A note on distribution of human plasma levels of ascorbic and dehydroascorbic acid

Ascorbic acid concentrations in 102 human plasma samples ranged from 1 to 15 micrograms ml-1 with a mean concentration at about 8 micrograms ml-1, corresponding to the results of other authors. Dehydroascorbic acid was found only in traces, independent of ascorbic acid concentrations. The ascorbic acid concentrations in plasma of four persons, examined twice with a four-years interim period revealed no obvious differences over time. It is suggested that the variability of plasma ascorbic acid concentrations is mainly determined by long-term dietary habits.