Vitamin C Blood Test - More Information

The vitamin C test, also known a vitamin C blood test, ascorbic acid test and vit C lab test, checks the vitamin C blood level.

Vitamin C is an essential nutrient that has a variety of functions in the body. In humans, vitamin C functions as a powerful antioxidant and is important for metabolizing drugs and connective tissue in the body. Vitamin C is available in foods such as broccoli and citrus fruits as well as supplements. Low vitamin C levels, or vitamin C deficiency, can cause fatigue, depression, bleeding and poor healing. Severe vitamin C deficiency is known as scurvy. High vitamin C levels may cause gastrointestinal upset (particularly when taken orally), fatigue, and a rash. Vitamin C toxicity may also cause iron overload in susceptible people.

Getting a vitamin C test at a lab near you through Quest Diagnostics is relatively straightforward. After ordering online and getting tested at the lab, your vitamin C lab results will be available for electronic download. As can be seen on the sample vitamin C lab report, the vitamin C blood level will be reported as a number and can be compared against the reference range for vitamin C levels provided by the lab. It is recommended that you fast for 12 hours (overnight fast) before getting a vitamin C blood test. Also, avoiding vitamin C supplements and fruits for one day before your lab test will provide the most accurate results.

The vitamin C blood test is sometimes ordered in conjunction with the advanced vitamin panel and the comprehensive vitamin panel.