Vitamin C (Ascorbic Acid)
Updated: Nov 27, 2024 Author: Carl M Kraemer, MD, FAAEM, FACEP; Chief Editor: Sridevi Devaraj, PhD,
DABCC, FAACC, FRSC, CCRP more...
Reference Range
Vitamin C, also known as ascorbic acid, is a water-soluble vitamin.
The reference range of vitamin C is 0.6-2 mg/dL. [1]
Interpretation
Scurvy is caused by prolonged dietary deficiency of vitamin C (ascorbic acid).
Vitamin C levels generally reflect recent intake amounts more than body stores.
Vitamin C levels of less than 0.3 mg/dL indicate significant deficiency, while levels that exceed 0.6
mg/dL indicate sufficient intake.
There is no known toxic level of vitamin C. [2] However, limited studies have suggested that levels
greater than 3 mg/dL may be associated with uricosuria and, in persons with glucose-6-phosphatase
deficiency, may induce red blood cell fragility. [1]
Collection and Panels
Specifics for collection and panels are as follows: [1]
Specimen type: Blood plasma
Container: Vacutainer, green top (heparin)
Collection method: Venipuncture
Specimen volume: 1 mL
Collection conditions: Fasting for 12-14 hours
Updated: Nov 27, 2024 Author: Carl M Kraemer, MD, FAAEM, FACEP; Chief Editor: Sridevi Devaraj, PhD,
DABCC, FAACC, FRSC, CCRP more...
Reference Range
Vitamin C, also known as ascorbic acid, is a water-soluble vitamin.
The reference range of vitamin C is 0.6-2 mg/dL. [1]
Interpretation
Scurvy is caused by prolonged dietary deficiency of vitamin C (ascorbic acid).
Vitamin C levels generally reflect recent intake amounts more than body stores.
Vitamin C levels of less than 0.3 mg/dL indicate significant deficiency, while levels that exceed 0.6
mg/dL indicate sufficient intake.
There is no known toxic level of vitamin C. [2] However, limited studies have suggested that levels
greater than 3 mg/dL may be associated with uricosuria and, in persons with glucose-6-phosphatase
deficiency, may induce red blood cell fragility. [1]
Collection and Panels
Specifics for collection and panels are as follows: [1]
Specimen type: Blood plasma
Container: Vacutainer, green top (heparin)
Collection method: Venipuncture
Specimen volume: 1 mL
Collection conditions: Fasting for 12-14 hours
