The impact of ascorbic acid (E 300) on digestion of different nutrients using In Vitro digestion model

Abstract Ascorbic acid is a very common antioxidant food additive and vitamin supplement which is used by human on daily basis. Especially during corona virus pandemic because it is included in COVID-19 treatment guidelines. During this study the physicochemical properties as well as cytotoxicity, antioxidant activity and anti-diabetic activity were determined. Moreover, the effect of ascorbic acid on the digestibility of different nutrients including proteins, and fats were evaluated using INFOGEST in vitro digestion model. The structural analysis of ascorbic acid reveals that it has a monoclinic crystal structure with particle size in the nanoscale (41.496 ± 12.96 nm ). Cytotoxicity and antioxidant activity measurements proved that ascorbic acid is a powerful antioxidant with high safety profile. Moreover, it stimulates cell growth and proliferation at a dose dependent manner (12.5, 25, 50,100, and 200 mM). Ascorbic acid showed to have a low inhibition effect on alpha glucosidase enzyme, even at high concentrations (22.1% at 1800 ppm ). Digestibility measurements demonstrates that it has a positive effect on proteins and fats digestibility with a concentration dependent manner.