Sodium ascorbate

Sodium ascorbate is the sodium salt of L-ascorbic acid, a vital water-soluble nutrient and potent antioxidant (PubChem CID 23667548). It serves as an essential cofactor for several enzymes, most notably those involved in the post-translational hydroxylation of proline and lysine residues in collagen, which is critical for connective tissue integrity (StatPearls, Vitamin C). Beyond its role in collagen synthesis, sodium ascorbate participates in the biosynthesis of carnitine and catecholamines, and it enhances the absorption of non-heme iron in the gut (NIH Office of Dietary Supplements). In clinical settings, it is used to treat Vitamin C deficiency (scurvy) and is being explored in high-dose intravenous forms for its potential to generate reactive oxygen species that selectively target cancer cells (National Cancer Institute). As a chemical compound rather than a biological receptor or enzyme, it is classified as a drug or dietary supplement rather than a therapeutic target.

Other names

Monosodium L-ascorbateVitamin C sodium saltE301SodascorbateL-Ascorbic acid sodium salt

Acts as an electron donor and reducing agent, maintaining enzyme-bound metals in their active reduced states and neutralizing reactive oxygen species (PubMed: 23201458).