E302 – Calcium-L-Ascorbate
AntioxidantsDescription
White to yellowish-white, odorless crystalline powder
Notes
Calcium ascorbate is the calcium salt of vitamin C (ascorbic acid), made by combining vitamin C with calcium carbonate or calcium hydroxide through a controlled chemical process. The vitamin C can come from natural sources like citrus fruits, though most commercial production uses synthetic vitamin C for consistency and cost-effectiveness. Essentially, this creates a form of vitamin C that's been chemically bonded with calcium, giving you two beneficial nutrients in one compound. This additive works as an antioxidant in foods, preventing spoilage and maintaining freshness by protecting against oxygen damage that can cause off-flavors, color changes, and nutrient loss. You'll find calcium ascorbate in fruit juices, canned fruits and vegetables, breakfast cereals, dietary supplements, and various packaged foods where manufacturers want to preserve quality while adding nutritional value. It's particularly popular in products marketed for their health benefits since it provides both vitamin C and calcium. While it can be made from natural vitamin C sources, most commercial calcium ascorbate is synthetically produced, though your body uses it exactly the same as natural vitamin C and calcium. It's suitable for vegetarian and vegan diets since no animal products are involved in its production, and it aligns with most religious dietary restrictions. This additive is especially appealing because it serves triple duty - acting as a preservative while providing two essential nutrients that many people don't get enough of in their regular diets.