Effects of Ester‐C®and Ascorbic Acid on Gastrointestinal Outcomes: A Randomized, Double‐Blind Trial

Abstract

BackgroundOptimum vitamin C intake is not always attainable solely via food consumption, therefore supplementation may be desirable. However, vitamin C supplementation is not without notable gastrointestinal discomfort resulting from its acidic nature, which may affect overall quality of life.ObjectiveTo compare the effects of Ester‐C® (EC) and Ascorbic Acid (AA) on gastrointestinal symptoms and quality of life in subjects with acid‐sensitivity.MethodsIn this double‐blind, cross‐over study, 50 healthy adults with acid‐sensitivity were randomized to receive vitamin C (1000 mg for Day 1‐5, 2000 mg for Day 6‐10) provided by either AA or EC. Gastrointestinal side effects as measured by Gastrointestinal Symptom Rating Scale (GSRS) and the associated changes in quality of life as measured by Medical Outcomes Short Form‐36 (SF‐36) were assessed.ResultsAn intention‐to‐treat analysis was conducted on 50 subjects (11 males, 39 females). After ten days of treatment, AA resulted in significant worsening of Abdominal pain (p=0.02), Diarrhea (p=0.047), and total GSRS score (p=0.019), while there were no significant changes in EC group. The Role Physical and Bodily Pain scores were significantly better in EC group compared to AA group over the ten‐day period (p = 0.004 and 0.008, respectively).ConclusionEster‐C® is better tolerated than Ascorbic Acid in individuals with acid‐sensitivity.