Vitamin C Blood Test

What is the purpose of this test?

Order this Vitamin C Blood Test measures vitamin C levels in the blood to screen for a vitamin C deficiency and assess the risk of scurvy. Vitamin C plays a vital role in the growth and repair of body tissues, including:

• Repairing and maintaining cartilage, bones, and teeth.
• Healing wounds and forming scar tissue.
• Aiding in making skin, tendons, ligaments, and blood vessels.

Vitamin C comes from fruits and vegetables. Good sources include citrus, red and green peppers, tomatoes, broccoli, and greens. In addition, ascorbic acid (vitamin C) is used as a dietary supplement or added to some juices and cereals when the amount of ascorbic acid in the diet is insufficient. For example, individuals with a limited variety of food in their diet or who have intestinal malabsorption problems from cancer or kidney disease are at high risk of developing a vitamin C deficiency.

What causes abnormal vitamin C levels?

Several conditions may affect vitamin C levels, most commonly affecting individuals with malnutrition or intestinal malabsorption issues. Intestinal malabsorption issues that affect vitamin C levels are caused by gastrointestinal disorders, such as:

• Crohn's disease
• Celiac disease
• Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) 

Additionally, vitamin C malabsorption may also be caused by:

• Alcoholism
• Kidney disease
• Kidney failure

When should I order a Vitamin C Blood Test?

Individuals may order this test if they have experienced symptoms related to a vitamin C deficiency. Common symptoms of vitamin C deficiency include:

• Anemia
• Scurvy
• Paleness
• Sunken eyes
• Inflamed joints
• Loss of appetite
• Fatigue and weakness
• Nosebleeds and easy bruising
• Dry, splitting hair and dry, rough skin
• Weight gain caused by a slowed metabolism
• Decreased ability to fight infection and heal wounds
• Gingivitis, bleeding gums, and weakened tooth enamel