What Is Ascorbyl Palmitate?

Ascorbyl palmitate is an ester that is formed by combining ascorbic acid with palmitic acid, a saturated long-chain fatty acid with a 16-carbon backbone. Palmitic acid is naturally found in palm oil and palm kernel oil, as well as in butter, cheese, milk, and meat. This combination provides a highly bioavailable, fat-soluble form of vitamin C – in sharp contrast to regular vitamin C (or ascorbic acid), which is strictly water-soluble.

More interestingly, ascorbyl palmitate has dual solubility, meaning that it is soluble in both lipids and water. This affords it the ability to be incorporated directly into cell membranes where it can neutralize free radicals and maintain healthy tissues throughout the body. Because of this fat-solubility, ascorbyl palmitate can easily cross the blood-brain barrier, where it can protect the brain and nervous system against oxidative damage.

Of course, ascorbyl palmitate also offers all of the same benefits as regular ascorbic acid such as boosting immunity, increasing iron absorption, improving heart health, promoting skin health, reducing the risk of chronic disease, helping manage high blood pressure, as well as helping to reduce blood uric acid levels and associated gout attacks.

Benefits of Ascorbyl Palmitate

• Anti-aging Supplement

• Effective Antioxidant

• Fights Free Radicals

• Offers Protection For Heart Health

• Promotes Optimal Skin Health

Who Needs Ascorbyl Palmitate?

Those who do not adhere to a clean, varied, and colorful diet (especially those who eat very little fruits and vegetables) may not be getting adequate amounts of vitamin C and could benefit from supplementation. Individuals with weakened immunity (as a result of chronic stress, chronic inflammation, or chronic disease), may also benefit from a quality vitamin C supplement. Ascorbyl palmitate supplementation is also ideal for those concerned with brain health and maintaining cognitive function, to protect their cells from oxidative damage, as well as for those looking for skin health support since vitamin C is known to promote collagen synthesis inside the body.

Ascorbyl Palmitate Potencies & Formats

Supplement Potencies

Ascorbyl palmitate supplements are typically available in 500 mg potency, with dosing suggestions varying from 500mg to 4g daily, to be taken in divided doses – usually no more than 1000mg/1g at a time for optimal absorption and effectiveness.

Supplement Formats

Ascorbyl Palmitate can be found in capsule, liquid, and powder forms.

Final Thoughts

Vitamin C supplementation is extremely well-tolerated when taken in prescribed amounts.

Taking too much vitamin C can cause side effects (that subside once supplementation is continued), including:

• Nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea

• Heartburn

• Stomach cramps or bloating

• Fatigue and sleepiness, or sometimes insomnia

• Headache

• Skin flushing

Back to Top ↑