Erythorbic acid

Erythorbic acid (also known as d-isoascorbic acid or isoascorbic acid) is a stereoisomer of ascorbic acid (vitamin C), specifically the C5 epimer. It is widely used as an antioxidant in processed foods to prevent oxidation and extend shelf life. Erythorbic acid acts by reducing oxidative reactions and chelating metal ions such as iron; it is particularly effective at enhancing non-heme iron absorption in the gut—twice as effective as L-ascorbic acid for this purpose. While structurally similar to vitamin C and possessing weak antiscorbutic activity in animal models due to poor tissue uptake and retention compared to L-ascorbic acid, its primary use remains industrial rather than nutritional. It also finds applications in cosmetics for its antioxidant properties and serves as a stabilizer in pharmaceutical formulations sensitive to oxidation[1][3][4][5].

Brand names

NeoCebicure

Other names

d-isoascorbic acidisoascorbic acidd-araboascorbic acidd-erythorbated-araboascorbated-isoascorbate(2R)-2-((1R)-1,2-dihydroxyethyl)-3,4-dihydroxy-2H-furan-5-one(5R)-5-((1R)-1,2-dihydroxyethyl)-3,4-dihydroxyfuran-2(5H)-one