WHAT IS VITAMIN C DEFICIENCY? WHAT ARE THE SYMPTOMS?

WHAT IS VITAMIN C DEFICIENCY?

Factors such as malnutrition, alcoholism, anorexia, severe mental illness, smoking and dialysis lead to vitamin C deficiency.

Vitamin C deficiency leads to scurvy. This disease is characterized by weakness, easily bleeding gums, small hemorrhages under the skin causing bruises, curling of the hair, hyperkeratosis, joint pain, shortness of breath and lethargy. An important early sign of vitamin C deficiency is fatigue.

Vitamin C, due to its antioxidant effect, also supports the reduction of the damages caused by smoking in smokers. Studies have shown that smoking causes vitamin C destruction and accordingly, smokers have lower vitamin C levels than non-smokers. For this reason, smokers should take vitamin C supplements both to prevent the damages caused by smoking and to balance the missing vitamin C levels.

WHAT ARE THE SYMPTOMS OF VITAMIN C DEFICIENCY?

- Anemia
- Bleeding and swelling of the gums (gingivitis)
- Nosebleeds
- Petechiae (skin spots)
- Ecchymosis (bruising due to subcutaneous bleeding)
- Purpura (bruises)
- Swelling and joint pain in the joints
- Incomplete or slow healing of wounds
- Weight gain due to slowed metabolism
- Dry skin
- Hyperkeratosis (skin thickening),
- Ingrown hairs
- Dryness of hair and brittle, weak hair
- Weakening of tooth enamel

* These statements are not a substitute for medical advice. Dietary supplements are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease. Consult your healthcare professional for detailed information.

References:

https://ods.od.nih.gov/factsheets/VitaminC-Consumer/