Vitamin C is an essential nutrient for overall health and wellness. It plays a key role in the formation of collagen, which is important for skin, bones, and connective tissue, as well as aiding in iron absorption. Unfortunately, many people do not get enough of this important nutrient in their daily diets. A lack of vitamin C can lead to a number of health issues, some of which may surprise you.
In this blog post, we will discuss 8 things that may happen to you if you lack vitamin C. From weakened immunity to poor wound healing, all of these issues can be avoided by simply incorporating more vitamin C into your diet.
We will also discuss the best sources of vitamin C and how to incorporate them into your diet to ensure you get enough of this important nutrient.
1. Easily bruising
One of the most common signs of a vitamin C deficiency is easily bruising. Vitamin C helps your body produce collagen, which is an important component of skin, hair, nails, and other connective tissue.
Without enough vitamin C, your body’s collagen production is impaired, making your skin and other connective tissue weaker and more prone to bruising.
If you notice you’re bruising more often than usual, it may be a sign that you’re not getting enough vitamin C.
2. Weakened immune system
Vitamin C plays an essential role in keeping your immune system strong and functioning properly. If you don't get enough of this vitamin, your immune system may become weakened and vulnerable to infections and illnesses.
This is because vitamin C helps to produce infection-fighting white blood cells, as well as antibodies that help eliminate bacteria and viruses.
Deficiencies in vitamin C can also slow down the healing process of wounds and make your body more susceptible to infection.
3. Lower iron absorption
With inadequate amounts of vitamin C, the body is unable to properly absorb iron from food sources. This can cause levels of iron deficiency, which can lead to anaemia, fatigue, and impaired cognitive function.
To ensure adequate iron absorption, it is important to include a source of vitamin C-rich foods in your diet. Additionally, supplements may be necessary for those who cannot meet their daily requirement through diet alone.
4. Dry and splitting hair
One of the most common symptoms of Vitamin C deficiency is dry, splitting hair. This happens due to the weakening of the protein structure in the hair follicles, leading to the hair becoming dry, brittle, and splitting.
It is important to note that, if left untreated, the problem can worsen to the point where the hair can become thin and eventually lead to hair loss.
Therefore, it is important to address this issue as soon as possible and start taking supplements of Vitamin C to replenish your body’s supply.
5. Swollen and painful joints
One of the more serious consequences of vitamin C deficiency is swollen painful joints. As the body is deprived of vitamin C, which is essential for healthy collagen formation, the joints may become inflamed and the surrounding tissue may swell up.
This can lead to severe joint pain and can hinder your ability to perform everyday tasks. If you experience joint pain, it is important to seek medical advice to determine the underlying cause.
6. Difficulty in healing wounds
Vitamin C plays a vital role in the body's ability to heal wounds, so if you lack sufficient amounts of it, the body's healing process may be delayed.
Wounds may take longer to heal and may leave scars. To ensure that wounds heal properly, it is important to obtain an adequate amount of Vitamin C from foods or supplements.
7. Difficulty maintaining healthy gums
Vitamin C is essential for keeping your gums healthy. When you don’t get enough Vitamin C, the tissues in the body become weak, leading to soft gums that are prone to bleeding and inflammation.
A Vitamin C deficiency can also cause your gums to recede, leading to gingival recession and exposing the roots of your teeth. If you suspect you have a vitamin C deficiency, talk to your doctor about a supplement and lifestyle changes to help you get the necessary nutrients.
8. Anemia
Anaemia can occur when there is a lack of Vitamin C in the body. Anaemia is a condition in which the body does not have enough healthy red blood cells. This can lead to fatigue, shortness of breath, and a pale complexion.
If left untreated, anaemia can further lead to more severe complications such as heart problems, neurological issues and impaired immunity.
In order to prevent anaemia, it is important to ensure you are consuming enough Vitamin C through your diet or supplementing your diet with Vitamin C.
In conclusion, it's important to make sure you're getting enough vitamin C in your diet.
Eating a balanced diet with plenty of fruits and vegetables, as well as taking a vitamin C supplement if needed, can help ensure you don't experience any of the symptoms associated with vitamin C deficiency.
With the right nutrients and a healthy lifestyle, you can keep your body functioning optimally and in good health.
Also read: Phosphorus in Pregnancy: What You Need To Know?