×

Symptoms of Vitamin C Deficiency

Vitamin C is one of the most important helpers of the immune system. In the absence of vitamin C, which cannot be synthesized by the body like many other vitamins, it is inevitable that some short-, medium- and long-term problems will occur. For this reason vitamin C-rich food should be preferred for main and side meals to ensure sufficient vitamin C consumption. In addition supplements containing Vitamin C should be consumed to preserve the necessary Vitamin C levels in the body.

Symptoms of Vitamin C Deficiency

Vitamins and minerals are important substances that body requires. Vitamin C deficiency, which is seen and ignored in most people, begins to show its effects over time, if not immediately. Poor diet, alcohol consumption, smoking, metabolism-related elements can be cited as the cause of this deficiency.
Vitamin C, thanks to the high amount of antioxidants it contains, provides protection against serious diseases such as infectious diseases and cancer, as well as helps to strengthen the immune system. At the same time, it is known that it is highly effective in regenerating skin tissue and mending the wounds. Vitamin C, also known as Ascorbic acid, can only be obtained from food, it may be insufficient due to nutritional imbalance. In such cases Vitamin C supplement is one of the priority and important methods to improve your health condition.

What Are the Symptoms of Vitamin C Deficiency?

Factors such as unbalanced diet, unhealthy food consumption, alcohol consumption and smoking are widely known in vitamin C deficiency. While the symptoms of vitamin C deficiency may take months in some cases, it may manifest itself in short periods too. Symptoms of vitamin C deficiency; 
 Rough, Crude Skin: Vitamin C deficiency may cause formation of small acne-like symptoms on thighs, arms or buttocks. However these symptoms alone are not enough to diagnose vitamin C deficiency.

Disorder in the Hair Structure (Corkscrew): Due to the lack of vitamins in the body, body hair can grow abnormally. Body hair may look twisted, curled or in the form of a corkscrew. Because such body hair are unhealthy, there is a high probability of shedding and therefore it can be difficult to detect.

Shiny and Red Hair Roots: Although little known, hair follicles contain small blood vessels. Vitamin C deficiency may cause these vessels to rupture and form bright red blood spots around the hair follicles.

Dry Skin: Ascorbic acid, commonly known as vitamin C, plays a very important role in skin regeneration and repair. With a deficiency of this vitamin, symptoms such as dryness and damage to the skin may be observed. However these symptoms alone are not enough to diagnose vitamin C deficiency.

Easy Bruising: Vitamin C deficiency causes blood vessels to weaken, which can lead to bruises.

The Healing Process: Ascorbic acid is one of the most basic needs of the body as well as one of the most important properties it provides at the same time is that it accelerates the skin repair and healing process. A deficiency of this vitamin restricts tissue formation, causing wounds to heal more slowly. Since this symptom is observed in the later stages of ascorbic acid deficiency, it is not among the first symptoms.

Joint Pain and Swelling: Vitamin C deficiency causes a person to experience severe joint pain. At advanced levels of this symptom, bleeding and painful swelling may occur in the joints.

Weak Bones: Vitamin C is very important for bone development and formation. Failure to meet the adequate level of this vitamin may lead to the formation of weak and fragile bone structure.

Gum Sensitivity and Tooth Loss: Ascorbic acid deficiency increases the sensitivity of the teeth, which may lead to bleeding in the gums and tooth loss at later levels.

Weakness in the Immune System: Vitamin C is very effective in strengthening the immune system and its balanced functioning. Vitamin C deficiency causes the immune system to weaken, increasing the risk of infection and the risk of serious infectious diseases.

Iron Deficiency Anemia: Another of the countless symptoms is the risk of iron deficiency anemia. Lack of vitamin C reduces the absorption of iron in the body and increases the likelihood of bleeding.

Mood Swings, Fatigue: Among the most common symptoms observed are fatigue, bad mood. However you can overcome these effects by taking sufficient vitamin C supplement.

Unbalanced Weight Gain: Vitamin C deficiency has been associated with increased body fat, but this problem alone cannot diagnose vitamin C deficiency. 

What is Vitamin C Deficiency?

Vitamin C, also known as Ascorbic acid, is one of the most important vitamins that is usually recommended to be taken from food, but can be supplemented externally if necessary. Vitamin C deficiency which is caused by unhealthy and unbalanced diet manifests itself by fatigue, dry skin, bad mood, gum sensivity. Vitamin C, which is one of the most important components of connective tissue, plays an important role in the production of collagen. In other words, it is vitally important for body to function properly. If there is vitamin C deficiency for prolonged periods, the symptoms negatively affect the daily life and decrease the quality of life. Vitamin C has an important role for the immune system and other biological activities and should be taken regularly as possible, in cases where insufficient nutrition, vitamin C supplements should be taken.

What Causes Ascorbic Acid Deficiency?

Ascorbic acid deficiency occurs generally when at least three months of imbalanced and unhealthy diet is exercised. While food is the most important source of this vitamin, the body should definitely be supplemented with vitamin supplements in cases where food consumption is not made in a healthy way. To prevent ascorbic acid deficiency, you need to increase the consumption of vegetables and fruits and adhere to this plan by creating a regular nutrition schedule.

Symptoms of Vitamin C Deficiency

First of all, the best way to detect a vitamin deficiency is through tests that will be carried out through a doctor. However, thanks to some symptoms, it is possible to partially understand what is happening in the body. Examples of Vitamin C deficiency;

  • Weak immune system, getting sick too often.
  • Bad mood, weakness and fatigue.
  • Dry, rough skin.
  • Joint pains and swelling.
  • Gum sensitivity, bleeding.
  • Unstable weight gain or weight loss.
  • Hair loss and dandruff.
  • Slowing of tissue healing.

What Diseases Are Caused by Vitamin C Deficiency?

Scurvy, known by its other name scorebut Is the most common disease observed in the event of vitamin C deficiency. It occurs when the body cannot get enough vitamin C in sufficient quantities. Tissue deterioration can manifest itself with symptoms such as anemia, weakness and gum disorders. Although this problem can be solved with proper nutrition and vitamin supplementation, it is absolutely necessary to consult a doctor.

This disease can be treated with vitamin C supplements taken orally or by injection. It is possible to prevent this disease by eating healthy food. You can support your body with Vitamin C supplements for your meals with your doctor's recommendation. As it is a quick treatment, the healing process works in the same proportion.

How to Detect Vitamin C Deficiency?

The deficiency of this vitamin can be detected by many symptoms given above. They are usually encountered as skin or gum ailments. Low levels of Vitamin C can be detected with a doctor's diagnosis and the treatment process can start quickly. Skeletal X-rays in children can help diagnose scurvy. In this diagnostic method, the symptoms can usually be seen in the knee and the ends of the long bone.
Vitamin deficiency can be understood from an imbalance in mood, increased sensitivity of the gums, roughness and dryness on the skin surface, but for an absolute diagnosis it is necessary to consult a doctor.

What is Good for Vitamin C Deficiency?

Lack of vitamin C can be easily eliminated with the help of consuming healthy food, but vitamin supplements can be taken when nutrition is irregular. Vitamin C supplementation is supportive and can be consumed easily due to its water-soluble structure. When your vitamin values start to balance, you can stop taking supplements and continue with foods that have high nutritional value, such as vegetables and fruits, which are stores of vitamins and minerals.

Foods That Contain Vitamin C

  • Citrus fruits such as oranges, tangerines
  • Kiwi
  • Strawberry
  • Broccoli and Brussels sprouts
  • Tomato
  • Muskmelon
  • Cauliflower
  • Spinach
  • Green pepper
  • Black currant
  • Pineapple
  • Red pepper

It is possible to provide your body with sufficient levels of vitamins consuming these food. Healthy diet and supplements prescribed by a doctor will allow you to recover in short time and increase the quality of your daily life.