Vitamin C (synonym: ascorbic acid) is a vital food component that the body cannot produce itself. If it is not supplied to the body, deficiency symptoms (hypo-/avitaminosis) will result.
Vitamin C is absorbed in the jejunum (jejunum) and ileum (ileum) of the small intestine. Vitamin C is water soluble, at the same time very sensitive to heating.It can be stored in hormone-producing organs such as the adrenal cortex, and these stores have reserves for two to six weeks.
It is found mainly in fruits, vegetables, potatoes, but also in chili. In addition, ascorbic acid is added to many different foods.
The main role of vitamin C is as a coenzyme in many different metabolic processes, such as carbohydrate and fat metabolism and collagen biosynthesis. In addition, it is an important antioxidant, increases iron absorption, inhibits copper absorption and is involved in the synthesis of steroid hormones.
The following symptoms may occur with vitamin C deficiency:
- Follicular hyperkeratosis – thickened horny layer of the skin.
- Gingivitis (inflammation of the gums)
- Skin bleeding such as petechiae or ecchymosis
- Susceptibility to infection
- Growth disorders in children
- Wound healing disorders
- Gum bleeding
- Tooth loosening
The full picture of vitamin C deficiency is considered to be scurvy. In this case, mainly occur:
- Anemia (anemia)
- Gingivitis (inflammation of the gums)
- Leukopenia – reduction in leukocytes (white blood cells).
- Myalgia (muscle pain)
- Scurvy rheumatism – limb pain caused by muscle hemorrhage.
- Thrombocytopenia – reduction of platelets (thrombocytes).
The procedure
Material needed
- EDTA blood
Preparation of the patient
- Not necessary
Disruptive factors
- Not known
Standard values
| Value in mg/l | |
| Normal range | 5-15 |
Indications
- Suspected vitamin C deficiency
Interpretation
Interpretation of increased values
- Not relevant to disease
Interpretation of lowered values
- Alimentary (nutritional)
- Malnutrition/undernutrition, as in the context of alcoholism.
- Regular cigarette use/smokers (additional requirement is 40 mg daily).
- Malabsorption (disorder of absorption)
- Chronic inflammatory bowel diseases such as Crohn’s disease or ulcerative colitis or prolonged absorption disorders in gastric diseases.
- Increased need
- Pregnancy/breastfeeding
- Heavy physical work
- Stress
- Fever states
- Dialysis patients
- In convalescent periods after surgeries and diseases.
Other notes
- The normal requirement of vitamin C is 100 mg/d for women as well as men.
Attention.
Note on the state of supply (National Consumption Study II 2008).
32% of men and 29% of women do not reach the recommended daily intake.