The manufacture of ascorbic acid requires multiple production steps. The primary starting material is called glucose, a starch derivative. If the starch is wheat, the ascorbic acid that resulted from the production steps would have a status of chametz. In fact, most manufacturers around the world use a kitniyos-based derivative such as corn. Because the process fundamentally changes the original corn-glucose material (in halacha, significant changes are known as “nishtana“), the OU considers the ascorbic acid to be acceptable for Pesach even for those who do not consume kitniyos on Pesach. (Note: The OU accepts nishtana as a basis for leniency for kitniyos {which is a minhag}, but we do not consider nishtana relevant for Torah prohibitions. As such, wheat based ascorbic acid is not permissible on Pesach.)
Because there are multiple steps in the supply and production chain of ascorbic acid, it is exceedingly difficult, and in most cases impossible, to determine the origin of the ascorbic acid for any given brand of Vitamin C. A “gluten-free” claim would not clarify the status because ascorbic acid would not present any issues of gluten in any event. Nonetheless, a non-chewable, unflavored OU certified Vitamin C tablet or pill is acceptable for Pesach. This is because non-chewable pills are inedible, and swallowing pills for medicinal purposes is not considered eating chametz. Furthermore, since the majority of ascorbic acid manufacturers do not produce it from a wheat-glucose, one may assume that the pill he or she is consuming comes from the majority.
In cases when an OU certified Vitamin C tablet is not available, any unflavored tablet, pill, or vegetarian capsule of Vitamin C would be acceptable during Pesach.
Chewable Vitamin C tablets or other flavored Vitamin C supplements should be avoided for Pesach. In addition to the issue of the ascorbic acid, a number of other ingredients used to compose these products can be chametz as well.
For children who are used to taking chewable tablets, one practical suggestion is to grind an unflavored Vitamin C tablet or pill into applesauce or other food.
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