L-Ascorbic acid (vitamin C; ) is essential for the synthesis of collagen, with deficiency resulting in scurvy. Notably, humans and other primates, guinea pigs, and certain other animals lack an enzyme necessary for vitamin C synthesis. L-Ascorbic acid 2-phosphate (AA2P) is a long-acting ascorbic acid derivative that stimulates collagen expression and formation and is used in human cell culture. It may be included in media to enhance the survival of human embryonic stem cells or increase the growth and replicative lifespan of human corneal endothelial cells. AA2P is also used to drive osteogenic differentiation in human adipose stem cells and in human mesenchymal stromal/stem cells.