HomeAnswersNutritionistvitamin cI have been taking nutritional supplements into my diet for the past decade. Please tell me how to increase my vitamin C level.

What are the ways to increase the level of vitamin C?

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The following is an actual conversation between an iCliniq user and a doctor that has been reviewed and published as a Premium Q&A.

Answered by

Neha Suryawanshi

Medically reviewed by

iCliniq medical review team

Published At December 6, 2023
Reviewed AtDecember 6, 2023

Patient's Query

Hi doctor,

I have been taking nutritional supplements for the last ten years. Over the last three years, especially my knowledge of such supplements has increased substantially. It is apparent to others, even qualified practising doctors, that I have improved tremendously physically and mentally. Since no doctors practice integrative medicine here, can you advise me on appropriate supplements to target specific concerns? For example, my vitamin C blood level has been discovered to be lower than normal despite taking copious liposomal vitamin C. Could you tell me how to raise the level to normalcy? If you need any information, please ask.

More details about the presenting complaint:

  1. Suddenly discovered in a routine test- No symptoms.
  2. Previous history of the same issue- No history of complaints or symptoms
  3. Current medications - I am taking 1 gm of liposomal (98 % bioavailable) vitamin C.
  4. Past medications for the same issue: No
  5. Laboratory tests performed- In the last three months, it was tested in different labs, and both times, it was reported lower than normal.

Thank you.

Answered by Neha Suryawanshi

Hi,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

Incorporate these vitamin C-rich foods into your daily diet-

1. Strawberries are extremely high in vitamin C - They are also high in fiber and antioxidants, which are responsible for reducing oxidative stress and protecting the heart from bad cholesterol. Just one serving provides about half of your daily vitamin C needs.

2. Acerola Cherries - Foods High in Vitamin C The acerola cherry (Malpighia punicifolia) is a small, red fruit, but it is packed with vitamin C. It contains about 65 times more vitamin C than an orange. Fresh, raw acerola cherries are available, but you can also buy them in powder form if they're not in season.

3. Citrus Fruits- Oranges, grapefruits, lemons and limes. Citrus fruits pop a powerful vitamin C punch. Enjoy one medium orange for a whopping 70 mg. A small glass of orange juice has up to 93 mg of vitamin C, and a small glass of grapefruit juice has up to 70 mg of vitamin C. Even though oranges are probably the most popular vitamin C food, they do not have the highest amount.

4. Papayas- Papayas are another food high in vitamin C, with one serving providing 100 % of your daily needs. Try throwing some in your next smoothie or yogurt. This bright fruit is also high in vitamin A.

5. Black Currant- With its dark purple hue, it is easy to imagine that this fruit would be high in vitamin C. Black currants hold around 180 mg per serving and plenty of potassium, iron, vitamin B5, and phytochemicals.

6. Kiwi- It may surprise you that this small bright green fruit from New Zealand has more vitamin C than an orange! They are also high in flavonoids and have as much potassium as a banana. Studies have shown that children who eat these vitamin C-rich fruits experience stronger respiratory tract than children who do not.

7. Bell Peppers- Bell peppers are another food high in vitamin C and beta-carotene. These colorful veggies have been studied for cardioprotective benefits and have also been shown to prevent cataracts blood clots, and may even reduce the risk of heart attack or stroke.[16] One-half cup of raw red pepper holds over 140 mg of vitamin C. All bell peppers are high in vitamin C, but yellow has the most and red peppers come in second.

8. Guava-Vitamin C Foods - This exotic fruit is another great vitamin C food, with one guava containing over 250 mg. Over twice your daily needs! They are also rich in dietary fibre, folic acid, potassium, and manganese, making guavas one of the best superfoods to add to your diet. Many supermarkets now import these fruits from the tropics, making them easy to find.

9. Brussels Sprouts - While not everyone's favourite food, Brussels sprouts have an excellent reputation as a source of vitamin C. One serving of cooked Brussels sprouts has almost 50 mg of vitamin C. Brussels sprouts are also high in vitamin K, folate, vitamin A, manganese, potassium, and dietary fibre.

10. Melons- Many melons contain vitamin C. Just one cup of cantaloupe will provide you with approximately 67 mg of vitamin C, plus plenty of vitamin A and potassium. Additionally, watermelon is another great source of vitamin C, as one serving will give you 112% of your daily needs.

11. Dark Leafy Greens-Kale, mustard greens, turnip greens, watercress, chard, and spinach (and most other leafy greens) are all great vitamin C foods to add to your diet. While they all provide different amounts of this essential nutrient, they are all very healthy. Kale is the best choice, as it may have up to 130 mg of vitamin C in one serving—that's one full day's requirement of vitamin C.

12. Amalaki Fruit-Amalaki Fruit - Vitamin C Foods An exotic fruit from India, this nutrient-dense superfood is one of the most important medicines in the Ayurvedic pharmacopoeia. The fruit is picked, dried, and used for its health-boosting properties. It holds one of the most concentrated supplies of vitamin C, so it is no wonder it is valued for its immune-enhancing properties.

13. Broccoli-Whether you eat it raw or cooked, you can never go wrong with broccoli. One serving of this little green tree has over 90 mg of vitamin C. As a bonus, broccoli is also one of the best detox foods to add to your diet.

14. Cauliflower- While not as colourful as other foods high in vitamin C, cauliflower holds its own. Just one cup of cauliflower will give you approximately 46 mg, not to mention plenty of vitamin K, folate, and dietary fibre.

15. Tomatoes - Red tomatoes are another common vitamin C food. Try using sun-dried tomatoes; they are particularly concentrated with this essential nutrient. Just one 100-gram serving holds over 100 mg of vitamin C. This equals 170% of our daily needs.

16. Select Herbs- Many fresh herbs, such as cilantro, chives, thyme, basil, and parsley, are high in vitamin C. Buy some fresh herbs and sprinkle them on every meal. Just one cup of fresh parsley has over 130 mg of vitamin C. Thyme comes in first, with 160 mg in one cup.

Thank you.

Patient's Query

Hi doctor,

You have misunderstood my query. I am taking enough vitamin C supplements, plus my diet is quite adequate. Can you identify the reasons or indicate a definitive solution other than only giving names of fruits?

Thank you.

Answered by Neha Suryawanshi

Hi,

Welcome back to icliniq.com.

Do you have recent reports of laboratory tests that I can see to identify?

Thank you.

Same symptoms don't mean you have the same problem. Consult a doctor now!

Neha Suryawanshi
Neha Suryawanshi

Nutritionist

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