A controversial subject has been the destruction of liquid vitamins in the presence of stomach acid. Nutraceutical supporters claim the simplified composition of a liquid vitamin leaves the vital nutrients susceptible to damage from strong stomach acid.

Our digestive system is an amazing nutrient processing machine which is far more sophisticated than just a catch container filled with hydrochloric acid and enzymes. There are a plethora of events that take place during digestion. Some examples of isolated nutrient digestion and absorption can be helpful in determining whether vitamins and minerals are destroyed during digestion.

A large majority of vitamin supplements contain Ascorbic Acid; more commonly recognized as vitamin C. What happens to ascorbic acid when it comes in contact with digestive acids and enzymes?

Ascorbic acid resembles a monosaccharide. Its molecular structure is made up of a five member, unsaturated lactone ring with two hydroxyl groups. These molecular components are attached to double bonded carbons. The molecular structure of ascorbic acid is actually easily oxidized during digestion. The oxidation process does not destroy ascorbic acid (vitamin C) but simply changes the molecular structure to dehydroascorbic acid. Both ascorbic acid and dehydroascorbic acid are biologically effective as vitamin C.