How to Dissolve Vitamin C Tablets for a Science Fair Project

Citrus fruits and juice are among the best sources of vitamin C.

Water soluble vitamin C helps the body repair tissues, heal wounds and build strong bones. Our bodies don't naturally produce vitamin C, so we must get the nutrient from supplements or food, including strawberries, leafy greens and citrus juice. Many vitamin C supplements are available, but some dissolve more easily than others. If a supplement doesn't dissolve well, then our bodies aren't able to absorb the vitamin C. For a science fair project, determine which brands of vitamin C supplements dissolve most easily.

Things You'll Need

• 3 glasses of hot water
• 3 brands of vitamin C supplements
• Timer

Instructions

Dissolving Vitamin C

1. 

   Fill 3 glasses with very warm water.

   Fill 3 clear glasses with hot water at 98.6 degrees F.

2. 

   Drop 1 vitamin C tablet in each cup.

   Drop 1 vitamin C tablet from each brand in each glass.

3. 

   Time the experiment for 20 minutes.

   Check the glasses every five minutes. Note which tablet dissolves first. Stop the test after 20 minutes.

4. Record the results for your science fair.

Tips & Warnings

• Supplements that don't dissolve in 20 minutes most likely won't be used by the body.

• Make an illustrated poster detailing the results of your experiment.

• Eating vitamin C rich food is the best way to get the vitamin C you need. Display vitamin C rich foods include strawberries, oranges, and kiwis.

References

• Super Science Fair Projects: What are the best nutritional vitamins and supplements?
• Medline Plus: Vitamin C

Resources

• Science Project Lab: Vitamin C science project