Tag: Reichstein process

Over 90% of the world's synthetic ascorbic acid is produced in China, a process that explains where does vitamin C in tablets come from for the vast majority of supplements today. While chemically identical to natural vitamin C, the industrial process differs greatly from simply squeezing oranges.

Over 100,000 tons of vitamin C are produced commercially each year, with more than 90% of the world's production capacity located in China. This massive output relies on sophisticated manufacturing processes to synthesize L-ascorbic acid, primarily from glucose or other carbohydrates, for widespread use across the food, pharmaceutical, and cosmetic industries.

Over 120,000 tons of L-ascorbic acid (vitamin C) are produced annually for global use, far exceeding natural sources. The complex process of vitamin C production involves a combination of microbial and chemical steps to transform simple sugars into this essential nutrient.

While the human body cannot produce its own vitamin C, over 100,000 tons of synthetic ascorbic acid are manufactured globally each year for use in food, cosmetics, and pharmaceuticals. Discover how ascorbic acid can be synthesized using both historic chemical routes and modern, bio-efficient fermentation processes.

Did you know that most animals can produce their own vitamin C, but humans cannot? To understand why, one must look at what is vitamin C synthesized from and the key genetic mutation that affects primates.

Over 80 years ago, the industrial production of vitamin C began, revolutionizing global health and nutrition. Yes, vitamin C (L-ascorbic acid) can be manufactured on a large scale, and the synthetic form is chemically identical and equally effective as the vitamin found in natural sources. This article delves into the fascinating biotechnological and chemical processes that make this widespread production possible.

In 1933, the industrial Reichstein-Grussner process was first designed for ascorbic acid (vitamin C), which utilized a key fermentation step, making it one of the first industrially produced vitamins to involve the fermentation process. However, later discoveries revealed an even more complex, and exclusively fermentative, production of another essential nutrient, vitamin B12.

According to ChemAnalyst, over 90% of the world's vitamin C production is based in China. A significant portion of this is a synthetic form, sparking curiosity: is vitamin C made in a lab, or does it always come from oranges and natural sources?

While the body requires vitamin C for numerous functions, it cannot produce it internally, making dietary intake essential. A common question for those following a plant-based lifestyle is, **is L-ascorbic acid vegan?**, and the answer lies primarily in the sourcing and manufacturing process.

Did you know that over 95% of the world's commercial L-ascorbic acid is produced synthetically, with a large portion derived from corn? The seemingly simple question, 'Is L-ascorbic acid from corn?', uncovers a complex industrial process that transforms a common crop into the vitamin C found in many supplements and fortified foods.