Vitamin C

Overview

Vitamin C, or ascorbic acid, is like a helpful friend that keeps your body strong and healthy. It's an essential vitamin, meaning your body can't make it on its own - you need to get it from foods like oranges, strawberries, bell peppers, and broccoli. Vitamin C plays a big role in healing cuts and wounds by helping to produce collagen, which is a key part of your skin, bones, and muscles. It also acts as a protector, defending your cells against damage from harmful substances. By making sure you have enough Vitamin C, you're supporting your immune system to fight off illnesses and keeping your body in good working order.

Testing Levels:

• High (84 µmol/L) - If your Vitamin C levels are higher than normal, it's usually not something to worry about. Your body is good at getting rid of extra Vitamin C through urine. However, taking very high amounts of Vitamin C supplements can sometimes cause mild discomforts like an upset stomach or diarrhoea. It's best to stick to the recommended amounts and get most of your Vitamin C from a healthy diet.
  
  
• Mid - Having Vitamin C levels within the normal range means your body has enough of this vitamin to support healing, protect your cells, and keep your immune system strong. It's a sign that you're eating well and taking good care of your health. Keep enjoying those fruits and vegetables to maintain these healthy levels.
  
  Being near the higher end of the normal range for Vitamin C typically means you're getting plenty of this important nutrient, which is great for your health. It suggests that your diet is rich in Vitamin C foods or you might be taking supplements. Just make sure not to take too much through supplements to avoid any mild side effects.
  
  If your Vitamin C levels are getting close to being low, it might be a sign that you need to eat more Vitamin C-rich foods. You might not feel any different yet, but boosting your intake can help prevent problems down the line. Try adding more fruits like oranges and kiwis, or vegetables like bell peppers and spinach, to your meals to raise your levels.
  
  
• Low (26 µmol/L) - Low levels of Vitamin C mean your body doesn't have enough of this essential vitamin. You might start to feel tired, weak, or notice that cuts and bruises take longer to heal. In severe cases, a lack of Vitamin C can lead to a condition called scurvy, which can cause bleeding gums and joint pain. It's important to increase your intake of Vitamin C-rich foods or talk to a healthcare provider about taking supplements to get your levels back up.

Why We Test Vitamin C

Testing your Vitamin C levels can help you find out if you're getting enough of this vital nutrient. If you're low in Vitamin C, you might feel tired or heal more slowly from cuts and bruises. Knowing your levels allows you to make dietary changes or take supplements to improve your health. This is especially important if you don't eat many fruits and vegetables, smoke, or have certain health conditions that increase your need for Vitamin C.

What Affects It

Many things can influence your Vitamin C levels. Not eating enough fruits and vegetables can lower your levels because that's where most Vitamin C comes from. Smoking cigarettes can use up more Vitamin C in your body, reducing the amount available to keep you healthy. If you're under stress, have an infection, or have certain chronic illnesses, your body might use up Vitamin C faster. Drinking alcohol can also affect your Vitamin C levels. Additionally, during pregnancy and breastfeeding, women need more Vitamin C to support both their own health and that of their baby.

How to Improve

If your Vitamin C levels are high or close to high, and you're taking supplements, you might consider reducing the amount to avoid any mild side effects like stomach upset. Focus on getting Vitamin C from foods. If your levels are low or close to low, you can raise them by eating more foods rich in Vitamin C, such as citrus fruits, berries, tomatoes, and leafy greens. If needed, a healthcare provider might recommend a Vitamin C supplement to help increase your levels. Always talk to a healthcare professional before starting supplements to make sure they're right for you.

Common Name: Ascorbic Acid