AOAC SPIFAN Stakeholder Program Meeting Book (September 10, 2020)

Vitamin C, structure and activity

OH

O

O

OH

H

OH OH

L-ascorbic acid = 100 % vitamin C activity

L-dehydroascorbic acid = 100 % vitamin C activity

L-ascorbyl palmitate = 100 % vitamin C activity 1 mg L-ascorbyl palmitate = 0.425 mg vitamin C

5

Source of illustrations Lemons: https://www.savibio.fr/fruits/42-citron-jaune.html

Vitamin C in foods

Food

Total vitamin C (mg/100 g)

Broccoli Cabbage Spinach Potatoes Oranges

100-160

40-80 25-70 10-20 50-80 20-30

Grapefruit

Human milk 5 Sources: USDA database. Ball, Vitamins in Foods (2006)

6

Source of illustrations Lemons: https://www.savibio.fr/fruits/42-citron-jaune.html