Vitamin C is an essential nutrient, especially for mammals. It is used by the body for various metabolic reactions in all animals and plants and is created by almost all organisms except humans. One of the most serious symptoms of vitamin C deficiency is scurvy. This vitamin is necessary for normal growth and development and it is one of the water-soluble types, that is, it is eliminated through the urine, so a constant supply of this nutrient in the diet is necessary.
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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