One of the most potent antioxidants, vitamin C, is essential for the health of each individual's body. It has been discovered that a shortage of vitamin C frequently causes several harmful problems. So, in many situations, it becomes essential for doctors to be aware of the current Vitamin C level in a particular patient. Doctors will advise a patient to have a Vitamin C (Active) test. The only objective of the test is to quantify the amount of Vitamin C that is present in a blood sample. The test is also conducted throughout or following the treatment for vitamin C insufficiency.

One of the most potent antioxidants, vitamin C, is essential for the health of each individual's body. It has been discovered that a shortage of vitamin C frequently causes several harmful problems. So, in many situations, it becomes essential for doctors to be aware of the current Vitamin C level in a particular patient. Doctors will advise a patient to have a Vitamin C (Active) test. The only objective of the test is to quantify the amount of Vitamin C that is present in a blood sample. The test is also conducted throughout or following the treatment for vitamin C insufficiency.

Ascorbic acid, a water-soluble vitamin known as vitamin C, is not generated by the human body but is crucial to its proper operation. Citrus fruits are the primary dietary sources of vitamin C, making them accessible. It supports protein metabolism and is essential for producing neurotransmitters, L-carnitine, collagen, and vitamin E. It also aids in protein metabolism. Additionally, it is crucial for the immune system's operation and absorption of non-heme iron. An individual's nutritional status can be determined by measuring the blood levels of vitamin C.

 The Vitamin C (Active) test gives the physician a precise understanding of the amount of vitamin C present in a sample of blood. It is one of the fundamental measures for the treatment of photoaging and aids in many dermatological procedures. Regardless of age or gender, the typical value of vitamin C (Active) is between 0.6 and 2 mg/dl. As a result, doctors are better able to understand a variety of illnesses that could arise over time due to a vitamin C deficit.

Who Should Get a Vitamin C Test?

The test is used to identify vitamin C deficiency in the body. To determine whether supplementation is necessary to prevent health issues for the person due to a lack of Vitamin C in the body, it may be performed in people who are elderly, have infants who drink unfortified milk or are alcoholics.

The test may be ordered if the presence of scurvy is suspected. The signs and symptoms of which include:

• Bleeding gums with gingival infections and inflammations
• Loss of teeth
• Fatigue
• Malaise
• Joint pain
• Weight loss
• Dry mouth and dry eyes

Individuals who belong the high risk of developing vitamin C deficiency include:

• Elderly people
• Alcoholics
• Malnourished individuals
• People suffering from anorexia nervosa, diabetes, AIDS, Crohn's disease, celiac disease, iron overload disorders, mental disorders and thyrotoxicosis
• Lactating mothers
• Pregnant women
• Smokers
• People receiving dialysis treatment

Why Get Tested for Vitamin C?

 This test detects a deficiency of vitamin C in the body. It might be performed in individuals belonging to the elderly, infants fed with unfortified milk and alcoholic group to assess whether the levels are adequate or if supplementation is required to prevent any health problems to the individual owing to a lack of Vitamin C in the body.

Sample Required

 The active approach is mainly used to test a specific blood sample. Patients should always wear half sleeves so that the lab staff can easily collect the blood sample. First, a spirit or alcohol pad is used to clean the spot where it is to be taken. The sample is then drawn out by inserting the syringe's needle into a vein, preferably in the arm. After that, the sample is kept in a glass jar with the patient's name labelled. It is then delivered to the lab for additional research.

 Is Fasting Required Before a Vitamin C Test?

  A complete Vitamin C Test requires 12-14 hours of fasting. However, one should fast for 12-14 hours or overnight for natural vitamin C nutritional status. For more information, it is better to consult the lab technician before taking a Vitamin C Te