Description
The single largest-volume vitamin produced globally and the dominant Vitamin C source for fortification, supplements, and antioxidant applications. The general-catalog SKU covering both the parent acid (Ascorbic Acid, catalog id 7617) and its commercial derivatives.
White or almost white crystalline powder. Multiple physical formats available depending on the application: crystalline (the workhorse for supplements and fortification), fine mesh (for spray-drying carriers), coated (for stability in fortified foods), and direct-compression grade (for pharmaceutical tableting).
We supply food-grade, feed-grade, and pharmaceutical-grade Vitamin C from manufacturers in China holding ISO, Halal, Kosher and other certifications relevant to the product and production.
Common market grades include Standard Crystalline (FCC compliant, the workhorse grade), Fine Mesh (60 to 100 mesh, for instant beverages), Coated Vitamin C (ethylcellulose-coated for stability in dry fortified foods), Direct-Compression Granular (for pharmaceutical tableting), and USP/BP/EP Pharmaceutical Grade.
Bulk and reduced-MOQ shipments. Batch-level COA covering assay, specific rotation, pH, residue on ignition, heavy metals, and microbiology.
Introduction
Vitamin C is the single largest-volume vitamin produced commercially worldwide, with global production exceeding 200,000 tonnes annually. China dominates production with over 80 percent market share through five major manufacturers.
Industrial production proceeds through the Reichstein process or its modern fermentation-based descendants, starting from D-glucose. The dominant current method is two-step fermentation: D-glucose to 2-keto-L-gulonic acid via sequential bacterial fermentations, then chemical conversion to L-ascorbic acid.
Regulated as E300 in the EU, classified as Generally Recognized as Safe by the U.S. FDA, listed in BP, USP, EP, and JP pharmacopoeias, and approved by JECFA without a numerical Acceptable Daily Intake limit. Recommended Dietary Allowance is 75 to 90 mg per day for adults.
The molecule serves three distinct functions across applications: vitamin fortification (the most visible label-driven role), food antioxidant (the largest volume application), and reducing agent in cured meat color development. This multi-functionality is the basis for its dominance among food ingredients.
Strategic positioning covers essentially every food and supplement category globally. Public health programs use Vitamin C fortification of staples in deficient regions; clinical applications include high-dose IV Vitamin C therapy in cancer adjuvant care; cosmetic positioning leverages topical antioxidant claims in premium skincare. No other food ingredient spans this range of applications.
Where it is used
- Beverage fortification: orange juice, vitamin water, sports drinks, and fruit drinks; the dominant volume application
- Dietary supplements: standalone Vitamin C and multivitamin formulations
- Pharmaceutical applications: tablets, effervescent tablets, injectable Vitamin C therapy
- Food antioxidant for fats, oils, and oil-containing foods
- Cured meat color development in conjunction with sodium nitrite
- Bakery dough conditioner
- Fortified breakfast cereals, breads, and dairy products
- Animal feed and pet food fortification
- Cosmetic skincare formulations
- Wine and beer antioxidant
Technical data
| Item | Specification |
|---|---|
| Appearance | White or almost white crystalline powder |
| Assay (dry basis) | 99.0% to 100.5% |
| Specific rotation | +20.5° to +21.5° |
| Loss on drying | ≤ 0.4% |
| pH (5% solution) | 2.4 to 2.8 |
| Heavy metals (as Pb) | ≤ 10 mg/kg |
| Arsenic | ≤ 3 mg/kg |
| Residue on ignition | ≤ 0.1% |
| Available forms | Crystalline, Fine Mesh, Coated, DC Granular |
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