Vitamin C is an essential element for optimal functioning of the human body. However, is it dextrorotatory or levorotatory?
About vitamin C, who is right?
To be certain, one would need to read chemistry books. It should be known that the most natural form of vitamin C deviates polarized light to the right, at an angle ranging between plus 20 and plus 22 degrees. However, if one looks at the certificates of analysis, this information is always found under the term "Specific Optical Rotation."
Furthermore, note that some vendors of vitamin C provide the public with certificates of analysis for their products. This way, the information is easily and quickly verifiable. As for others, you simply need to request it. You will see that many of them sell dextrorotatory vitamin C, while on their website, it is most often incorrectly stated that levorotatory vitamin C is being offered.
This error stems from the naming of this molecule. On certificates of analysis, it appears under the name "L-Ascorbic Acid." For a non-chemist, the "L" often appears as an abbreviation for "Levorotatory." However, this is not the case at all! It is ultimately a genuine coincidence.
Various reminders regarding chemistry
Here are some reminders regarding chemistry about vitamin C. A molecule deviating polarized light to the right is indicated with a (+). Thus, it is dextrorotatory. A molecule deviating polarized light to the left is indicated with a (-). Thus, it is levorotatory. Note that the D and L forms have absolutely no connection to optical rotation. Furthermore, D does not mean dextrorotatory and L does not mean levorotatory. It is merely a coincidence.
As for L-ascorbic acid, it is dextrorotatory (since it deviates polarized light at an angle of about +21°). Thus, it should be written as L(+) ascorbic acid. However, it is not, because the natural form of vitamin C is dextrorotatory, just like all "natural" products are. Indeed, in nature, many molecules have a right-handed rotational power, and are therefore dextrorotatory.
In conclusion, the best vitamin C is L-ascorbic acid, in its L form. Indeed, it should be known that it has a dextrorotatory optical rotation. Thus, it is chemically similar to natural vitamin C. In the end, only vitamin C is properly assimilated by the body.