What Are the Causes of Low C Sediment in Blood?

Vitamin C defends the body against cell damage arising from diseases, environmental hazards and illnesses. Low levels of vitamin C sediment in the blood may be caused by an array of potential health complications.

Function

• Antioxidant nutrients such as vitamin C are stable molecules that function to neutralize unstable molecules responsible for the oxidation of cells---a process known as free radical damage.

Significance

• Free radicals cause chain reactions by overtaking and degenerating healthy cells, which in turn depletes levels of antioxidants such as vitamin C. This leads to decreased immune system function.

Potential

• Low C sediment in blood may indicate progressive free radical damage in people with rheumatic disorders such as arthritis, autoimmune diseases such as asthma, and cardiovascular problems.

Considerations

• Smokers have low C levels due to carcinogens that enter the bloodstream as environmental free radicals, attacking healthy cells and exposing the body to decreased lung function, cancer and cardiovascular disease.

Effects

• Degenerative conditions such as diabetes, cataracts and peripheral artery disease result in low C levels due to ongoing inflammatory cells that outnumber and deplete antioxidant-rich cells needed for cellular rejuvenation.

Identification

• Vitamin C is ingested through fruits, vegetables and supplements. Laboratory blood tests measure C sediment, with levels of 0.2 mg/dL or lower indicating a deficiency.