Vitamin C is one of your body’s most vital nutrients to function correctly. But unfortunately, many people are simply not getting as much of it as they should. The issue with this is that a vitamin C deficiency can cause various symptoms, some of which are pretty serious. In this article, you will learn about some of the most common symptoms of vitamin C deficiency. If you are experiencing any of these symptoms, you must see a doctor immediately to get tested for vitamin C deficiency.
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How Vitamin C Works In Your Body
Vitamin C plays a role in many of the body’s systems. It is necessary to produce collagen, which helps keep skin and blood vessels healthy. Vitamin C is also involved in the absorption of iron, which is essential for forming red blood cells. In addition, vitamin C has antioxidant properties, which can help protect cells from damage caused by harmful substances called free radicals.
And while the body can produce vitamin C on its own, it is also found in various foods, such as citrus fruits, tomatoes, and dark leafy vegetables. As a result, it is essential to include these foods in your diet to ensure you get enough vitamin C.
Symptoms Of Vitamin C Deficiency
Although it isn’t necessarily common, vitamin C deficiency can occur for various reasons. Some of the most common causes include inadequate vitamin C-rich foods and certain health conditions or medications that interfere with the absorption of this vital nutrient. Some of the most common symptoms associated with vitamin C deficiency include:
Red Hair Follicles
While most people associate vitamin C deficiency with orange juice and scurvy, many different symptoms can cause a lack of this essential nutrient. One of the less well-known symptoms is red hair follicles. When viewed under a microscope, the hair follicles of people with vitamin C deficiency appear red and inflamed because vitamin C plays an important role in maintaining the health of capillaries, which are the small blood vessels that nourish the hair follicles.
Without enough vitamin C, the capillaries become weak and leaky, leading to inflammation. While red hair follicles may not be as severe as some other symptoms of vitamin C deficiency, they can be a sign that you need to increase your intake of this critical nutrient. While you may not notice it in yourself, red hair follicles can be seen by your doctor when they are examining your scalp.
Swollen Gums
Swollen gums are often mistakenly considered a sign of poor dental hygiene. However, in some cases, they can be a symptom of vitamin c deficiency. Vitamin c is essential for producing collagen, a protein that helps keep gums healthy and strong. Without enough vitamin c, the gums can become inflamed and begin to pull away from the teeth.
Bleeding gums are also a common symptom of vitamin c deficiency. In severe cases, the gums can even recede, exposing the roots of the teeth. While good dental hygiene is always important, if you’re experiencing swollen gums, it’s worth considering whether you might be lacking in vitamin C.
