Question

 What lab tests can Vitamin C interact with? LIST FIVE TESTS and EXPLAIN what these lab tests are- and THEIR INTERACTION with Vitamin C in your own words.

Answer 1

What Lab Tests Can Vitamin C Interact With? List 5 And Explain What These Lab Tests Are-

Answer :

1. Urinary test : Benedict's test - Ascorbic acid (Vit. C) is present in urine samples which affects the lab tests for detection of glucose and hemoglobin (Benedict's test). The sample with Vitamin C falsely shows high glucose.

2. Hidden blood tests : Generally conducted for occult (hidden) blood testing. Vitamin C interferes with the test showing negative results for the test.

3. Blood glucose test : Contradictory to the Urinary test, Vitamin C affects the glucose test thorugh blood in exactly opposite way. Low blood glucose level is shown in test even if the blood glucose is high.

4. Vitamin B12 tests : Vitamin C affects Vitamin B12 tests and shows high B12 values even with low B12 diets as B12 serum level is increased. This is called Megadose effect of Vitamin C on Vitamin B12.

5. Interaction with Chemotherapy drugs - As an antioxidant, vitamin C may interfere with the effects of some drugs taken for chemotherapy; however, it is still not clear whether it is useful or harmful to consume Vitamin C with chemotherapy drugs.