L-ascorbic acid, another name for vitamin C, is a water-soluble vitamin that is added to various foods and sold as a nutritional supplement. Because vitamin C cannot be synthesized by humans, unlike most animals, it is a vital nutritional component.
In developed countries, vitamin C deficiency can occur from a diet low in vitamin C whereas, in underdeveloped countries, the frequency of vitamin C deficiency is common. The insufficiency may result from inadequate consumption of fresh fruits and vegetables.
The growth, development, and repair of bone, skin, and connective tissue depend on vitamin C (ascorbic acid) (which binds other tissues and organs together and includes tendons, ligaments, and blood vessels). It is also needed because it helps the blood vessels to operate normally as well.
Vitamin C supports strong teeth and gums. Red blood cells need iron, which is what helps the body in absorbing. Additionally, vitamin C promotes wound and burn to heal. Citrus fruits, tomatoes, potatoes, broccoli, strawberries, and sweet peppers are excellent vitamin C food sources.
Similar to vitamin E, vitamin C functions as an antioxidant by defending cells from the harm caused by free radicals, which are byproducts of regular cell activities that occur inside the cells as part of inter-cellular chemical reactions. Some of these reactions may be harmful to a person throughout their lifetime.
Causes of Vitamin C Deficiency
A diet lacking in vitamin C is typically the cause of vitamin C deficiency in adults. For instance, a diet lacking fresh fruits and vegetables might lead to vitamin C deficiency.
Additionally, too much heating while cooking might destroy or reduce the amount of vitamin C in food. The danger of vitamin C deficiency and the body's need for vitamin C can both be considerably increased by the following conditions:
- Conditions that result in a high temperature or inflammation
- Smoking increases the need for vitamin C by 30%.
- Burns
- Pregnancy
- Breastfeeding
- An overactive thyroid gland ( hyperthyroidism)
- Diarrhea that lasts a long time
- Surgery
Did you know that a severe lack of vitamin C results in scurvy? Additionally, newborn scurvy is uncommon because vitamin C is added to infant formulae and breast milk to make it more abundant. Although scurvy is uncommon in developed countries, it can strike alcoholics and elderly people who are malnourished.
Symptoms of Vitamin C Deficiency
Adults with low vitamin C intake experience fatigue, weakness, and irritability. They could lose weight and get undefined joint and muscle pain.
Several months of deficiency are required for the onset of scurvy symptoms. Bleeding can happen inside the joints, around the gums, and beneath the skin (especially in the area of hair follicles or as bruises). The gums turn spongy, discolored, and enlarged.
The teeth gradually become loosened. The skin turns dry, itchy, and scaly, and the hair becomes brittle, coiled (like a corkscrew), and dry. Leg fluid buildup is possible, and the onset of anemia is also possible. Wounds may refuse to heal in time, and infections may spread.
Infants may become agitated, have discomfort when moving, and lose their appetite.
Infants do not typically gain weight as they would. Bone growth is hampered in children and newborns, and bleeding and anemia are possible side effects.
Diagnosis of Vitamin C Deficiency
- Physical examination of the body.
- Blood test.
- X-rays of the bones in children.
Scurvy is diagnosed based on its symptoms. Blood tests may be used to screen for anemia as well as measure the blood's vitamin C level to help make the diagnosis. X-rays are used to detect impaired bone growth in children.
Prevention of Vitamin C Deficiency
Consuming the necessary amounts of fresh fruits and vegetables rich in vitamins can help prevent vitamin C deficiency, or taking the recommended daily dose of vitamin C as supplements.
Treatment of Vitamin C Deficiency
- Supplements with vitamin C
- A balanced diet with much more fresh fruit and vegetable consumption.
- For scurvy cases, high dosages of vitamin C supplements
Most symptoms disappear after 1 to 2 weeks, but gum problems may last longer.
In case of any deficiency, KEDI V-CA EFFERVESCENT TABLET is the solution.