Formula C6H8O6 Density 704 kg/m³ | Molar mass 176.13 g/mol | |
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What does erythorbic acid mean
Erythorbic acid (isoascorbic acid, -araboascorbic acid, erythroascorbic acid) is a stereoisomer of ascorbic acid (vitamin C). It is synthesized by a reaction between methyl 2-keto-D-gluconate and sodium methoxide. It can also be synthesized from sucrose or by strains of Penicillium that have been selected for this feature. It is denoted by E number E315, and is widely used as an antioxidant in processed foods.
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Clinical trials have been conducted to investigate aspects of the nutritional value of erythorbic acid. One such trial investigated the effects of erythorbic acid on vitamin C metabolism in young women; no effect on vitamin C uptake or clearance from the body was found. A later study found that erythorbic acid is a potent enhancer of nonheme-iron absorption.
Since the U.S. Food and Drug Administration banned the use of sulfites as a preservative in foods intended to be eaten fresh (such as salad bar ingredients), the use of erythorbic acid as a food preservative has increased.
It is also used as a preservative in cured meats and frozen vegetables.
It was first synthesized in 1933 by the German chemists Kurt Maurer and Bruno Schiedt.