Vitamin C deficiency is a very serious issue and should be treated using natural foods or dietary supplements.
The recommended daily intake differs according to age and gender. Adult women are advised to take 75 mg daily; while men should consume 90 mg daily. It is one of the most essential vitamins in an individual’s daily diet.
If your daily intake of Vitamin C is below the recommended dosage, it can cause a deficiency. Since this vitamin is required for many vital bodily functions, you should consume the proper amount or take it in the form of a supplement. Deficiency of this essential Vitamin usually happens due to poor diet habits or a diet which is low in fruits and vegetables. This can cause oxidative stress (which can cause damage to cells).
There are many recognizable symptoms when an individual is suffering from Vitamin C deficiency. Common symptoms are unexplained fatigue, purple or red dots on the skin, swelling of the gums, slow-healing wounds, joint pain, anaemia, losing teeth, bleeding gums, bruising, change in hair and skin conditions, development of depression, mood swings, weight Loss, infections , joint and muscle aches .
Very high doses of vitamin C can lead to acidification of the urine, cause diarrhoea, and can lead to iron overload.
Following are some common signs of a vitamin C deficiency:
Dry, Damaged Skin
Healthy skin contains large amounts of vitamin C, especially in the epidermis, or outer layer of skin. Vitamin C keeps skin healthy by protecting it from oxidative damage caused by the sun and exposure to pollutants like cigarette smoke or the ozone.
It also promotes collagen production, which keeps skin looking plump and youthful. High intakes of vitamin C are associated with better skin quality, while lower intakes are associated with a 10% increased risk of developing dry, wrinkled skin.
Slowly Healing Wounds
Since vitamin C deficiency slows the rate of collagen formation, it causes wounds to heal more slowly. Research has shown that people with chronic, non-healing leg ulcers are significantly more likely to be deficient in vitamin C than those without chronic leg ulcers. In severe cases of vitamin C deficiency, old wounds may even reopen, increasing the risk of infection. Slow wound healing is one of the more advanced signs of deficiency and typically not seen until someone has been deficient for many months.
Bleeding Gums and Tooth Loss
Red, swollen, bleeding gums are another common sign of vitamin C deficiency. Without adequate vitamin C, gum tissue becomes weakened and inflamed and blood vessels bleed more easily. In advanced stages of vitamin C deficiency, gums may even appear purple and rotten. Eventually, teeth can fall out due to unhealthy gums and weak dentin, the calcified inner layer of teeth.
Immunity:
Vitamin C enhances the function of many cells of the immune system like neutrophils, lymphocytes and phagocytes. Neutrophils help get rid of attacks from microorganisms like bacteria and viruses. It helps to increase circulating antibodies within the blood serum.
