Vitamin C deficiency: 7 Signs You May Need More Vitamin C

Are you getting enough vitamin C through your diet? You might think you're eating healthy, but according to the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey, one study found that nearly 7% of women and almost 10% of men have a vitamin C deficiency. What symptoms indicate vitamin C? Is There Enough Vitamin C Deficiency?

You usually get sick.

Antioxidant vitamin C helps your body fight illness and shields cells from oxidative damage. This antioxidant vitamin promotes healthy collagen formation and assists in wound healing. A protein called collagen helps keep your skin tight and free of clumps and your joints healthy.

If you have outbreaks of respiratory and viral infections, you may need more vitamin C in your diet. If you do not eat fruits and vegetables, which are some of the best sources of vitamin C, your body may also be deficient in vitamin C.

Vitamin C cannot be stored, so it must be included in your diet daily. Vitamin C can help you avoid a recent infection, but it's important to rule out other causes of less complicated diseases with blood tests and physical exams.

You are always tired.

One sign that you may need more vitamin C is feeling tired. If you feel tired all the time and have not changed anything in your diet or lifestyle recently, it may be due to vitamin C deficiency and the onset of constipation. However, there are many reasons for fatigue. If you are tired, see your doctor for an examination and blood work to determine if you require additional vitamin C and the source of your exhaustion.

Your gums are bleeding.

Potent antioxidants like vitamin C can stave against gum disease. According to one study, those with low vitamin C levels were 1.16 times more likely to experience bleeding gums. Bleeding gums can also be scurvy, a vitamin C deficiency syndrome symptom. If you suffer from bleeding gums, eat plenty of foods rich in vitamin C and visit your dentist to get rid of any dental disease.

You bruise easily.

A vitamin C deficiency may be to blame if you notice more inflammation than usual. Blood vitamins help strengthen body tissues. Not having enough in your system can make you more susceptible to infections. So if your morning routine leaves you with those dreaded black and white spots, consider upping your intake. Your body may require several weeks to assimilate adequate vitamin C from diet or supplements. Low serum levels are another risk factor for ulcers, so get a complete examination and blood count before suspecting a vitamin C deficiency.

Slow wound healing

If you're struggling to recover from surgery, cuts, or other injuries, consider adding more vitamin C to your diet. Studies have indicated that individuals who got large dosages of vitamin C after surgery recovered more quickly than those who did not.

Vitamin C helps maintain collagen, a protein that keeps skin smooth and elastic. Without enough vitamin C, you don't make enough new collagen as you age—which is why older adults often have wrinkles on their faces and hands. So if you want youthful skin (and who doesn't?), ensure you get plenty of fruits like kiwis or olives.

Your joints hurt

Joint pain is one of the most obvious symptoms of vitamin C deficiency. It can affect any joint but is most common in the knees and hips. Why does vitamin C deficiency cause joint pain? Vitamin C helps build healthy collagen to support joints. If you don't eat enough, your joints can suffer. Symptoms include joint pain when moving, stiffness, swelling, and bruising of the joints, and pain in the muscles or tendons near the joints.

It's imperative to consult a doctor if you have any of these signs or symptoms since they might indicate another condition, such as one of the more than 100 different forms of arthritis. But make sure you get enough vitamin C in your diet to keep your joints healthy.

Physical changes

You may see noticeable skin changes if you don't get enough vitamin C. Below are some of the most typical symptoms of a vitamin C deficiency:

• Your skin may have red or discoloured spots.
• Minor injuries, especially in areas with no injuries (such as the inside of the elbow).
• Roughness and cracks in the corners of the mouth.

Usually, these symptoms go away as your intake is increased. If not, additional factors could be at play.

Conclusion

If you notice these symptoms, know that a vitamin C deficiency may be at play. Even if you don't have any signs or symptoms, ensure you have enough vitamin C in your diet by taking vitamin C supplements.