When an individual reaches his or her limits, it is advisable to work together, because with good friends, barriers can be overcome. This simple principle can also be applied at the cellular level. In some cases, working together opens up completely new possibilities. Take, for example, the combination of ascorbic acid and palmitic acid. Water-soluble vitamin C combines with palmitic acid to form ascorbyl palmitate. The compound obtained is what chemists call an “ester”.

Ascorbyl palmitate is a fat-soluble form of vitamin C. This makes it more tolerable and easier for the body to absorb than the more acidic, water-soluble forms of vitamin C. In the small intestine, fat-coated ascorbyl palmitate is quickly and gently absorbed through the lipid-rich environment of the intestinal mucosa.

The aim of ascorbyl palmitate is, of course, to get into the cells quickly and do a lot of good there. Because of its lipophilic nature, it is better able to penetrate the lipid bilayer of the cell membrane and cross this barrier to the inside of the cell. The regular uptake of water-soluble vitamin C into cells is like a revolving door where traffic can easily get stuck. Just like in real life, ascorbyl palmitate reaches its destination faster with gentleness.

For those who want to overcome barriers with good friends, we recommend Dr Rath’s VCP. Each capsule contains 100 mg of more available ascorbyl palmitate.