Let’s set the record straight: ascorbic acid is not produced from mold, and the idea that it is, has no scientific basis. This myth has circulated through the alternative health community without factual backing or citations from actual chemical manufacturing literature.
Here’s what you need to know:
1. Modern Vitamin C is produced via the Reichstein process or through a two-stage fermentation method – both using glucose, typically derived from corn, cassava, or sugar beets.
“In the Reichstein process, ascorbic acid is synthesized from D-glucose via several chemical steps, including microbial fermentation by Acetobacter suboxydans or Gluconobacter oxydans, but NOT mold.”
— U.S. National Library of Medicine, PubChem Database, CID 54670067 (Ascorbic Acid)
2. The micro-organisms used are bacteria – not fungi or mold. This is consistent across both the traditional Reichstein process and the more modern “two-step fermentation” used in China.
“The microbial steps use bacteria such as Ketogulonicigenium vulgare and Gluconobacter oxydans to convert sorbitol into ascorbic acid intermediates.”
— Journal of Biotechnology, Vol. 192, 2014, “Biotechnological production of L-ascorbic acid (vitamin C)”
3. The “mold origin” myth likely stems from confusion with the use of fungal enzymes in other fermentation industries – such as citric acid production, which does commonly use the mold Aspergillus niger. But that’s not the case for ascorbic acid.
“Although citric acid is typically produced with mold (Aspergillus niger), vitamin C is not. This confusion has led to misinformation in wellness circles.”
— Dr. Steve Hickey & Dr. Hilary Roberts, “Ascorbate: The Science of Vitamin C,” Chapter 2
4. There are no patents, industrial process documents, or pharmaceutical records that show mold being used to create ascorbic acid. Anyone claiming otherwise should be asked to present a peer-reviewed source or manufacturing patent.
“No commercial production of ascorbic acid involves mold fermentation; the process is rooted in carbohydrate chemistry and bacterial bioconversion.”
— US Patent No. 2,233,331 (Reichstein process), and modern patents from DSM Nutritional Products
The idea that ascorbic acid is made from mold is an unsubstantiated internet rumor. If you’re avoiding ascorbic acid because of this claim, you’ve been misled by pseudoscience. The real story is fermentation chemistry and microbiology – not mycology.
Ascorbic Acid Is NOT Made From Mold – The “Mold Vitamin C” Theory Is a Myth
Comment (1)
Thank you very much for this very informative write up as to where Ascorbic Acid is being sourced from. I was aware of Citrus Acid, and I did make the presumption of mold for some idiotic reason, fortunately I did have enough sense to search it out to be sure. I will say however, this information does not put be at ease as to it’s benefits and possible harm long term. Obviously I’m not making a claim, as there has never been, and most likely be completely biased, a long term study made on ingesting it derived from said source. However, when finding the facts in other cases with ingesting anything processed long term always has a downfall as our system is natural, and uses natural ingredients, not manufactured, for a truly healthy life. Spoke from a 54 year old man whom has never had Health Insurance and has only seen a Dr through the E.R., cuz a man has to live and sh** happens. Again, thank you Sir for the facts, greatly appreciated.