Vitamin C is known to be an important nutrient for the body. When we lack vitamin C, we can face many different health problems. So what diseases does vitamin C deficiency cause? What are the symptoms of vitamin C deficiency?
What causes vitamin C deficiency?
Vitamin C , also known as ascorbic acid, is a water-soluble vitamin that is necessary for the body’s daily activities. Deficiency of this micronutrient often stems from an unreasonable diet.
In fact, the human body cannot synthesize vitamin C on its own and must be supplemented through external sources. Therefore, the main cause of vitamin C deficiency is an unbalanced diet, low consumption of foods rich in vitamin C such as fruits, vegetables or vitamin C supplements…
In addition, the cause of vitamin C deficiency can also stem from health conditions and the body’s ability to absorb nutrients. For example, the body will have difficulty absorbing vitamin C when experiencing one of the following health problems: Ulcerative colitis, chemotherapy, chronic inflammatory bowel disease (Crohn’s disease), hyperthyroidism, weak digestive system, allergies… causing vitamin C deficiency.
If you have prolonged diarrhea, people who have just undergone surgery, pregnant or postpartum women, people who smoke and drink a lot of alcohol, the elderly, people with mental health problems, anorexia… also cause vitamin C deficiency.
In fact, vitamin C is necessary for tissue development and plays an important role in collagen production for the skin, cartilage, blood vessels, ligaments and tendons. Vitamin C is also necessary for iron absorption, wound healing and maintaining bone health. As a powerful antioxidant, vitamin C helps minimize damage caused by free radicals, thereby preventing the development of diseases such as cancer and heart disease.
Vitamin C is known to be an important nutrient for the body.
Vitamin C deficiency
Vitamin C is extremely necessary for the body, vitamin C deficiency is shown through the following signs:
- Slow wound healing
When injured, the amount of vitamin C in the blood and tissues will decrease. The body needs vitamin C to create collagen, a protein that plays a role in all stages of skin healing. In addition, vitamin C helps neutrophils fight infections that invade from the wound site.
- Bleeding gums, nosebleeds, bruises
Because vitamin C helps keep blood vessels healthy, forming blood clots to prevent bleeding. In addition, collagen is also essential for healthy teeth and gums.
- Weight gain
Many studies have shown that a link has been found between low vitamin C levels and higher body fat, especially belly fat, because this vitamin plays a role in helping the body burn fat to release energy.
- Dry and Wrinkled Skin
People who eat a healthy diet rich in vitamin C may have smoother, softer skin. Because vitamin C is an antioxidant, it helps protect the skin from free radicals. Free radicals break down oils, proteins, and even DNA, so a lack of vitamin C can cause dry and wrinkled skin.
Other symptoms of vitamin C deficiency include: Fatigue and irritability, susceptibility to illness (immunosuppression), and vision loss due to macular degeneration. Studies show that vitamin C concentrates inside many types of immune cells to help them fight infections and destroy pathogens.
Vitamin C deficiency is associated with weakened immunity and a higher risk of infection, including serious illnesses such as pneumonia. In fact, many people with scurvy, a disease caused by vitamin C deficiency, eventually die from infections due to a weakened immune system.
What is the best way to supplement vitamin C for the body?
Only people who are sick and cannot eat need to supplement vitamin C by oral or injection. For normal people, vitamin C should be increased through daily food, because this is the most effective and economical supplement.
Foods rich in vitamin C such as: Oranges, tangerines, grapefruit, strawberries, papaya, watermelon, mango, peach, blueberries … are all fruits with high vitamin C content. Tomatoes, carrots, bell peppers, onions, sweet cabbage, kale, spinach … although not containing as much vitamin C as other fruits, are still a good source of vitamin C for the body.
If you need to supplement vitamin C with functional foods or tablets containing vitamin C, you should consult a doctor, according to the instructions of a nutritionist or doctor. Absolutely do not abuse functional foods because if the body has too much vitamin C, it will not give the body.
