What is Vitamin C?

Vitamin C, also known as ascorbic acid, is an essential nutrient crucial for immune function, skin health, and tissue repair. Unlike many animals, humans cannot produce Vitamin C, making it necessary to obtain it through diet or supplements.

Why Monitor Vitamin C Levels?

• Immune System Support: Vitamin C is vital for enhancing immune cell function and protecting against infections by reinforcing the skin's barrier against pathogens.
• Antioxidant Protection: As a powerful antioxidant, Vitamin C helps neutralize free radicals in the body, reducing oxidative stress and potentially lowering the risk of chronic diseases.
• Collagen Synthesis: Vitamin C is essential for producing collagen, a protein necessary for the growth and repair of skin, tendons, ligaments, and blood vessels.
• Iron Absorption: It also improves the absorption of dietary iron, which is important for preventing anemia and maintaining good energy levels.

Optimal Vitamin C Levels to Monitor

The U-Scan identifies the following Vitamin C level zones:

• Low Vitamin C Levels (0-10.6 mg/dL): This may indicate insufficient dietary intake, which could require dietary adjustments or supplementation to prevent potential health risks such as weakened immune function and skin problems.
• Target Zone Vitamin C Levels (>10.6 mg/dL): Indicates a well-balanced diet that effectively meets your body’s antioxidant needs and supports collagen synthesis for healthy skin and joints.

Possible reasons for a low Vitamin C level

Low Vitamin C levels can result from various habits or behaviors, such as not consuming enough fresh fruits and vegetables, particularly those rich in Vitamin C like green vegetables, citrus fruits, and berries. Eating a diet high in processed foods, cooking food for extended periods or at high temperatures, regular alcohol consumption, smoking, or dealing with kidney issues are also potential causes, among other factors.

Sources and further reading:

• Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health: https://www.hsph.harvard.edu/nutritionsource/vitamin-c/
• National Institutes of Health - Office of Dietary Supplements: (https://ods.od.nih.gov/factsheets/VitaminC-Consumer/)
• Healthline: (https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/vitamin-c-benefits)