme(6), an estimated BCF of 3(SRC), from its log Kow(2) and a regression-derived equation(7), suggests the potential for bioconcentration in aquatic organisms is low(SRC). L-Ascorbic acid is easily oxidized in aqueous solution in the presence of air(8). L-Ascorbic acid exhibited moderate biodegradation using an enriched consortia derved from domestic sewage(9), suggesting that biodegradation is an important environmental fate process in water(SRC).

ATMOSPHERIC FATE: According to a model of gas/particle partitioning of semivolatile organic compounds in the atmosphere(1), L-ascorbic acid, which has an estimated vapor pressure of 9.8X10-11 mm Hg at 25 °C(SRC), determined from a fragment constant method(2), is expected to exist solely in the particulate phase in the ambient atmosphere. Particulate-phase L-ascorbic acid may be removed from the air by wet or dry deposition(SRC). L-Ascorbic acid contains chromophores that absorb at wavelengths >290 nm(4) and therefore may be susceptible to direct photolysis by sunlight(SRC).

Dietary sources of L-ascorbic acid include citrus fruits, pototoes, peppers, leafy green vegetables such as broccoli, cabbage, and rose hips(1). It has also been identified in acerola (West Indian cherry) and tomatoes(2).

Plants with the highest amount of Ascorbic acid(1). [Table#2227]

Safe in the present practices of use and concentration. Ingredient, concentration, and use information are available in documents discoverable at https://cir-reports.cir-safety.org

IDENTIFICATION: Origin of the substance: Ascorbic acid is of both natural and synthetic origin. Natural origin: ascorbic acid is found in fresh fruit and vegetables. Citrus fruits are a particularly good source of ascorbic acid and also hip berries, acerola and fresh tea leaves. Ascorbic acid exists as colorless, or white or almost white crystals. It is odorless or almost odorless. It has a pleasant, sharp acidic taste. It is freely soluble in water and sparingly soluble in ethanol. It is practically insoluble in ether and chloroform. HUMAN EXPOSURE: Main risks and target organs: The main target organs for toxicity are found in the gastrointestinal, renal and hematological systems. Summary of clinical effects: In individuals with glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase (G-6-PD) deficiency, hemolytic anemia may develop after administration of ascorbic acid. In individuals predisposed to renal stones, chronic administration of high doses may lead to renal calculi formation. In some cases, acute renal failure may be observed under both conditions. Indications: Prevention and treatment of scurvy. It has been used as a urinary acidifier and in correcting tyrosinemia in premature infants on high-protein diets. The drug may be useful to treat idiopathic methemoglobinemia. Contraindications: Ascorbic acid is contraindicated in patients with hyperoxaluria and G-6-PD deficiency. Routes of entry: Oral: Ascorbic acid is usually administered orally in extended-release capsule form, tablets, lozenges, chewable tablets, solutions and extended-release tablets and capsules Absorption by route of exposure: Ascorbic acid is readily absorbed after oral administration but the proportion does decrease with the dose. GI absorption of ascorbic acid may be reduced in patients with diarrhea or GI diseases. Distribution by route of exposure: Normal plasma concentrations of ascorbic acid are about 10 to 20 ug/mL. Total body stores of ascorbic acid have been estimated to be about 1.5 g with about a 30 to 45 mg daily turnover. Plasma concentrations of ascorbic acid rise as the dose ingested is increased until a plateau is reached with doses of about 90 to 150 mg daily. Ascorbic acid becomes widely distributed in body tissues with large concentrations found in the liver, leukocytes, platelets, glandular tissues, and the lens of the eye. In the plasma about 25% of the ascorbic acid is bound to proteins. Ascorbic acid crosses the placenta; cord blood concentration are generally 2 to 4 times the concentration in maternal blood. Ascorbic acid is distributed into milk. In nursing mothers on a normal diet the milk contains 40 to 70 ug/mL of the vitamin. Biological half-life by route of exposure: The plasma half-life is reported to be 16 days in humans. This is different in people who have excess levels of vitamin C where the half-life is 3.4 hours. Metabolism: Ascorbic acid is reversibly oxidized to dehydroascorbic acid in the body. This reaction, which proceeds by removal of the hydrogen from the enediol group of ascorbic acid, is part of the hydrogen transfer system. The two forms found in body fluids are physiologically active. Some ascorbic acid is metabolized to inactive compounds including ascorbic acid-2-sulfate and oxalic acid. Elimination by route of exposure: The renal threshold for ascorbic acid is approximately 14 ug/mL, but this level varies among individuals. When the body is saturated with ascorbic acid and blood concentrations exceed the threshold, unchanged ascorbic acid is excreted in the urine. When tissue saturation and blood concentrations of ascorbic acid are low, administration of the vitamin results in little or no urinary excretion of ascorbic acid. Inactive metabolites of ascorbic acid such as ascorbic acid-2-sulfate and oxalic acid are excreted in the urine. Ascorbic acid is also excreted in the bile but there is no evidence for enterohepatic circulation. Pharmacology and toxicology: Mode of action: Toxicodynamics: Hyperoxaluria may result after administration of ascorbic acid. Ascorbic acid may cause acidification of the urine, occasionally leading to precipitation of urate, cystine, or oxalate stones, or other drugs in the urinary tract. Urinary calcium may increase, and urinary sodium may decrease. Ascorbic acid reportedly may affect glycogenolysis and may be diabetogenic but this is controversial. Pharmacodynamics: In humans, an exogenous source of ascorbic acid is required for collagen formation and tissue repair. Vitamin C is a co-factor in many biological processes including the conversion of dopamine to noradrenaline, in the hydroxylation steps in the synthesis of adrenal steroid hormones, in tyrosine metabolism, in the conversion of folic acid to folinic acid, in carbohydrate metabolism, in the synthesis of lipids and proteins, in iron metabolism, in resistance to infection, and in cellular respiration. Vitamin C may act as a free oxygen radical scavenger. Toxicity: Human data: Adults: Diarrhea may occur after oral dosage of large amounts of ascorbic acid. Interactions: Concurrent administration of more than 200 mg of ascorbic acid per 300 mg of elemental iron increases absorption of iron from the GI tract. Increased urinary excretion of ascorbic acid and decreased excretion of aspirin occur when the drugs are administered concurrently. Ascorbic acid increases the apparent half-life of paracetamol. Interference with anticoagulant therapy has been reported. Carcinogenicity: It has been reported that there is no evidence of carcinogenicity. Some studies suggest that vitamin C may amplify the carcinogenic effect of other agents. L-ascorbic acid increases the oral carcinoma size induced by dimethylbenz(a)anthracene. Also, butylated hydroxyanisole induced forestomach carcinogenesis in rats. Teratogenicity: There is no evidence of teratogenicity. Mutagenicity: Ascorbic acid is reported to increase the rate of mutagenesis in cultured cells but this only occurs in cultures with elevated levels of Cu(2+) or Fe(2+). This effect may be due to the ascorbate induced generation of oxygen-derived free radicals. However, there is no evidence of ascorbate induced mutagenesis in vivo.

/AQUATIC SPECIES/ Although no formal long-term toxicity studies have been performed L-Ascorbic Acid is widely used to supplement the diet of fish reared for food production. The tolerance to L-Ascorbic Acid has been reviewed by the Sub-Committee on Vitamin Tolerance of the US Board on Agriculture National Research Council. The following dietary levels are reported to have no adverse effect in developing hatchlings: trout 10 g/kg for 16 weeks, no adverse effect; catfish, approx wt 25 g, 5 g/kg for 150 days, no adverse effect /From table/. These dietary concentrations are approximately 100 times the normal requirements for healthy growth and wound healing in trout and catfish which are respectively 100 mg/kg and 60 mg/kg.

L-Ascorbic acid levels in six wild mushroom species, common to the Northeast and Beira Interior regions of Portugal, were as follows (mg/kg): Amanita caesarea, 2071.46; Boletus edulis, not detected; Gyroporus castaneus, not detected; Lactarius deliciosus, not detected to 972.81; Suillus collinitus, 92.40 to 3788.04; Xerocornus chrysenteron, not detected. Samples were collected in 2003(1).

Cough.

Redness.

Ascorbic acid used as a chemical preservative in food for human consumption is generally recognized as safe when used in accordance with good manufacturing practice.

Ascorbic acid used as a nutrient in food for human consumption is generally recognized as safe when used in accordance with good manufacturing practice.

Drug products containing certain active ingredients offered over-the-counter (OTC) for certain uses. A number of active ingredients have been present in OTC drug products for various uses, as described below. However, based on evidence currently available, there are inadequate data to establish general recognition of the safety and effectiveness of these ingredients for the specified uses: ascorbic acid is included in weight control drug products.

Ascorbic acid used as a chemical preservative in animal drugs, feeds, and related products is generally recognized as safe when used in accordance with good manufacturing or feeding practice.

Ascorbic acid used as a nutrient and/or dietary supplement in animal drugs, feeds, and related products is generally recognized as safe when used in accordance with good manufacturing or feeding practice.

Unless specifically excluded, residues resulting from the use of the following substances as either an inert or an active ingredient in a pesticide chemical formulation, including antimicrobial pesticide chemicals, are exempted from the requirement of a tolerance under FFDCA section 408, if such use is in accordance with good agricultural or manufacturing practices. Ascorbic acid is included on this list.

CIR ingredient: L-Ascorbic Acid

CIR ingredient: Ascorbic Acid

An antioxidant essential in the human diet; Used as an antioxidant for foods and therapeutic vitamin; [Merck Index] Used as an antioxidant and pH adjustor in cosmetics (over 75% in hair dyes and colors), for abscission of citrus fruit in harvesting, as a reducing agent in analytical chemistry, skin protectant, and UV sunscreen; [HSDB] Used in chemical synthesis; [IUCLID] Used as flavoring agent, antimicrobial agent, antioxidant, dough strengthener, nutritional supplement, pH control agent, sequestrant, and stabilizer or thickener for foods; [FDA] Permitted for use as an inert ingredient in non-food pesticide products; [EPA]

Dietary supplement

As antimicrobial and antioxidant in foodstuffs

Nutrition, color fixing, flavoring and preservative in meats and other foods, oxidant in bread dough, abscission of citrus fruit in harvesting, reducing agent in analytical chemistry

Oxalic acid < 0.2%

Heavy metals (as Pb): < 10 mg/kg

(1972) 2.27 X 10+8 g

(1975) 7.76 X 10+7 g

CHEMICAL PROFILE: Ascorbic acid. US Exports: 1989: 1-4 million pounds.

CHEMICAL PROFILE: Ascorbic acid. US Exports: 1992: 1-4 million pounds.

For more U.S. Exports (Complete) data for L-Ascorbic Acid (6 total), please visit the HSDB record page.

(1972) 2.5 X 10+9 g

(1975) 2.13X10+9 g (including salts)

CHEMICAL PROFILE: Ascorbic acid. US Imports: 1989: about 13 million pounds.

CHEMICAL PROFILE: Ascorbic acid. US Imports: 1992: roughly 8-12 million pounds.

For more U.S. Imports (Complete) data for L-Ascorbic Acid (6 total), please visit the HSDB record page.

2023: 400,000 - <550,000 lb

(1972) 7.08 X 10+9 g

In 1979, ca 10,000 metric tons/yr of L-ascorbic acid was produced.

(1992) Europe > 20,000 tons per year; World approx 46,000 tons per year

CHEMICAL PROFILE: Ascorbic acid. US Production Capacity: 1986: 32 million pounds/year.

For more U.S. Production (Complete) data for L-Ascorbic Acid (11 total), please visit the HSDB record page.

CHEMICAL PROFILE: Ascorbic Acid. US End-use Pattern for Ascorbic Acid in 1986.

CHEMICAL PROFILE: Ascorbic acid. US End-use Pattern for Ascorbic Acid in 1989.

CHEMICAL PROFILE: Ascorbic acid. US End-use Pattern for Ascorbic Acid in 1992.

CHEMICAL PROFILE: Ascorbic acid. US End-use Pattern for Ascorbic Acid in 1995.

For more Consumption Patterns (Complete) data for L-Ascorbic Acid (12 total), please visit the HSDB record page.

The classical Reichstein - Grussner synthesis starts with reduction of D-glucose to D-sorbitol by hydrogenation over a nickel catalyst. The microbiological oxidation of D-sorbitol to L-sorbose is carried out with Acetobacter xylinum. On treatment of L-sorbose with acetone at low temperature in the presence of sulfuric acid, 2,3:4,6-di-O-isopropylidene-alpha-L-sorbofuranose is formed. The di-O-isopropylidenyl protection of the hydroxyl-groups at C-2, C-3 and C-4, C-6 allows high-yield oxidation to di-O-isopropylidene-2-ketogulonic acid, without over-oxidation or other side reactions. The oxidation is carried out with potassium permanganate in alkaline solution. Treatment of /di-O-isopropylidene-2-ketogulonic acid/ with hot water affords 2-keto-L-gulonic acid, which is converted to L-ascorbic acid by heating in water at 100 °C (20% yield) or by esterification and treatment with sodium methoxide in methanol followed by acidification with hydrogen chloride, yielding ca. 70% of /L-ascorbic acid /. The overall yield of ascorbic acid from D-glucose is 15-18%.

Ascorbic Acid (various manufacturers) Injection: 500 mg/mL, In 50 mL vials. Ascor L 500 (McGuff) Injection: 500 mg/mL, 0.025% EDTA. Preservative-free. In 50 mL.

Ascorbic Acid (as Ascorbic Acid or Sodium Ascorbate): Bulk: Powder. Oral: Capsules, extended-release 250 mg 500 mg. Lozenges 60 mg, Solution 25 mg/drop, 100 mg//mL, 500 mg/5 mL. Tablets: 100 mg, 250 mg, 500 mg, 1 g. Tablets, chewable ; 100 mg, 250 mg, 500 mg, 1 g. Tablets, extended-release: 500 mg, 1 g. 1.5 g. (Available from one or more manufacturer, distributor, and/or repackager by generic (nonproprietary) name.)

Ascorbic acid and sodium ascorbate are also commercially available in combination with other vitamins, minerals, amino acids, analgesic-antipyretics, anticholinergics, antihistamines, anti-inflammatory agents, cerebral stimulants, cough suppressants, enzymes, expectorants, hormones, infant formulas, keratolytic agents, laxatives, protein supplements, sedatives, and sympathomimetics. For iv infusion, ascorbic acid or sodium ascorbate is also commercially available in combination with other vitamins in caloric and electrolyte solutions.

Grades: USP; FCC[Lewis RJ Sr; Hawley's Condensed Chemical Dictionary 15th ed Wiley (2007)

Information on 30 consumer products that contain Ascorbic Acid (Vitamin C) in the following categories is provided:

Information on 252 consumer products that contain Ascorbic acid in the following categories is provided:

EPA Safer Chemical Functional Use Classes -> Processing Aids and Additives

Safer Chemical Classes -> Green circle - The chemical has been verified to be of low concern

Food additives

Fragrance Ingredients

Food Additives -> ANTIOXIDANT -> JECFA Functional Classes

Food Additives -> ANTIOXIDANT -> JECFA Functional Classes