Symptoms of a vitamin C deficiency

Vitamin C aids in the absorption capacity of iron, the growth and repair of connective tissue, the manufacture of collagen, the metabolism of fats and wound healing. At unComo.com we want to tell you what symptoms lack vitamin C have so that you can detect it in yourself or in your family and increase its consumption if necessary.

Symptoms of vitamin C deficiency

The vitamin C is a strong antioxidant that reduces the risk of infection, promotes the absorption of iron and calcium utilization. When there is a deficiency of this vitamin in our diet, a series of symptoms occur that translate into disorders such as:

Anemia

Organic disorder that causes the body not to make enough healthy red blood cells. Red blood cells carry oxygen to body tissues so that they can perform their function properly.

Bleeding gums

Bleeding gums occur when you brush your teeth or bite into a food such as an apple, for example. In extreme cases they can bleed spontaneously.

Problems fighting infection

Contract viruses and infections very frequently, which are complicated excessively.

Slow healing

Wound healing is slower than usual and usually requires more intensive care than in another person.

Dry, weak hair with very brittle ends

Another symptom is hair health. The hair is usually dry, breaks easily, tends to fall out more than normal, and the ends break regularly.

Frequent bruising

Hematomas are created very often at the slightest blow and even appear without the patient knowing what their cause has been.

Gingivitis

It is an inflammation of the gums that appear very deep red or purple, bleed, are tender to the touch and have a tendency to ulcerate.

Nosebleeds

Another symptom of vitamin C deficiency is frequent and often spontaneous nosebleeds.

Slow metabolism

The body slows down and can lead to fatigue, depression and weight gain for no apparent reason.

Dry Skin

The skin becomes dehydrated and rough, flaking and looking unhealthy.

Joint pain

The joints become inflamed and painful, worsening normal performance and forcing on many occasions to take anti-inflammatory drugs regularly to mitigate pain.

Weak tooth enamel

The teeth appear finer, tend to yellow and become transparent, showing their wear. Greater sensitivity because dentin is more exposed to stimuli.

Scurvy

It is the most serious manifestation of vitamin C deficiency. Symptoms are general weakness, anemia, gingivitis, and skin bleeding. It is usually frequent in malnourished adults, with a very high vitamin C deficiency.

How to improve vitamin C levels

The amount of vitamin C needed depends on age and sex. Other factors, such as pregnancy, illness, and postoperative periods, may require a higher amount of this vitamin.

The best way to obtain the necessary amounts of vitamin C is by consuming a balanced diet that contains a variety of foods. The foods with the highest vitamin C intake are the following:

Forgive me

The technical name is “Terminalia ferdinandiana”. It is a plant of Australian origin whose fruit contains the highest concentration of vitamin C discovered so far. Its flavor, apparently, is not too pleasant but it is beginning to be marketed at exorbitant prices due to its high content of vitamin C.

Camu camu

Shrub belonging to the Amazon area of ​​Peru whose fruit is the second in concentration of vitamin C after Murunga.

Hip

Forest fruit with high concentrations of vitamin C

Guava

Fruit with excellent antioxidant properties and high content of vitamin C

Black currant

Berry with a very sweet flavor in its maturation whose consumption provides large doses of vitamin C

In the following article you will find out The Best vitamins to increase defense

Chile

Spicy berry widely used in Mexican cuisine that contains large amounts of vitamin C

Parsley

Herb widely used as a condiment or decoration of dishes that contains a lot of vitamin C

Kiwi

It contains more vitamin C than oranges or lemons, in addition to providing protective elements against cancer and that promote intestinal transit.

Broccoli

Vegetable with many properties, among them a great contribution of vitamin C. It is also attributed anti-cancer properties.

Strawberry

Another fruit with a pleasant flavor that contains a large amount of vitamin C, although less than kiwi.

Orange

Fruit that is commonly attributed garden doses of vitamin C. It contains them, but to a lesser extent than the foods mentioned above.

Cauliflower

Vegetable that contains vitamin C, vitamins of group B, especially B5 and B6, folic acid and minerals.

Spinach

It provides vitamin C and various antioxidants, which makes it one of the vegetables with the most vitamin power.

We offer you different recipes rich in vitamin C for you to incorporate into your diet and take advantage of all the benefits of this essential nutrient.

This article is merely informative. We do not have the power to prescribe any medical treatment or make any type of diagnosis. We invite you to go to a doctor in the case of presenting any type of condition or discomfort.

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