Prime-C plus an alkaline base Vitamin C without the acidic effect of ascorbic acid. Sodium ascorbate is a form of ascorbic acid (Vitamin C) which is more bioavailable and "alkaline" unlike the ascorbic acid form of the C Vitamin. Choosing the vitamin C supplements that fits your needs can be challenging considering the vitamin is available in several different forms and a range of dosages. Sodium ascorbate is one type of supplemental vitamin C you'll find on the shelf. If you can't tolerate the natural acidity of vitamin C, sodium ascorbate may be a good choice. Just be aware that it contains enough sodium that it may not be suitable if you must limit your sodium intake. Vitamin C Supplement Sodium ascorbate consists of a combination of sodium and vitamin C, or ascorbic acid. In this mixture, sodium serves as a buffer, creating a less acidic supplement than those made entirely from ascorbic acid. This means it may be easier to tolerate if your digestive system is sensitive to acid. Your body absorbs and uses sodium ascorbate just as well as natural vitamin C, according to a review published in the October 2013 issue of “Nutrients.” Benefits of Sodium Ascorbate Like other vitamin C supplements, sodium ascorbate is most effective for preventing or treating a deficiency of vitamin C. While it’s best to get all your vitamin C from fruits and vegetables, taking a supplement can ensure you meet your daily requirement. Consuming the right amount of vitamin C ensures you'll benefit from its antioxidant protection. You also need it to produce collagen, heal wounds and keep your immune system healthy. If you take sodium ascorbate regularly, it may shorten the duration and severity of a cold, reports a review published in the “Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews” in January 2013. Overview Sodium ascorbate, otherwise known as Vitamin C or ascorbic acid, is a water soluble vitamin and antioxidant, as mentioned in Medline Plus, a website supported by the National Institutes of Health. The human body doesn’t produce its own vitamin C; it gets it from food and other sources. Food sources that contain high amounts of vitamin C include fruits like oranges, grapefruit, strawberries and kiwi. Vegetables such as broccoli, potatoes, cantaloupe, tomatoes and red bell peppers are also rich in vitamin C. Taking sodium ascorbate supplements has several health benefits. Cancer Prevention According to the Office of Dietary Supplements, taking ascorbic acid or sodium ascorbate can help with cancer prevention and treatment. Patients who take sufficient amounts of vitamin C have a lower chance of developing various forms of cancer like breast, lung and colon cancer. High vitamin C blood levels can shrink tumors and abnormal growths. Sodium ascorbate is an effective antioxidant that protects the cells from the harmful effects of free radicals. This supplement can even complement and enhance the effectiveness of other antioxidants. Free radicals that come from environmental pollutants, tobacco, smoke and radiation contribute to cancer. Adult females should have at least 75mg of vitamin C per day and 90mg for adult males. Cardiovascular Health The incidence of developing cardiovascular disease is significantly low for patients taking sodium ascorbate, as described in the Office of Dietary Supplements. The antioxidant effects of this supplement contribute to cardiovascular health. Oxidative damage due to free radicals is one of the major causes of cardiovascular disease; this type of damage takes place in the body’s cells. Too many chemical changes in these cells increases the risk for chronic cardiovascular conditions. Smoking, which affects the blood vessels and circulation, worsens cardiovascular health. For this reason, smokers need to add 35 more milligrams in their daily ascorbic acid requirement. Good Eye Health According to the American Optometric Association, one of the benefits of sodium ascorbate is good eye health. Vitamin C helps promote healthy capillaries and soft tissues which are abundant in the eyes. This vitamin also helps ocular blood vessels to work and function properly. With older patients, vitamin C lowers the risk for cataract formation and Age-Related Macular Degeneration or AMD, the two leading causes of vision loss. Regular intake of vitamin C through diet or nutritional supplements is important for the maintenance of good eye health.