What is Vitamin C?
Vitamin C, also referred to as ascorbic acid, is an essential component of the human body. However, our body does not produce on its own. Vitamin C has its role in collagen, hormone, carnitine and amino acid formation. It is required in small amounts by the body and helps in maintaining health.
Do the symptoms of Vitamin C deficiency appear early?
It is pertinent to mention that the symptoms of Vitamin C do not appear soon. They take months to develop. The severe deficiency of Vitamin C can lead to scurvy, a disorder characterised by swollen bleeding gums and, opening up of previously healed wounds.
Watch out for these signs and symptoms of Vitamin C Deficiency:
Rough Skin With Bumps
Vitamin C deficiency appears to form acne-like bumps on the arms, thighs and even the buttocks. With low levels of Vitamin C, keratosis pilaris can develop, which is a skin condition.
Easy Bruising
The deficiency of Vitamin C weakens blood vessels that results in easy bruising. It is because low collagen production leads to the weakening of blood vessels. If you suffer from frequent bruising, you must visit a doctor. Easy bruising is one of the subtle signs of Vitamin C deficiency.
Poor Bone Health
Low levels of Vitamin C deficiency can impact bone health. It can lead to greater chances of fracture and osteoporosis as well. It is crucial to note that Vitamin C plays an imminent role in the formation of bones. Hence, the significant low Vitamin C level leads to increased chances of weak and brittle bones.
Tooth Loss and Bleeding Gums
Two of the main signs of Vitamin C deficiency are bleeding gums, and red, swollen gums. The severity of Vitamin C deficiency can lead to tooth loss. When there is an inadequate Vitamin C level, gum tissues become weak, inflamed and blood vessels bleed easily. In advanced stages of Vitamin C deficiency, the gums tend to appear purple and rotten.
Low Immune System
The vital nutrient for good immunity is Vitamin C. With low levels of Vitamin C, an individual is prone to infections. Vitamin C is accumulated in the immune cells that help combat infections and other harmful pathogens.
Fatigue And Bad Mood
The early signs of Vitamin C deficiency are fatigue and even poor mood. Irritability can also occur. Nevertheless, it’s quickly resolved with proper, high-dose supplementations.
How to get more Vitamin C from your diet?
One should strive to add the listed fruits and vegetables to diet to improve their Vitamin C level:
- Lemon
- Oranges
- Kiwi
- Red Bell peppers
- Potatoes
- Broccoli
- Strawberries
- Papaya
- Parsley
- Guava
Tips to get the most of Vitamin C-rich foods:
- Eat the fruits and veggies in raw state as much as possible
- Keep a handful of healthy snacks rich in Vitamin C within your reach. You can add grapefruit, oranges, mangoes, and kiwifruit
- Eat more fermented vegetables likes Kimchi and Sauerkraut
Don’t forget to add the above mentioned Vitamin C rich foods to your diet to maintain the Vitamin C level in your body.
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