WHAT IS ASCORBYL PALMITATE?

June 4, 2024

Ascorbyl Palmitate is an ester derived from ascorbic acid (Vitamin C) and palmitic acid. Palmitic acid is the most ubiquitous saturated fatty acid found in living organisms, and binding it to ascorbic acid produces a fat-soluble source of vitamin C. It’s also the most stable form of vitamin C with high bioavailability.

As a vitamin C derivative, ascorbyl palmitate is a powerful antioxidant that supports the immune system. It also promotes collagen synthesis. Vitamin C is a cofactor for synthesizing l-carnitine, which is vital in transporting energy to mitochondria and producing dopamine in the nervous system and adrenal glands.

The food and beverage industry use ascorbyl palmitate as an antioxidant and preservative. It’s an oxygen scavenger and prevents food from oxidizing by donating hydrogen. It can improve the shelf life of fat-based food items, too. It’s also a means of enriching foods with vitamin C.

POTENTIAL ASCORBYL PALMITATE BENEFITS

VITAMIN C ANTIOXIDANT PROPERTIES

Ascorbyl Palmitate is a potent antioxidant that protects cells from free radicals. It also protects brain cells from toxicity induced by overstimulated cerebellar granule cells. Ascorbyl palmitate promotes nitric oxide as an ancillary effect of its antioxidant properties. Vitamin C supplements also restore other antioxidants after they donate electrons to neutralize free radicals (e.g., vitamin E). Restoring these antioxidants allows them to resume their antioxidant activities faster for greater benefits.

Vitamin C also plays a role in the immune system and inflammation response. Vitamin C also helps reduce the duration of the common cold by 8-14%. It also improves athletes’ resistance to developing colds while undergoing intense physical training, such as running marathons. Vitamin C also reduces biomarkers of inflammation and regulates the inflammation that’s a normal part of the immune response. Vitamin C also encourages wound healing by synthesizing collagen to regrow tissues.

VITAMIN C FOR SKIN

Vitamin C supports healthy, youthful-looking skin by improving discoloration, elasticity, and the appearance of wrinkles. Certain environmental factors damage the skin, including pollution, smoking, and exposure to UV rays. These environmental factors all create free radicals, which vitamin C scavenges to protect the skin.

Vitamin C and Collagen. Vitamin C promotes collagen synthesis. Collagen plays several roles in skin health, including hydration, strength, and elasticity.

Hyaluronic Acid and Vitamin C. Pairing these two supplements can boost skin hydration, repair damaged skin, and improve visible signs of aging skin.

Niacinamide (vitamin B3) and Vitamin C. Niacinamide improves skin hydration, minimizes the appearance of pore size, reduces redness and swelling, regulates sebum (sweat) for fewer breakouts, and helps even skin tone by reducing hyperpigmentation. Vitamin C shares many of these properties and can help brighten skin.

POTENTIAL ASCORBYL PALMITATE SIDE EFFECTS

Ascorbyl acid is generally recognized as safe, as most individuals can take it without experiencing adverse effects. Large doses of more than 2-3g can cause upset stomach, stomach cramps, and diarrhea. Topical applications with high concentrations of ascorbyl palmitate may cause skin irritation. Sun exposure burns away topical vitamin C, but wearing sunscreen mitigates this issue.

REFERENCES

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Madhavi, Dl L., S. S. Deshpande, and Dattajirao K. Salunkhe. Food antioxidants: Technological: Toxicological and health perspectives. CRC Press, 1995.

EFSA Panel on Food Additives and Nutrient Sources added to Food (ANS). “Scientific Opinion on the re‐evaluation of ascorbyl palmitate (E 304 (i)) and ascorbyl stearate (E 304 (ii)) as food additives.” EFSA Journal 13.11 (2015): 4289.

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