Vitamin C (WBC)

Optimal result: 0.5 – 9.7 ng/MM WBC

How it gets depleted:

Vitamin C is most commonly depleted in the absence of sufficient dietary intake. Vitamin C levels can be depleted during times of severe oxidative stress.

Clinical Manifestations of Depletion:

- Low levels of vitamin C have been associated with reduced bone density.

- Signs of deficiency include: bleeding gums, easy bruising, anemia, fatigue, weakness and joint pain. These symptoms are the result of weakened or deficient connective tissues throughout the body.

- Severe cases of vitamin C deficiency are called scurvy.

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Correlation between WBC ("Cellular") and serum levels:

WBC - deficient and...

Serum levels normal/excess: 

Short term status of micronutrients is optiomal, but cellular absorption may be a problem. 

Possible interventions:

- Increase dietary intake of nutrient

- increase supplementation dosage

- consider status of synergistic nutrients for cellular absorption

- consider levels of oxidative stress on nutrient depletion

- consider follow up testing to identify the source of malabsorption

Serum levels deficient: 

Short term and long term status of micronutrients is not optimal, suggesting low dietary intake and both intestinal and cellular malabsorption as possible causes.

Possible interventions:

- Increase dietary intake of nutrient

- increase supplementation dosage

- medications may have an effect on depletion

- consider follow up testing to identify the source of malabsorption

Vitamin C has a major function of being an antioxidant. It boosts immunity through increasing white blood cells, in addition to supporting regeneration of vitamin E. Vitamin C can also reduce atherosclerosis, stroke and high blood pressure, and inflammation. Because of its role in the generation of connective tissue, it is necessary for optimal collagen production. Vitamin C is also an important component of l-carnitine, which is necessary for breakdown of fats into energy.

Vitamin C has a major function of being an antioxidant. It boosts immunity through increasing white blood cells, in addition to supporting regeneration of vitamin E. Vitamin C can also reduce atherosclerosis, stroke and high blood pressure, and inflammation. Because of its role in the generation of connective tissue, it is necessary for optimal collagen production. Vitamin C is also an important component of l-carnitine, which is necessary for breakdown of fats into energy.

Food Sources:

Food sources of vitamin C include: oysters, tropical fruits such as guava, papaya, pineapple, oranges, kiwi, and cantaloupe; leafy greens such as kale and spinach; cruciferous vegetables such as broccoli, brussel sprouts, cauliflower, and cabbage; berries, such as strawberries, raspberries, blueberries, blackberries, bell peppers, and amaranth.

Supplement Options:

- The RDA for vitamin C is 75 mg/day for women and 90 mg/day for men. 120 mg/day is recommended during pregnancy and lactation.

- The half-life of vitamin C in circulation after supplementation is about 30 minutes, therefore, large singular doses of vitamin C may not be as therapeutic as smaller, more frequent doses of vitamin C.

- In addition to taking supplemental vitamin C, α-Lipoic acid helps restore vitamin C levels when depleted.

--------------------------------

Correlation between serum and WBC ("Cellular") levels:

WBC - normal and...

Serum levels deficient:

Long term nutrient status is optiomal, but short term needs improvement.

Possible interventions:

- increase dietary intake of nutrient

- increase supplementation dosage

- medications may have an effect on depletion

Vitamin C (WBC)
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