Vitamin C Potassium Ascorbate

Potassium ascorbate (CAS 15421-15-5), also known by its food additive designation E303, is the potassium salt form of vitamin C used as an antioxidant and preservative.

Where is Vitamin C Potassium Ascorbate used?

• Food and beverage: protects against oxidative degradation in products where acidic ingredients are undesirable, including certain dairy-based and neutral-pH formulations
• Pharmaceuticals: vitamin C source in effervescent tablets, oral solutions, and dietary supplements targeting consumers who require a gentler gastric profile
• Agriculture and animal feed: stabilized antioxidant nutrient added to premixes and feed concentrates
• Cosmetic and nutraceutical formulators incorporate it into topical and ingestible products where combined potassium and ascorbate delivery is a formulation objective.

Good to know: Unlike ascorbic acid, it delivers vitamin C activity in a neutralized, lower-acidity form suited to pH-sensitive formulations.

Commercial specifications

• Food-grade material conforming to E303 specifications is the most commonly traded form
• Pharmaceutical-grade material is also available to USP and Ph. Eur. standards
• Bulk quantities are typically offered in 25 kg bags or fiber drums