Scottish Trace Element and Micronutrient Reference Laboratory

Scotland's specialised laboratory for trace elements and vitamins in health and disease

Vitamin C

Trace Elements

Vitamins

Specialised services

Vitamin C - or ascorbic acid - exists in the circulation bound to albumin. It acts as cofactor for several hydroxylation reactions eg. in collagen and carnitine synthesis, and as cofactor in metabolism of several drugs and nutrients. It is also a powerful antioxidant and is involved in optimal leukocyte function.

Vitamin C deficiency is rare in developed countries since it is preventable by the intake of as little as 10mg daily (recommended intake is 90mg/day for men and 75mg/day for women). However, in some situations of abnormal diet it may occur in the very young and very old. Early symptoms are of fatigue followed by easy bruising, bleeding, hair loss, joint pain and swelling.

There is evidence that a healthy intake of fruit and vegetables provides enough vitamin C to protects against stroke, cardiovascular disease, and most forms of cancer.

The nutritional status of vitamin C can be assessed by HPLC measurement of plasma levels, however, these are influenced by recent dietary intake and the acute phase response which lowers levels.

Vitamin C is essentially non-toxic with the possible exception of very high dietary intake.

Sample Requirements and Reference Values