ASCORBIC ACID IN BLOOD AND URINE AFTER ORAL ADMINISTRATION OF A TEST DOSE OF VITAMIN C

Abstract

Numerous methods have been proposed for the determination of vitamin C deficiency and for the estimation of the degree of saturation of the bodily tissues with vitamin C. The majority of these methods involve measuring the amount of ascorbic acid excreted in the urine in twenty-four hours (1) while the subject is taking his usual diet and (2) after the administration of a test dose of vitamin C. These procedures necessitate the complete cooperation of the patient in order to avoid loss of part of the specimen, and there is difficulty in preserving the urine against oxidation, with resultant loss of vitamin C. For these reasons the methods are not applicable to ambulatory patients. The best single test of vitamin C nutrition is considered by many to be the determination of the amount of reduced ascorbic acid in the blood during fasting. It gives an indication of the degree of