Effect of ascorbic acid on Urine pH in Man

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Abstract
The effect of ascorbic acid on urine pH was studied in 10 healthy male volunteers. Ascorbic acid tablets were given to each subject at two dosage levels and intervals (4 and 6 g/day divided into four and five doses). A crossover study design was used in which each of the four regimens was in simultaneous use in one of four subgroups. Each urine volume voided in a day was collected in a separate polyethylene bag, refrigerated and the pH measured at one time daily. After two days of ascorbic add therapy, the pH of each urine sample was determined during the remaining three days of the regimen. A two-day "washout" period was followed between regimens. The four ascorbic acid treatments did lower the urine pH of all subjects combined, but the greatest effect was only 0.24 pH unit The 4-g/day (four doses) treatment resulted in a mean urine pH significantly different from either pretreatment or posttreatment controls; the 6-g/day (four doses) treatment was not different from either control period; and the other two treatments were significantly different from only the pretreatment control. It does not seem warranted to recommend ascorbic acid, in any dose or regimen, as a urinary acidifier.

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