Skip to main content
Your session has expired. Reloading...
Vitamins

Vitamin C Blood Test

Vitamin C is considered especially important for older adults, as it may support immune function, wound healing, and antioxidant protection against age-related oxidative stress. Dietary intake may vary with changing eating patterns. Healthcare providers can help assess your needs.

Doctor's Assessment Included

Reference Ranges

See the value that applies to you:

Choose male or female — this range differs by sex.

Enter your age — this range changes with age.

This range also depends on context such as cycle phase or sample material; the highlighted rows apply to your group.

Male Your group
umol/l
Low 26 Normal 85 High
Female Your group
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.

Check your own value

Vitamin C: what this test 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.

Vitamin C: why this value matters

For adults over 60, vitamin C may support immune resilience, collagen maintenance for skin and joint health, and protection against oxidative damage. Adequate levels have been associated with better wound healing and reduced infection risk. Consult your healthcare provider for recommendations.

Vitamin C: when is testing worthwhile?

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.

Vitamin C: symptoms of a high or low value

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.

Vitamin C: lifestyle and this value

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.

Vitamin C: 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.

Tests with related values

These panels measure values from the same category as this marker.

Heart & Metabolism

GLP-1 Baseline Panel

Your starting point before the first injection: blood sugar, cholesterol, pancreas, liver, kidneys, thyroid and nutrients in one measurement.

Insulin (Fasting) ALT (Alanine Aminotransferase) TSH (Thyroid Stimulating Hormone) AST (Aspartate Aminotransferase) HDL Cholesterol HbA1c (Glycated Hemoglobin) Bilirubin (Total) ApoB (Apolipoprotein B) Vitamin B12 Ferritin Potassium Sodium Glucose (Fasting) Total Cholesterol Albumin Lipase Creatinine Vitamin D (25-OH) Triglycerides Bilirubin (Direct) Bilirubin (Indirect)
€214,-
Heart & Metabolism

GLP-1 Extended Panel

The 6-month measurement: everything from the check-in plus insulin, ApoB and your nutrients — especially relevant if you have been eating much less for a while.

Insulin (Fasting) ALT (Alanine Aminotransferase) AST (Aspartate Aminotransferase) HDL Cholesterol HbA1c (Glycated Hemoglobin) ApoB (Apolipoprotein B) Vitamin B12 Ferritin Potassium Sodium Glucose (Fasting) Total Cholesterol Albumin Lipase Creatinine Vitamin D (25-OH) Triglycerides
€196,-

Medical reviewer

Medical standards

Dr. Naimi oversees the medical standards behind our content and assessments.

Medical policy
CIBG Ministerie van Volksgezondheid,
Welzijn en Sport Official BIG registration BIG 49928676701 Opens in a new tab

Vitamin C

€59,-