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Ascorbyl Palmitate

Also known as: vitamin C ester, ascorbyl palmitate, C-palmitate

Overview

Ascorbyl palmitate is a fat-soluble derivative of vitamin C (ascorbic acid) formed by esterifying ascorbic acid with palmitic acid. It functions as an antioxidant in lipid environments, protecting cell membranes and lipoproteins from oxidative damage. Unlike ascorbic acid, which is water-soluble and rapidly excreted, ascorbyl palmitate provides antioxidant activity in both aqueous and lipid phases due to its amphiphilic nature, making it particularly effective in protecting against lipid peroxidation [1]. While direct studies on ascorbyl palmitate supplementation in humans are limited, research on vitamin C indicates that higher plasma ascorbate levels correlate with increased resistance to ex vivo lipid peroxidation in a dose-dependent manner, suggesting potential benefits of lipid-soluble vitamin C forms like ascorbyl palmitate in enhancing systemic antioxidant defenses [1]. Its use may be beneficial in conditions involving oxidative stress, such as inflammation and viral infections, where vitamin C has been proposed to modulate immune function and reduce cytokine storm [2].

Dosage Guide

Recommended Daily Allowance

For generally healthy individuals

Adults (≥19 years)90 mg/day (as vitamin C)(No RDA specific to ascorbyl palmitate; convert based on ascorbic acid content)
Women75 mg/day (as vitamin C)
SmokersAdd 35 mg/day (as vitamin C)
Pregnant women85 mg/day (as vitamin C)
Breastfeeding women120 mg/day (as vitamin C)

Therapeutic Doses

For treatment of specific conditions

Antioxidant support250–1000 mg/day (as ascorbyl palmitate)Typical supplemental range; provides both lipid- and water-soluble antioxidant activity
Immune support500–1000 mg/day (as ascorbyl palmitate)Used during periods of increased oxidative stress or infection

Upper Intake Limit

Maximum safe daily intake

2000 mg— Tolerable upper intake level for total vitamin C from supplements and food; applies to ascorbic acid; ascorbyl palmitate likely similar but less studied

Special Forms

Alternative forms for specific needs

Ascorbyl palmitate

Preferred in lipid-based formulations; used for enhanced cellular membrane protection and sustained antioxidant activity

Sodium ascorbyl phosphate

Stable vitamin C derivative used in supplements and skincare

Clinical Notes

  • Ascorbyl palmitate is generally recognized as safe (GRAS) when used in food and supplements.
  • High doses of vitamin C from any source may cause gastrointestinal disturbances such as diarrhea or nausea.
  • Limited evidence on bioavailability and metabolism of ascorbyl palmitate compared to ascorbic acid; may require hydrolysis in the gut to release active ascorbate.
  • No evidence of pro-oxidant effects at typical supplemental doses, but theoretical risk in presence of free transition metals.

Research

Key FindingsPubMed
1

Vitamin C supplementation increases plasma resistance to lipid peroxidation in a dose-dependent manner up to 1000 mg/day.

Short-term and long-term vitamin C supplementation in humans dose-dependently increases the resistance of plasma to ex vivo lipid peroxidation.
Archives of biochemistry and biophysics•2004
2

Vitamin C supplementation may help mitigate inflammatory and oxidative stress in viral infections including COVID-19.

The prophylaxis and treatment potential of supplements for COVID-19.
European journal of pharmacology•2020

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