A Guide to Vitamin C deficiency
Vitamin C is very crucial for the protein formation which provides structure to the blood vessels, cartilage muscle and bones. It also has a great role in absorbing iron. But have you ever asked yourself what this vitamin C deficiency is and what its consequences are? If you would like to know them, take time to read this article because you will know more regarding this matter.
Vitamin C Deficiency Symptoms
Vitamin C deficiency is simply the lack of the right amount of vitamin C in your body. Determining vitamin c deficiency condition is easy because it is characterized by the following: bruising becomes easy, slow wound healing, dry hair, fatigue, weakened immune system, rough and dry skin, dull hair with split ends, nosebleeds, swollen gum, lassitude, weakness and scurvy. Some of the probable reasons for having this deficiency include alcoholism and inadequate diet. In addition, it is also associated with several conditions such as plaque build-up in the blood vessels, atherosclerosis, some cancers, stroke, gallbladder disease and high blood pressure as well.
Although this condition commonly appears in adults, there are some risk factors that greatly contribute for vitamin C deficiency development. Studies show that mothers who take a high level of vitamin C during pregnancy have a tendency to give birth to unhealthy babies because they are more likely to develop wheezing upon reaching 2 years of age. This is the number one reason why researchers warn mothers against intake of vitamin C supplements. Instead, they advise them to maintain the right level of this vitamin through dietary control.
So, this finding shows that consuming foods and vitamin C supplements is not the real cure or solution for vitamin C deficiency. Hence, everything should be in balance.
There is another research showing that infants who are taking multivitamins are more prone to food allergies and asthma. Vitamin C contributes to absorption of other vital elements in the human body, namely vitamin c helps in absorption of iron. Lack of vitamin C may result in improper absorption of iron and can lead to iron deficiency in the body.
You should be able to know if you are suffering from this deficiency if you are feeling the following: weakness, fatigue, pallor, unconsciousness and dizziness.
Another consequence of having vitamin C deficiency is scurvy. The symptoms of this disease are as follows: bleeding symptoms, poor healing, aches and pains, swollen and bleeding gums, irritability, weakness and tiredness.
The RDA (Recommended Dietary Allowance) for vitamin C is 75 mg/day (female) and 90 mg/day (male). A diet rich in vitamin C can be obtained by consuming kiwi, red pepper, guava and other vitamin C foods.
Now that you already know what vitamin C deficiency is and what its consequences are, you will already be aware of how to properly take good care of your body. Just make sure that everything is in balance so that you will not have to deal with the painful consequences in the end. One way to do it is to consult your doctor on a regular basis.
