Use: Evaluation of vitamin C deficiency
Synonyms:
Ascorbic Acid
C, Vitamin
Vitamin C or ascorbic acid is an essential nutrient for humans, a large number of higher primate species, a small number of other mammalian species (notably guinea pigs and bats), a few species of birds, and some fish.
The presence of ascorbate is required for a range of essential metabolic reactions in all animals and plants. It is made internally by almost all organisms, humans being a notable exception. It is widely known that a deficiency in this vitamin causes scurvy in humans. It is also widely used as a food additive.
Biological tissues that accumulate over 100 times the level in blood plasma of vitamin C are the adrenal glands, pituitary, thymus, corpus luteum, and retina. Those with 10 to 50 times the concentration present in blood plasma include the brain, spleen, lung, testicle, lymph nodes, liver, thyroid, small intestinal mucosa, leukocytes, pancreas, kidney and salivary glands.
The pharmacophore of vitamin C is the ascorbate ion. In living organisms, ascorbate is an anti-oxidant, since it protects the body against oxidative stress, and is a cofactor in several vital enzymatic reactions.
Its concentration is measured by means of analysis of a blood sample drawn from the vein in the arm.
Purpose of the test
To evaluate the concentration of Vitamin C in the blood.
Reference range values
0.4-2.0 mg/dL
Abnormal findings
Scurvy is an avitaminosis resulting from lack of vitamin C, since without this vitamin, the synthesised collagen is too unstable to perform its function. Scurvy leads to the formation of liver spots on the skin, spongy gums, and bleeding from all mucous membranes.
Human body can store only a certain amount of vitamin C, and so the body soon depletes itself if fresh supplies are not consumed.
Low blood levels of vitamin C or Chronic Scurvy is a cause of atherosclerosis.
Relatively large doses of vitamin C may cause indigestion, particularly when taken on an empty stomach.
When taken in large doses, vitamin C causes diarrhea in healthy subjects.