17 Signs and Symptoms of Vitamin C Deficiency

Nutrients are the most important aspect of maintaining optimal body performance, where vitamin C is crucial. Lack or excess supply of nutrients, including vitamin C, may lead to significant health problems and uneasiness.

This article explains the reasons behind insufficient vitamin C intake, its effects on a person’s body, and how one can easily recover from such instances through medication.

Vitamin C deficiency results from an improper diet. In the long run, this deficiency can prevent and ultimately stop new collagen formation. As a result, different body tissues can begin to disintegrate, impacting the body’s healing mechanism and overall health.

A vitamin C deficit diet, if continued for 3 months or more, can result in severe health conditions involving bleeding lips and gums. Detecting early signs of these diseases can help prevent their adverse effects.

Vitamin C deficiency is relatively rare in developed countries, affecting as many as 7% of people, particularly those without easy access to fresh fruits and vegetables, limited diets, or underlying medical conditions.

Other things that raise risk include smoking, alcoholism, and certain medical treatments. In areas with food shortages and malnutrition, there is a much higher incidence rate for lack of vitamin C. Individuals with conditions impairing nutrient absorption, such as Crohn’s disease or ulcerative colitis, are also at increased risk.

As mentioned, the primary cause of vitamin C deficiency is an imbalanced diet. The human body does not naturally synthesise vitamin C, which must be supplied via external sources. This primarily concerns food intake, including vegetables, fruits, and fortified foods. 

This is why most vitamin C deficiency causes involve an improper diet. Some of these are as follows:

• A diet lacking vitamin C-rich fresh vegetables and fruits

• A restrictive diet due to health conditions like weak digestive system, allergies, etc.

• Mental health issues and other disorders like anorexia

• Old age

Besides, there can be several other causes for the lack of vitamin C. These include treatments, health conditions, and habits that limit the body’s ability to absorb nutrients. Some of them are as follows:

• Ulcerative colitis

• Intake of illegal drugs and high amounts of alcohol

• Chemotherapy

• Crohn’s disease

• Smoking

• Hyperthyroidism

• Pregnancy

• Prolonged diarrhoea

• Surgery 

These factors can lead to long-term vitamin C deficiency, which might lead to detrimental side effects.

Diagnosis of vitamin C deficiency entails the combination of clinical evaluation and some specific tests to ascertain its level in the body. Different approaches are used by health practitioners to identify and investigate this condition, such as:

Physical Examination

A physical examination is conducted to thorough check for symptoms such as bruising, bleeding gums, and scurvy manifestations.

Dietary Assessment

Evaluation of a patient’s diet to establish any potential nutritional gaps, emphasising the intake of foods rich in vitamin C.

Blood Tests

Liquid samples are tested to determine the plasma levels of this substance, hence enabling the identification of deficiencies or concentration levels.

Imaging Studies

These involve using X-rays or other imaging techniques to detect complications like subperiosteal haemorrhage in severe cases.

Medical History Review

Analysis of the patient's medical history, including any conditions or medications that may affect nutrient absorption.

Ensure a diet rich in vitamin C to prevent and address deficiency. Below are the top food sources, including fruits, vegetables, and other eatables, that provide high levels of this essential nutrient.

Fruits to Overcome Vitamin C Deficiency

Fruits are excellent sources of vitamin C, offering a range of options from citrus fruits to berries and tropical fruits. Here are a few of them:

Vegetables to Overcome Vitamin C Deficiency

Vegetables are another excellent source of Vitamin C, with options ranging from leafy greens to cruciferous vegetables. Several options include:

Other Eatables to Overcome Vitamin C Deficiency

Apart from fruits and vegetables, other eatables also provide significant amounts of Vitamin C, which can be added to a balanced diet to maintain adequate levels, such as:

The RDA for vitamin C differs according to one’s age and gender. 90 mg per day is needed for men, while women should have 75 mg daily. If someone smokes or is stressed out, 35mg more can be required daily. 

The recommended dose for children varies between 15 and 75 mg, depending on their age. Pregnant and breastfeeding women require up to 120 mg daily to support their increased metabolic needs.

Unchecked early symptoms of lack of vitamin C can include some of the following persistent health issues: 

• Bleeding from nose and gums

• Subperiosteal haemorrhage or bleeding between joints

• Loose teeth

• Improper and delayed wound healing

• Weak bones

Other severe persistent symptoms due to lack of vitamin C include fever, nerve problems, shortness of breath, and convulsions.

Individuals suffering from the same might be unable to identify these due to a specific nutrient deficiency. However, a lack of vitamin C can lead to severe diseases.

The deficiency of vitamin C causes scurvy. The following symptoms characterise Scurvy:

• Gingivitis or gum disease

• Loss of teeth

• Skin problems

• Anaemia

• Weak immunity

• Shortness of breath

• Corkscrew hairs

These signs occur along with the previously mentioned vitamin C deficiency symptoms.

In the long run, lack of vitamin C causes untreated scurvy, which can be life-threatening and may lead to the following conditions:

• Severe jaundice

• Neuropathy

• Haemolysis or destruction of RBCs

• Generalised oedema

Since pregnant women are at increased risk of developing this deficiency due to the body’s high nutrient requirement, scurvy in them may affect foetal brain development.

To prevent the adverse eventualities of this nutrient deficiency, you must ensure all necessary precautions are followed, including a balanced diet.

Some vulnerable groups may develop vitamin C deficiency because of various issues, including dietary habits, lifestyles, or medical conditions that restrict vitamin C intake in the body. Recognition of such risk factors is imperative for targeted prevention and early intervention.