Vitamin C, or ascorbic acid, is a blood test prescribed to check for a possible deficiency. It is only in the diet that we find this vitamin, essential for the proper functioning of the human body.

Also called ascorbic acid, vitamin C participates in many processes in the body. Let us quote for example:

• it plays the role of antioxidant, ie it prevents chain reactions caused by free radicals (unstable compounds) and considered harmful to the body. They say they are a kind of “bulletproof”;
• it helps prevent or at least slow down cell damage;
• it helps the body to absorb iron;
• it participates in the proper functioning of the immune system;
• it is involved in the healing of wounds;
• it helps the body make collagen, which is essential for the formation of connective tissue in the skin, bones and ligaments.

Humans have lost the ability to synthesize vitamin C during their evolution, so it must be found in the diet. Note that vitamin C is unstable and is therefore destroyed by light and heat.

It is found in fruits and vegetables. Some sources of vitamin C include:

• red peppers and yellow peppers;
• oranges ;
• kiwis;
• broccoli ;
• the strawberries ;
• le chou;
• or even mango and papaya.

Note that some people have greater vitamin C needs. These include in particular;

• pregnant women ;
• smokers ;
• severe burns;
• people who have had surgery.

The doctor prescribes a vitamin C analysis to identify a possible deficiency, and in particular if the patient has the following clinical circumstances:

• tired ;
• malnutrition ;
• smoking;
• alcoholism;
• respiratory ailments;
• inflammatory digestive pathologies;
• dermatological disorders;
• or even healing disorders.

Normal values ​​of vitamin C in the blood are between 5-17 mg / l.

Note that the reference values ​​may vary depending on the laboratory performing the analyzes and depending on the assay techniques.

Vitamin C deficiency can be a sign of:

• le scorbut, a disease characterized by bleeding gums, general fatigue and difficulty healing;
• a cirrhosis hepatic;
• or the addison’s disease, an endocrine disease characterized by an insufficiency of the adrenal glands.

The examination consists of a venous blood sample, usually in the fold of the elbow. The collected sample should be kept away from light.

It is important to tell the medical staff if you are taking vitamin supplements, as they may affect the dosage of vitamin C.

Since vitamin C must be drawn from the diet, it is this which will mainly vary its concentration in the body. Thus, in case of lack of vitamin C, it is advisable to consume foods that contain it, such as fruits (citrus fruits, strawberries, kiwis, etc.) and vegetables (peppers, cabbage, etc.).

Note that vitamin C requirements vary according to gender:

• 90 mg per day for men over 19;
• 75 mg per day for women over 19 years old.

Pregnant women have an increased need for vitamin C, with 80-85 mg per day.

To better understand, remember that an average orange contains about 70 mg of vitamin C.