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How SLC2A14 and Vitamin C Absorption Affect Your Health

Vitamin C is a vital nutrient for immune support, skin health, wound healing, antioxidant protection, and helping the body absorb iron. Because the body cannot make Vitamin C, we must get it from foods such as citrus fruits, berries, peppers, broccoli, and leafy greens. One route the body uses to move Vitamin C into cells is via a transporter that carries dehydroascorbic acid, an oxidized form of Vitamin C. The SLC2A14 gene helps produce that transporter.

Variations in SLC2A14 can change how well this transporter works. That can influence how efficiently dehydroascorbic acid crosses cell membranes, and may affect overall Vitamin C status for some people. Certain variants have also been linked to a higher risk of inflammatory bowel disease, which can further affect nutrient absorption.

What this means for you

  • If your SLC2A14 transporter works less efficiently, you could absorb less Vitamin C from the oxidized form. That can make it more important to get Vitamin C from whole foods and, if needed, through supplements.
  • Maintaining healthy digestion and avoiding habits that reduce Vitamin C levels can help maximize the vitamin you get from diet and supplements.
  • Discuss any supplement or testing plan with your healthcare provider. PlexusDx does not provide medical advice and you should always consult your healthcare provider to interpret genetic results and plan care.

Practical Guidance: Food, Supplements, Lifestyle, and Tests

Below are actionable strategies to support healthy Vitamin C levels and overall nutrient absorption. Use these ideas as general educational guidance and review them with your healthcare provider before making major changes.

Diet recommendations

  • Prioritize fresh fruits and vegetables high in Vitamin C: oranges, grapefruit, strawberries, kiwi, papaya, bell peppers, broccoli, Brussels sprouts, and leafy greens.
  • Include a variety of colors to provide complementary antioxidants and nutrients that help Vitamin C function in the body.
  • Consume Vitamin C rich foods with iron containing plant foods such as beans, lentils, and spinach to support nonheme iron absorption.
  • Prefer whole foods over processed sources. Fresh produce provides fiber and other micronutrients that support gut health and absorption.

Supplement recommendations

  • Consider a daily Vitamin C supplement if dietary intake is low, especially during times of increased need such as illness, stress, or recovery from surgery.
  • For people who may absorb dehydroascorbic acid less effectively, strategies that can improve uptake include using dose splitting (smaller doses spread through the day) or specialized forms such as liposomal Vitamin C, which may enhance cellular delivery.
  • Typical supplemental dosing varies from low maintenance amounts (60 to 200 mg daily) to higher short term doses when clinically indicated. Discuss precise dosing with your healthcare provider.
  • Be mindful that very high doses of Vitamin C may cause gastrointestinal upset in some people. Talk with your clinician before starting high dose therapy.

Lifestyle recommendations

  • Avoid smoking and minimize exposure to tobacco smoke. Smoking increases oxidative stress and reduces Vitamin C levels.
  • Support digestive health through adequate hydration, fiber, and attention to gut conditions. Conditions that impair gut function can reduce nutrient absorption.
  • Manage chronic inflammation and stress with regular sleep, physical activity, and stress reduction techniques. These factors influence nutrient needs and antioxidant demand.
  • Maintain a balanced diet and limit excessive alcohol, which can interfere with nutrient status.

Blood tests and monitoring

  • Discuss with your healthcare provider whether measuring plasma Vitamin C makes sense for you. Direct measurement can show current circulating levels but may fluctuate with recent intake.
  • If you have digestive symptoms or a diagnosis such as inflammatory bowel disease, your clinician may recommend broader nutrient testing including iron studies and other vitamins and minerals.
  • Track symptoms that could indicate low Vitamin C such as slow wound healing, frequent infections, or unusual fatigue and report them to your clinician.

Genetic Interpretation for rs10846086 in SLC2A14

Two effect alleles (GG)

If your genotype is GG, you carry two copies of the effect allele for rs10846086 in SLC2A14. This variant may reduce how efficiently your GLUT14 transporter moves dehydroascorbic acid into cells. As a result, you may have lower absorption of this oxidized form of Vitamin C compared to people with other genotypes.

Potential implications

  • Higher risk of reduced cellular Vitamin C availability, particularly if dietary intake is marginal.
  • Some studies link this variant to greater risk for inflammatory bowel disease, which can further decrease nutrient absorption.

Practical steps

  • Focus on high intake of Vitamin C rich foods and include sources multiple times per day.
  • Consider discussing supplementation with your healthcare provider. Liposomal Vitamin C or split dosing may help improve steady absorption.
  • Monitor digestive health closely and report symptoms to your clinician. If inflammatory bowel disease is a concern, work with your provider for appropriate testing and management.
One effect allele (AG)

If your genotype is AG, you carry one copy of the G effect allele for rs10846086. This may moderately reduce how efficiently your GLUT14 transporter moves dehydroascorbic acid into cells. The impact is generally smaller than for two copies but could still slightly lower Vitamin C uptake.

Potential implications

  • Possible modest reduction in Vitamin C uptake through the dehydroascorbic acid pathway.
  • Overall Vitamin C status may still be adequate with a strong diet and healthy lifestyle.

Practical steps

  • Ensure a diet rich in citrus, berries, peppers, broccoli, and leafy greens. Aim for daily servings across meals.
  • If dietary intake is inconsistent, discuss moderate supplementation with your healthcare provider. Split doses or liposomal forms can be considered for better absorption.
  • Keep an eye on digestive health and inflammation, and evaluate nutrient levels with your clinician if symptoms arise.
No effect alleles (AA)

If your genotype is AA, you carry two copies of the non-effect allele. This is the common genotype and suggests typical SLC2A14 function. Your GLUT14 transporter is likely to move dehydroascorbic acid into cells effectively, supporting normal Vitamin C uptake through this pathway.

Potential implications

  • Normal capacity to absorb dehydroascorbic acid via GLUT14, assuming healthy digestion and adequate dietary intake.
  • Standard recommendations for Vitamin C intake and lifestyle generally apply.

Practical steps

  • Maintain a varied diet rich in Vitamin C containing foods to support immune health and collagen production.
  • Only consider supplementation if dietary intake is low, during periods of increased need, or under the guidance of your healthcare provider.
  • Continue healthy habits that support nutrient absorption, including good sleep, regular activity, and avoiding smoking.

Final notes and disclaimer

This information is educational and intended to help you understand how variation in SLC2A14 may influence Vitamin C handling. PlexusDx does not provide medical advice. Always consult your healthcare provider to interpret genetic results, decide whether testing or supplements are appropriate, and develop a personalized plan based on your medical history and current health status.