Vitamin C Fast Action Tablets by Doctor's Formulas' Food Supplements: Evaluation of Matrix Properties

Abstract

Vitamin C (ascorbic acid) is a diet dependent vitamin that promotes antioxidation though free radical scavenging and electron donation, has anti-inflammatory properties, supports growth of healthy immune cells and enhances bioavailability of iron in hemoglobin. Vitamin C as a food supplement is commercially available in many forms like immediate/extended release, effervescent and chewable tablets. Its absorption from a solid dosage form after oral administration depends on the release of the active ingredient from the product under physiological conditions and the permeability across the gastrointestinal tract. Generally, immediate release formulations provide rapid drug absorption and consequently a quick onset of the therapeutic effect. The aim of this study was to examine whether the physicochemical properties of the excipients, present in the solid pharmaceutical formulation under study, promote a synergistic interaction with the stereoelectronic features of ascorbic acid, so that the latter is released into the gastric-like dissolution environment in 30 minutes, thus ensuring fast onset of action. Vitamin C fast action tablets by Doctor's Formulas' Food Supplements were evaluated regarding their tablets' properties. Uniformity of tablets regarding their weight, thickness, friability, hardness, disintegration and dissolution was achieved. The careful choice of the appropriate type and quantity of excipients (calcium phosphate, corn starch, silicon dioxide, maltodextrin and magnesium stearate) in the tablet formulation, along with the application of the suitable compression force, ensures right handling/packaging and safe transportation. Moreover the disintegration time as well as the dissolution profile matched the requirements needed for immediate release formulations.