Vitamin C: Ascorbic Acid vs. Sodium Ascorbate - Which Form is Right for You?

Both Dr. Linus Pauling and Dr. Thomas Levy advocate for the benefits of vitamin C but emphasize different forms, based on their perspectives and intended uses.

Dr. Linus Pauling and Ascorbic Acid

Dr. Linus Pauling, a renowned proponent of vitamin C, often recommended ascorbic acid in its pure form. He believed that high doses of ascorbic acid could contribute to overall health and help prevent or treat various illnesses, including the common cold. Ascorbic acid stands as the chemical form of vitamin C that our bodies cannot produce internally due to a lack of an associated enzyme. In short, ascorbic acid is synonymous with vitamin C.

Dr. Thomas Levy and Sodium Ascorbate

Dr. Thomas Levy, another supporter of vitamin C, prefers sodium ascorbate. This buffered form of vitamin C is less acidic and may be more gentle on the stomach, thus reducing potential gastrointestinal side effects. Sodium ascorbate can provide the same benefits as ascorbic acid while being a safer option for individuals with sensitive stomachs.

Conclusion: Choosing the Right Form

Both ascorbic acid and sodium ascorbate can be effective for supporting overall health, but the choice of which to use depends on individual tolerance and specific health goals. For someone with a sensitive stomach or those concerned about acidity, sodium ascorbate might be preferable. However, ascorbic acid is widely used and has a strong body of research supporting its benefits. The best choice may also depend on the mode of administration, dietary balances of other mineral cofactors, and the specific research available for a specific application.

Why Sodium Ascorbate Might Be Preferred

Sodium ascorbate can be preferred based on several factors. It creates a pH-balancing effect, which can help individuals who megadose orally to prevent stomach discomfort. Intravenous research often uses balanced pH to avoid upsetting body chemistry unnecessarily, such as preventing acidic burns at the entry into the vein. A major exception is the Riordan Clinic Intravenous Vitamin C protocol, which strictly expresses concerns over mineral over-chelation binding and injection site burns.

Additionally, while ascorbic acid specifically includes specific other materials like copper, zinc, and polyphenols (once called vitamin P) in its chemical transportation and activation, some medical voices argue that ascorbic acid alone is not vitamin C. This is because these cofactors are necessary to mobilize ascorbic acid. Such cofactors are commonly present in food-based ascorbates.

Caution with Megadosing

Despite the value of ascorbates, megadosing can have serious unintended negative pleiotropic effects. It is wise to pursue a more diverse set of monitoring tools and interventions for your health rather than relying solely on vitamin C. With the abundance of information now available, it is beneficial to use it to make informed decisions about your health.