Clinical Information

Also known as L-ascorbic acid, vitamin C is essential as the body is unable to synthesize it¹.

Vitamin C is important for the synthesis of carnitine and catecholamines, adrenalin and noadrenalin. It is important for the absoprtion of non-heme iron in the mucosa, the reduction of folic acid intermediates, and the synthesis of cortisol². It is also important for the synthesis of collagen and an important component of connective tissues¹.

Signs and Symptoms of Deficiency or Toxicity

Vitamin C deficiency can lead to scurvy. This may develop within a month’s time with fatigue, malaise, and gum inflamation as initial symptoms. When the deficiency worsens, petechiae, joint pain, poor wound healing are observed¹.

Vitamin C deficiency is uncommon.

Suggested possible toxic studies based on in vitro studies are excess iron absoprtion, vitamin B12 deficiency, erosion of the dental enamel, kidney stones, and birth defects³.

Biomarker and Methods of Analysis

ASCORBIC ACID IN SERUM.

Ascorbic acid in serum is a more practical index to assess nutrient status. To minimize influence of recent uptake of Vitamin C, fasting blood sample is required for serum ascorbic acid testing^4,5.

Supplementation Guide

No supplemental guidelines for the general public.

The upper limit for vitamin C per age group are as follows⁶.

• Children:
  • 1-3 y.o.: 400 mg
  • 4-6 y.o.: 650 mg
  • 9-13 y.o.: 1200 mg
  • 14-18 y.o.:1800 mg
• Adults, 19 years and above: 1000 mg
• Pregnant and Lactating, 14 to 18: 800 mg

Some medications that may have an effect on vitamin C include estrogen-containing contraceptives and aspirin – if taken frequently³.