Calcium ascorbate with a content of threonate for use as a source of vitamin C in food supplements

The bioavailability of vitamin C from calcium ascorbate with a content of threonate is comparable to that of ascorbic acid. The toxicity studies and mutagenicity tests with calcium ascorbate with a content of threonate, with calcium threonate or L-threonic acid, hemicalcium salt indicate that the compounds are of low toxicity and are not mutagenic. Data on carcinogenicity, long-term studies, reproductive and developmental toxicity of calcium ascorbate with a content of threonate were not presented. Such toxicity studies are not needed in the light of the dissociation of calcium ascorbate with a content of threonate to substances which are physiologically present in the body (ascorbate, threonate, calcium) and considering t at the safety of ascorbic acid (and its calcium and sodium salts), and calcium was previously evaluated. The intended conditions of use of calcium ascorbate with a content of threonate correspond to those of other approved sources of vitamin C. The additional exposure to calcium and threonate through Calcium ascorbate/threonate EFSA Journal (2007) 491, p. 2 of 10 use of supplements with calcium ascorbate with a content of threonate does not represent a cause of safety concern. The Panel noted that threonate is a normal metabolite in the body and concluded that the use of calcium ascorbate containing up to 2% threonate as a source of vitamin C in food supplements is not of safety concern.