Vitamin C (Ascorbic Acid) Test in Alipur, Delhi

Vitamin C (ascorbic acid) is a water-soluble vitamin needed to make collagen, heal wounds, absorb iron from plant foods, support immunity and act as an antioxidant. The body cannot store much or make it, so it must come from fruits and vegetables daily.

Severe deficiency causes scurvy: bleeding and swollen gums, easy bruising, corkscrew hairs, joint pain, slow healing and fatigue. It is uncommon but occurs with very poor diets, alcohol dependence, malabsorption, smoking and in the elderly. Mildly low levels may cause tiredness and frequent infections.

Vitamin C levels fall rapidly in blood left unprocessed, and are affected by recent intake, so the test is not routinely needed; it is used when deficiency is suspected. High doses (above 2 g/day) can cause diarrhoea and kidney stones and may interfere with some blood sugar tests.