Vitamin C is a water-soluble nutrient that plays a powerful role in maintaining the health of various body tissues such as bone, skin, and cartilage. The essential micro-nutrient needs to be consumed regularly as it is not synthesized or stored by the body. Vitamin C deficiency in the body can lead to the breakdown of various tissues, slow wound healing, and other multiple disorders in the body.
Common Signs and Symptoms of Vitamin C Deficiency
Rough and Patchy Skin
Without sufficient intake of vitamin C, the epidermis or the top layer of skin starts to dry out, resulting in itchy and scaly skin. The deficiency can also lead to keratosis pilaris in which small acne-like bumps develop on thighs, arms, or buttocks.
Discoloration of Skin
The absence of vitamin C reduces the movement and number of connective tissue cells in the skin, leading to damaged capillaries and poor circulation. Production of collagen falls, and thus, fine lines, wrinkles, sagging, discolored patches, and other signs of wear and tear of the skin start appearing.
Hair Abnormalities
Vitamin C deficiency can cause hair damage as it starts to grow in a bent or coiled shape. Corkscrew-shaped hair occurs due to defects in the protein structure of the hair. These damaged hairs are prone to break off or fall out.
Perifollicular Hemorrhage
Another hallmark sign of vitamin C deficiency is the appearance of small, bright red spots around the hair follicles. Small blood vessels on the surface of the skin become fragile and break easily, causing perifollicular hemorrhage.
Splinter Hemorrhage
One well-documented sign of vitamin C deficiency is the appearance of red spots or vertical lines in the nail bed. This occurs due to weakened blood vessels that tend to rupture easily.
Easy Bruising
This is one of the first obvious symptoms of low levels of vitamin C in the body. Bruises are evident in large areas of the body. This manifests as small, purple dots under the skin as poor collagen production makes blood vessels weak.
Poor Bone Health
Vitamin C deficiency affects bone health as the bones become brittle and weak. Low levels of Vitamin C in the body increase the rate of bone loss, escalates the risk of fracture and even osteoporosis. Children are especially affected by the deficiency, as their bones are in the stage of developing and growing.
Fatigue and Low Memory
Irritability, fatigue, and poor memory are among the earliest signs of vitamin C deficiency.
Severe Pain in the Joints
Severe vitamin C deficiency is associated with joint and neck pains. The person experiences difficulty in walking and may even limp. Bleeding within the joints can also occur, causing inflammation, swelling, and pain.
Inexplicable Weight Gain
Low levels of vitamin C in the blood are linked to weight gain, obesity, and excessive belly fat in individuals.
Bleeding and Swelling in Gums
This is one of the common signs of vitamin C deficiency. Gum tissue becomes weak and inflamed and there is a lot of bleeding in blood vessels. Advanced signs of the deficiency include the appearance of purple spots in gums. Eventually, the teeth can also fall out due to morbid gums and frail dentin.
Oxidative Stress and Chronic Inflammation
Low intakes of vitamin C have been linked to higher levels of inflammation and increased risk of heart disease.
Persistent Anemia and Excessive Bleeding
Without adequate vitamin C, symptoms of iron deficiency commonly known as anemia may develop. Poor levels of vitamin C also increases the risk of excessive bleeding.
Slow Healing of Wounds
Research indicates that one of the advanced signs of vitamin C deficiency is that people suffer from slow wound healing. Chronic, non-healing leg ulcers are seen in people deficient in the vitamin. Sometimes, even old wounds may reopen, increasing the risk of infection.
Bowel Disorder
Low vitamin C levels can precipitate symptoms of stomach disorders such as bowel inflammatory diseases, gastritis, and irritation in the lining of the gastrointestinal tract.
Since vitamin C cannot be synthesized in the body, the only source of getting rid of vitamin C deficiency is by taking a good diet and supplements. You can consult your healthcare practitioner to identify the right dietary supplement for your needs.
The Orzax Effervescent Vitamin C supplement contains 1000 mg vitamin C in each tablet. It is an excellent product to help boost your vitamin C levels in the body. It is orange flavored and comes with 0 sugar.
