Vitamin C Test

Vitamin C plays an important role in the growth and repair of body tissues including repairing maintaining cartilage, bones and teeth, healing wounds and forming scar tissue, and aids in making skin, tendons, ligaments and blood vessels. Individuals with malnutrition or malabsorption issues caused by gastrointestinal conditions, Crohn's disease, celiac disease, may be deficient in vitamin C. Those with alcoholism, kidney disease or failure, may also have vitamin C levels that are too low.

Deficient vitamin C levels can lead to:

• Anemia
• Scurvy
• Gingivitis, bleeding gums and weakened tooth enamel
• Decreased ability to fight infection and heal wounds
• Nosebleeds and easy bruising
• Dry, splitting hair and dry, rough skin
• Inflamed joints
• Weight gain caused by a slowed metabolism

The human body cannot make vitamin C on its own and does not store it, so it is important to add foods or supplements containing vitamin C to your diet.

Major sources of vitamin C are fruit and vegetable sources like:

• Broccoli, Brussels sprouts and cauliflower
• Cantaloupe, papaya, pineapple
• Citrus fruits and juices
• Green and red bell peppers
• Spinach, cabbage, leafy greens
• Kiwi fruit and mangoes