Shouldn’t You Know the 14 Symptoms of Vitamin C Deficiency?

July 30, 2019Greg Montoya Anti Aging vitamin C Vitamin C deficiency

The Mega Benefits of Vitamin C

The benefits of Vitamin C are numerous. Vitamin C (ascorbic acid) is an important nutrient that helps the body function at its best. Found in a variety of foods and dietary supplements, Vitamin C supports several biological functions. This includes the maintenance and repair of bones, teeth and cartilage, and the ability to heal wounds.

Special Note – since Vitamin C is an antioxidant, it can also neutralize the free radicals that damage cells at a genetic level.

by Greg Montoya

Signs of Vitamin C Deficiency

Interestingly, while it’s uncommon to experience a Vitamin C deficiency in developed countries, it can also be caused by a poor diet – one that lacks healthy ingredients like a variety of fresh vegetables and fruit. So overly restrictive diets and disorders like anorexia may also contribute to Vitamin C deficiency. Additionally, other possible Vitamin C deficiency factors include underlying medical conditions that have an effect on nutrient absorption, like ulcerative colitis or Crohn’s disease.

Symptoms of Vitamin C Deficiency

Scurvy is a well-known disease caused by Vitamin C deficiency. Other indications of this deficiency include:

Fatigue
Chronic pain
Weak bones
Prolonged wound healing
Poor immune system
Shortness of breath
Bleeding gums
Mental health issues
Weight gain
Dry/rough skin
Bruising easily
Anemia
Spoon-shaped fingernails

Reduces the Risk of Common Colds

Multiple controlled studies have shown that consistently taking vitamin C tablets, and not just when you get sick, shortens the length of the cold. Vitamin C might not keep you from catching a cold, it can reduce its duration and severity.

Mental Health

Studies suggest that Vitamin C plays a role in relieving mental health problems. Researchers at Japan’s Tokyo Metropolitan Institute of Gerontology, and Ochanomizu University, theorized that vitamin C levels can affect a person’s risk of depression, anxiety and anorexia.

Helps Fight Cancer

Studies have shown that Vitamin C administered intravenously in high doses, can be selectively toxic to cancer cells. Therefore, when Vitamin C breaks down it produces hydrogen peroxide, a reactive oxygen variety. As a result, cancer cells are far more prone to damage and destruction when confronted with high amounts of hydrogen peroxide.

Heart Health

The right amount of Vitamin C may have the same effect as walking on an important protein referred to as endothelin-1. This protein promotes the constriction of the small blood vessels. A study introduced at the 14th International Conference on Endothelin involved 35 overweight, obese or sedentary adult participants. The study noted that those who took a daily dose of time-released vitamin C (500 milligrams) lowered endothelin-1 related blood vessel constriction as much as those who took daily walks.

Helps Prevent Age-Related Macular Degeneration

The University of Mississippi Medical Center reported that 500 milligrams of Vitamin C, consumed together with other antioxidants including vitamin E (400 IU), beta carotene (15 milligrams) and zinc (80 milligrams), may help protect against age-related macular degeneration. Because this nutrient combination includes high levels of zinc, you’ll want to consult with a medical professional before taking these supplements together.

Manufactures Collagen

Vitamin C regulates the synthesis of collagen, structural protein. Collagen helps protect the skin by filtering out toxins in the environment and other pathogens. Note too, that collagen is also a structural component of tendons, ligaments, cartilage and blood vessels.

Additional Benefits of Vitamin C

Vitamin C has been shown to boost immune system function, improve gum health and may help prevent Pre-Eclampsia (the leading cause of pre-mature births). Moreover, Vitamin C may treat allergy-related conditions like asthma, hay fever, and eczema. Plus, it may help improve vision for those suffering from uveitis (a type of eye inflammation).

Vitamin C Rich Foods

Here’s a quick list of foods that are rich in Vitamin C to keep handy:

Oranges
Chili peppers
Broccoli
Cantaloupe
Cauliflower
Kale
Kiwi
Grapefruit juice
Orange juice
Papaya
Red, green or yellow peppers
Sweet potato
Strawberries
Tomatoes

So basically it’s pretty easy to enjoy the benefits of Vitamin C just by simply eating a variety of “Vitamin C” rich foods, along with following a healthy, balanced diet.

Taking vitamin C supplements is also safe for most people in recommended amounts. Just remember, high doses of vitamin C (more than 2000 mg a day for adults) could potentially cause some other problems, like diarrhea, nausea or kidney stones.