Your Personal AI Doctor
Customize your AI Doctor to ask any health-related questions. Get instant answers and tailored health insights.
Author
Dr Anna NersisyanReviewed by
Dr Lusine BadalianQuestion on this topic? Get an instant answer from AI Doctor.Instant answer from AI Doctor.
Vitamin C is an essential nutrient crucial for immune support, collagen production, and antioxidant protection. It plays a key role in iron absorption, tissue repair, and overall health.
Regular testing helps diagnose deficiencies or excess levels, which can be managed through diet and lifestyle changes.
Vitamin C, or ascorbic acid, is an important nutrient needed for many body functions. It helps make collagen, which keeps skin healthy and supports wound healing. It also improves iron absorption, boosts the immune system, and repairs tissues.
As a strong antioxidant, Vitamin C protects cells from damage. Doctors check Vitamin C levels to assess nutrition, diagnose deficiencies, and manage conditions like scurvy or high oxidative stress.
Customize your AI Doctor to ask any health-related questions. Get instant answers and tailored health insights.
Testing Vitamin C levels is typically recommended when symptoms of deficiency or excess are suspected. This test can provide valuable insights into a person’s nutritional and health status.
Common situations when testing may be prescribed:
Vitamin C levels are measured through a simple blood test. A sample of venous blood is collected for laboratory analysis. The test commonly uses high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) to ensure accurate results.
Vitamin C measurements are often included as part of comprehensive nutritional panels. They can also be part of specific vitamin deficiency panels, offering insights into an individual’s nutritional health.
Preparation for the test:
Normal Vitamin C levels in the blood are typically measured in milligrams per deciliter (mg/dL) or micrograms per milliliter (mcg/ml).
Note: The units of measurement and the normal ranges can differ depending on the laboratory and the specific methods used.
Upload your lab tests, receive detailed interpretations, personalized insights and recommendations.
Low levels of Vitamin C, also known as hypovitaminosis C, are common and can lead to serious health issues if left untreated.
Causes of low Vitamin C levels:
If you suspect abnormal Vitamin C levels, consult a healthcare professional to determine the underlying cause and appropriate treatment. Specialists who may help include:
No, cheese does not contain Vitamin C. It is primarily a source of calcium and protein.
No, Vitamin C and calcium are different nutrients. Vitamin C supports immunity, while calcium strengthens bones and teeth.
Yes, grape juice contains Vitamin C, though the amount depends on whether it is fresh or processed.
Vitamin C stays in your system for about 24 hours, as it is water-soluble and excreted quickly.
No, citric acid is not the same as Vitamin C. Citric acid is found in citrus fruits but does not have the same nutritional benefits.
This article was reviewed by leading experts in immunology. As part of our editorial and medical review process, we relied on academic studies, medical research, and publications from credible sources to ensure the information provided is accurate and trustworthy.
Have a question on this topic? Submit it here and get an instant answer from our AI Doctor.
Please Note!This tool is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult a professional before taking any actions.
Docus partners with top medical experts to provide trusted health insights and second opinions in immunology.
Talk to Docus AI Doctor, generate health reports, get them validated by Top Doctors from the US and Europe.
Explore what Vitamin D is, its normal ranges, when testing is needed, and how to manage levels for optimal health.
Learn about Vitamin B12's role in health, when testing is needed, and what high or low levels mean for your body and overall well-being.
Learn about Vitamin B1's role, normal levels, testing methods, and what abnormal results mean for your health.
Learn about DHEA-S: its role in the body, testing methods, normal ranges, and what abnormal levels mean. Understand how it impacts overall health.
Discover dopamine's role in your health, signs of imbalance, testing methods, and tips to naturally boost dopamine levels for better well-being.
Anti-Smith (anti-Sm) antibodies, their role in autoimmune diseases, especially lupus, testing methods, and what positive results may indicate.