Vitamin C, scientifically known as ascorbic acid, is involved in several vital functions in the body, such as metabolism, development, and growth and contributing to tissue repair.
Human beings require external sources to obtain what they need from vitamin C. This is water-soluble because it dissolves in water and does not accumulate in the body. For this reason, it must be ingested frequently by people in the indicated dose.
The lack of this vitamin can trigger in the organism a series of symptoms that characterize this alteration. The need for this vitamin will depend on age, sex, and if you have smoking habits. If you want to know more about high vitamin C f: symptoms, causes, and consequences, keep reading the following article by FastlyHeal.
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Lack of vitamin C: symptoms
Vitamin C deficiency generates a series of symptoms specific such as:
- Fatigue.
- Fatigue.
- Dizziness.
- Poor wound healing.
- Bleeding gums and nose
- Tooth enamel weakness.
- Rough and dry skin.
- Pain in the bones is accompanied by inflammation of the joints.
- Increased risk of invoices.
- She is softening her teeth, accompanied by falls.
- Increased risk of infection.
- Dry hair with split ends.
Vitamin C deficiency: causes
There are multiple causes capable of triggering the lack of vitamin C in the body. Among them, it is necessary to mention:
- Diet deficient in vitamin C: poor diet or eating habits lacking in vitamin C requirements contribute to lower levels of it, resulting in alterations in the body.
- Digestive disorders prevent the normal absorption and assimilation of this vitamin.
- Pregnancy: during this period, the appearance of hyperemesis gravidarum is frequent, which is nothing other than frequent vomiting during the first months of pregnancy. This interferes with the absorption of this vitamin.
- Lactation: in this period, the mother supplies the baby with vitamin C through breast milk, so it is necessary to meet their requirements by consuming food and supplements to avoid a deficiency of this vitamin.
- Chronic diarrhea symptoms: prevent the absorption of this vitamin.
- Burns: Through these injuries, there is a loss of vitamins, minerals, and electrolytes.
- Very high fever due to infectious conditions favors vitamin C deficiency.
- Smoking: the demand for vitamin C increases by approximately 30% in smokers. The absolute deficit or lack of this vitamin is evident in this type of person due to an absorption disorder.
- High alcohol consumption: increases metabolism and elimination of vitamin C.
Lack of vitamin C: consequences
The lack of vitamin C results in the appearance of a disease known as scurvy, which occurs mainly in adults with nutritional problems. This disease has several consequences, such as:
- Predisposition to bleeding and bruising.
- Weakness of the blood vessels.
- Anemia.
- Tiredness, fatigue
- Increases the chances of ulcers appearing.
- Increase the risk of infection.
- Dry and rough skin in addition to dry hair.
- Immune system involvement.
- Nervous breakdown.
Lack of vitamin C in children
A severe lack of vitamin C can also occur during childhood due to the absence or shortage of this vitamin in the diet. In this case, infantile scurvy can manifest itself through symptoms such as:
- Pain in the extremities: the child constantly cries when moving or touching the extremities and adopts a characteristic position lying down with the legs bent at the knees. The thighs are separated and turned outwards. This position is known as “frog legs.”
- The presence of skin lesions called bruises: is a characteristic sign of vitamin C deficiency. It is produced by weak blood vessels.
- Bleeding gums and tooth loss: Gums may appear red and swollen due to vitamin C deficiency.
- They have a weak immune system, evidenced by the increase in infections, and they can even suffer from pneumonia.
- Accentuated skin paleness: this is due to low levels of vitamin C, which contributes to the appearance of iron deficiency anemia.
- Wound healing occurs very slowly due to a decrease in collagen levels. This can happen many months after this alteration has started.
- Impaired bone growth due to weakness: children’s skeletons tend to be affected by vitamin C deficiency, which is an increased risk of fractures. It is essential to consider that bone structures are in growth and development in childhood.
The consumption of a diet rich in fresh vegetables and fruits allows the control of this disease.
Lack of vitamin C: treatment
The doctor should evaluate the treatment of vitamin C deficiency. Once the diagnosis has been made, and the lack of this vitamin has been verified, it is necessary to combine the diet with oral vitamin C supplements :
- Adults should take 100 milligrams 3 times a day.
- In infants and young children, 10 to 25 milligrams should be given accompanied by a diet rich in vitamin C.
The consumption of vitamin C is essential for the body since it helps to keep the body in excellent condition, avoiding the appearance of some diseases caused by its deficiency.
The easiest way to help maintain adequate levels is to eat a healthy diet rich in vegetables and fruits. In cases where it is necessary, you should go to the doctor so that he can indicate an oral vitamin supplement that meets the daily requirements that are needed.
Vitamin C: food
Many foods contain vitamin C or ascorbic acid, with which you can correct the deficit or lack of this vitamin. Among them are:
- Raw vegetables: broccoli, brussels sprouts, cabbage, cauliflower, black currants, red and green paprika, chili, tomato, and potatoes, among others.
- Fruits: raspberries, blackberries, blueberries, guava, strawberries, pomegranates, pineapple, kiwi, papaya, or mango.
- Citrus: oranges, lemon, passion fruit, mandarin, and grapefruit.
- Green leafy vegetables: spinach, parsley, turnips.
You can read more about foods rich in vitamin C in the following article.
This article is merely informative. At FastlyHeal .com, we do not have the power to prescribe medical treatments or make any diagnosis. We invite you to see a doctor in the case of presenting any condition or discomfort.
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I am a Surgeon with a diploma in comprehensive ultrasound and surgical care residency, an area I am specializing in. During the exercise of my profession, I have realized the need for patients to know the diseases they suffer, and I can tell you that a large part of their complications is due to a lack of information. Being a health web writer allows me to transmit my experience, without borders, to all those readers eager for knowledge, educate them in the prevention of diseases and promote a healthy lifestyle.