Vitamin C is a natural micronutrient that is present in food, especially in citrus fruits such as acerola and orange. It is an extremely powerful vitamin, which has antioxidant action, helps in the formation of collagen and acts to prevent cell aging. In this article, you will know the main symptoms of vitamin C deficiency in the body. Keep reading!
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The main problem related to the deficit of vitamin C in the body is the disease scurvy, whose symptoms manifest themselves after 4 to 6 months of lack of this vitamin. It can lead to the appearance of purple spots on the skin, which is one of its symptoms. In addition, childhood scurvy is also characterized by the appearance of bone deformities, impaired growth and cardiac alterations.
Main signs and symptoms of lack of vitamin C in the body
- Tiredness, dizziness and pallor due to anemia, previously caused by poor iron absorption;
- Difficulty in healing wounds, because of collagen deficiency in the body;
- Bleeding from the gums, nose or any other part of the body, due to the rupture of the tissues that support the blood vessels;
- Purple spots on the body, again due to the fragility of the blood vessels;
- Bone deformities and increased risk of fractures, especially in children, as it alters the process of calcification and bone formation;
- Hair loss and weakening of nails, cartilage and joints;
- Bone pain and swelling in the body;
- Falling and softening of teeth;
- Increased risk of infections, such as flu and colds, as the lack of vitamin C impairs the formation of white blood cells and alters various functions of the immune system;
- Sadness, mental stress and reasoning difficulties, as the lack of this vitamin can produce brain chemical changes.
In addition, if this deficiency is not treated as soon as possible, other symptoms may appear, such as excessive tiredness and lethargy.
Causes of lack of vitamin C
The main source of vitamin C in the body is food. Therefore, the lack of this vitamin happens when its intake in the diet is insufficient. However, as it is absorbed in the intestine, its deficit can also occur when this function is not adequate. In this case, some of the main risk factors are malnutrition, anorexia, smoking, alcoholism, intestinal diseases and inflammations, such as Crohn's disease, for example. Also, during pregnancy and breastfeeding, there is an increased need for this vitamin in the body.
How to treat vitamin C deficiency?
As previously mentioned, vitamin C is found mainly in fruits and vegetables, such as acerola, orange, pineapple, lemon and pepper. That is, the presence of these foods in your food routine is extremely important to meet your daily needs.
However, as vitamin C can be gradually eliminated through the urine, its daily intake should be high. If the required amount is not achieved through diet, it is also possible to take supplements with vitamin C. However, it is important to consult your nutritionist or doctor in charge so that its use is not excessive.