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Doctor's Assessment Included

Every result includes a professional assessment from a BIG-registered doctor. For treatment decisions, discuss your results with your GP.

Vitamins

Vitamin C

Vitamin C is considered a critical antioxidant for athletes, potentially supporting immune function during intense training and aiding tissue repair and recovery. Athletes may have increased vitamin C requirements. Consult a sports medicine professional for guidance.

Reference Ranges

Male
umol/l
Low 26 Normal 85 High
Female
umol/l
Low 26 Normal 85 High

Reference ranges may vary between laboratories. When you order a test, a BIG-registered doctor assesses your personal results in context. For treatment decisions, discuss your results with your GP.

What It Measures

This test measures vitamin C (ascorbic acid) levels in your blood, expressed in umol/l. It may help assess whether your body has adequate vitamin C for immune function and antioxidant protection. Your healthcare provider can interpret results in your clinical context.

Why It Matters

For athletes, vitamin C may help protect against exercise-induced oxidative stress, support collagen synthesis for joint and tendon health, and maintain immune function during heavy training. Suboptimal levels may affect recovery. Discuss your results with a sports medicine professional.

When to Test

Testing may be considered when experiencing slow wound healing, frequent infections, easy bruising, or fatigue. Healthcare providers may also suggest testing for individuals who smoke, have limited fruit and vegetable intake, or have conditions affecting nutrient absorption.

Symptoms

Low Levels

Some people with low vitamin C may experience fatigue, easy bruising, slow wound healing, swollen or bleeding gums, and dry or rough skin. Frequent infections may also occur. In severe cases, scurvy may develop. A healthcare provider can help assess your symptoms.

High Levels

Very high vitamin C intake, typically from supplementation, may sometimes cause digestive discomfort, including diarrhoea and nausea. Some people may experience kidney stone risk at very high doses. Consult your healthcare provider about appropriate intake levels for your situation.

Lifestyle Tips

Foods considered rich in vitamin C include citrus fruits, berries, bell peppers, broccoli, and kiwi. Vitamin C is heat-sensitive, so raw or lightly cooked foods may retain more. Some people may benefit from increased intake during illness. Discuss supplementation with your healthcare provider.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can vitamin C help prevent colds?
While vitamin C is widely used during cold season, research on its preventive effects is considered mixed. Some studies suggest it may slightly reduce cold duration in certain populations. Regular adequate intake may be more beneficial than high doses during illness. Consult your healthcare provider.
Does cooking destroy vitamin C?
Vitamin C is considered heat-sensitive and water-soluble, so prolonged cooking or boiling may reduce its content in foods. Steaming, microwaving, or eating raw fruits and vegetables may help preserve more vitamin C. Your healthcare provider or dietitian can offer specific dietary guidance.
Can smokers have lower vitamin C levels?
Research suggests that smoking may increase oxidative stress and deplete vitamin C more rapidly. Healthcare providers may recommend that smokers consume more vitamin C-rich foods or consider supplementation. Discuss your specific needs with a qualified health professional.