Ascorbyl Palmitate

Ascorbyl Palmitate is an ascorbate bonded to palmitic acid to form a Vitamin C ester, used as an anti-staling compound which retard the staling of food products, and soften the crumb. Other anti-staling compounds are sucrose stearate, polyoxyethylene monostearate, glyceryl monostearate, stearoyl tartrate (polyoxyethylene and monoglyceride derivatives of fatty acids)

Ascorbyl palmitate is a synthetic ester comprised of the 16-carbon chain saturated fatty acid palmitic acid and L-ascorbic acid. The ester linkage is at the 6 carbon of ascorbic acid. It is used as an antioxidant in foods, pharmaceuticals and cosmetics, and is also used as a preservative for the natural oils, oleates, fragrances, colors, vitamins and other edible oils and waxes which are used in pharmaceuticals, cosmetics and foods. Ascorbyl palmitate is a white or yellowish powder having a slight odor. It is very slightly soluble in water and in vegetable oils. Ascorbic acid comprises 42.5% of the weight of ascorbyl palmitate. Its molecular weight is 414.54 daltons and its empirical formula is C22H38O7. Ascorbyl palmitate is also known as vitamin C palmitate, L-ascorbyl-6-palmitate and 3-oxo-L-gulofuranolactone 6-palmitate.

Ascorbyl palmitate is marketed as a nutritional supplement and claimed by some to be a superior delivery form of vitamin C. Since ascorbyl palmitate is a fat-soluble derivative of ascorbic acid, theoretically it can concentrate into the lipid domains of biological systems and protect cell membranes and low density lipoproteins (LDL) against oxidation. Ascobyl palmitate works to protect fats from peroxidation, and it can be stored in the body in small amounts. It works best when taken in combination of ascorbic acid. Ascobyl palmitate also acts synergistically with other antioxidants such as vitamin E. The use of ascobyl palmitate in anti-aging was pioneered by the two times Nobel Laureate Dr. Linus Pauling, whose research and subsequent clinical studies showed that ascobyl palmitate, when used in combination with vitamin C and amino acids lysine and proline, is able to strengthen the vascular wall and reverse atherosclerotic heart disease.

The use of vitamin C as part of an anti-aging protocol is widespread. At least 300 mg to 2000 mg of vitamin C is widely accepted as the optimum anti-aging dose. However, vitamin C alone is insufficient for optimum health. Its half-life is short and retention time in the body is therefore low. Ascobyl palmitate is a good balancing and complementary nutrient. Together, the antioxidant properties are extended. Furthermore, the addition of lysine and proline helps to enhance the cardiovascular system. Those serious in anti-aging and optimum cardiovascular health should consider the intake of these four important nutrients a part of their daily routine. Ascobyl palmitate is a free radical scavenger. Free radicals include active oxygen species, such as superoxide, ×OH, ×OOH, etc., and the free radicals derived from the biochemical utilization of oxygen or the prooxidant stimulation of oxygen metabolism, initiate the peroxidation of unsaturated lipids - especially those that constitute bio-membranes.

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