Ascorbyl Palmitate

Ascorbyl Palmitate Overview

Ascorbyl palmitate is a derivative of vitamin C, which is why it is often used as a vitamin C source in supplements. It is created by combining ascorbic acid and palmitic acid.  

As mentioned above, it is not as effective as simple vitamin C. However, it is less expensive to create; therefore, many supplement and vitamin companies choose to use it as a vitamin C source.

The manufacturing companies are able to do this because the FDA has rated both substances used to create ascorbyl palmitate as GRAS, which means generally recognized as safe.

Ascorbyl Palmitate Marketed Benefits

Many of the marketed benefits for ascorbyl palmitate are the same ones marketed for vitamin C, which include:

• Prevent the common cold
• Increase general health
• Boost the immune system
• Eliminate immune deficiencies (not caused by an autoimmune disease)
• Benefit heart health
• Prevent health problems in pregnant women and their babies
• Increase skin health
• Reduce the risk of cancer
• Reduce the risk of stroke
• Improve the health of the eyes
• Aid in tissue repair
• Aid in tissue growth

One of the benefits touted specifically for ascorbyl palmitate is that it is supposedly incorporated into the cellular membranes because it is fat soluble. In addition, makers of ascorbyl palmitate claim that it prevents oxidative damage in red blood cells .

However, according to Dr. Andrew Weil this is an unproven benefit. In fact, he claims that if this benefit were possible, it would not be through oral consumption,.  The ascorbyl palmitate would have to be given via an IV.

Basically, Dr. Weil claims that scientific evidence suggests that ascorbyl palmitate is no more beneficial than any other ascorbic acid.  Dr. Weil also states that there is no scientific evidence that the fact that ascorbyl palmitate is fat soluble has any benefit either.  He suggests that you look for an Ester-C vitamin C rather than using ascorbyl palmitate.

Ascorbyl Palmitate and the Common Cold

Many people start taking massive doses of ascorbyl palmitate or vitamin C when they get ill. Although either of these things can be great for preventing a cold, studies show that once you have a cold, vitamin C offers no additional benefit.

Ascorbyl Palmitate and Side Effects

In addition, taking too much vitamin C can cause some side effects, which include:

• Kidney stones
• Migraines
• Diarrhea
• Cramps
• Nausea
• Esophagitis

In addition, according to WebMD, vitamin C can actually raise the glucose levels in your body. If you are diabetic, you need to talk to your doctor before taking more than a moderate dose of vitamin C.

These side effects can be much worse if large doses of vitamin C are taken intravenously rather than orally.  It is also important to note that vitamin C can interact with certain medications, such as those use for people with cancer, HIV and heart disease.

You should always talk to your doctor if you are taking any medication and you intend to incorporate ascorbyl palmitate or any other vitamin into your diet. You need to ensure that your medication isn’t reduced or increased in efficacy.

Ascorbyl Palmitate and Synthetic Versus Natural

In most cases, you don’t want to take synthetic vitamins, mainly because they don’t absorb correctly in the body. However, this isn’t the case with ascorbyl palmitate or ascorbic acid in general.  

Interestingly, according to a study conducted by the Linus Pauling Institute, in the case of ascorbic acid, the body ingests both synthetic and natural equally as well. In fact, their study showed that in some cases the synthetic ascorbic acid was better absorbed by the body.

It is important to note that the study conducted was a small one, but it does suggest that there is the possibility that in the case of ascorbic acid, it doesn’t matter which one you choose. Use the supplement finder here to compare ascorbyl palmitate and other ascorbic acids today!