Vitamin C (Ascorbyl Palmitate)
Also known as: ascorbyl palmitate, fat-soluble vitamin C, L-ascorbyl 6-palmitate, E304
Ascorbyl palmitate is an ester of ascorbic acid and palmitic acid that is soluble in fat rather than water. It is used mostly as an antioxidant to protect oils in softgels and as a lipid-phase vitamin C in liposomal and oil-based products. Only about 42 percent of its mass is ascorbic acid. NIH ODS lists it among the forms found in supplements but does not report comparative bioavailability, so regard any label claim of superior absorption with caution.
Research summary
Esterase activity in the gut releases ascorbic acid and palmitic acid; the ascorbate portion is then handled like any other vitamin C.
Dosage
Daily amounts, elemental (42% of the compound is the element).
| Lowest studied | Typical range | Highest studied | Upper limit |
|---|---|---|---|
| — | — | — | 2,000 mg |
NIH ODS — UL is 2,000 mg/day of vitamin C for adults 19+; applied to ascorbate content
Doses are mg of ascorbic acid equivalent. Elemental fraction 0.42 is stoichiometric: ascorbic acid MW 176.1 divided by ascorbyl palmitate MW 414.5 = 0.425. So 100 mg vitamin C from this form requires about 238 mg ascorbyl palmitate. No human dose-ranging studies specific to this ester were located, so no typical range is set; when used as a vitamin C source, keep the ascorbate contribution within the same RDA-to-UL window as ascorbic acid. Most often it is included at low levels as an antioxidant for the oil phase.
Standardization: ≥95% ascorbyl palmitate
Source material: synthetic (ascorbic acid esterified with palmitic acid, usually palm-derived)
Forms of Vitamin C
| Form | Typical dose | Element % | Formats | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Vitamin C (Ascorbyl Palmitate) | — | 42% | Softgel, Liquid, Capsule | mid |
| Vitamin C (Ascorbic Acid) | 250–1,000 mg | — | Capsule, Powder, Tablet, Gummy, Liquid | low |
| Vitamin C (Sodium Ascorbate) | 250–1,000 mg | 89% | Capsule, Powder, Tablet, Gummy, Liquid | low |
| Vitamin C (Calcium Ascorbate) | 250–1,000 mg | 82% | Capsule, Powder, Tablet, Gummy, Liquid | low |
Format suitability
- Capsule
- Powder
- Tablet
- Softgel
- Gummy
- Liquid
Fat-soluble; suits softgels, oil-based liquids, and capsules. Not appropriate for water-based drink mixes.
Formulation notes
Useful as an antioxidant in fish oil, vitamin E, and carotenoid softgels. Palm-derived palmitate may matter for sourcing claims.
- Has an upper limit
Sources
Related ingredients
Vitamin C (Ascorbic Acid)
VitaminAscorbic acid is the reference form of vitamin C and the most common form in supplements; NIH ODS notes its bioavailability equals that of vitamin C naturally present in food.
Typical: 250–1,000 mg
Zinc Citrate
MineralA zinc salt of citric acid with a relatively high zinc content of about 31%, giving it a compactness advantage over gluconate and picolinate.
Typical: 10–25 mg
Vitamin C (Sodium Ascorbate)
VitaminSodium ascorbate is the sodium salt of ascorbic acid.
Typical: 250–1,000 mg
Beta-Carotene
VitaminBeta-carotene is an orange plant pigment that the body can split into retinol as needed, which is why it is called provitamin A.
Typical: 3–15 mg
Copper Bisglycinate
MineralCopper chelated with two glycine molecules, supplying about 25% elemental copper in commercial grades.
Typical: 0.5–2 mg