8 Symptoms That Warn Of A Vitamin C Deficiency
Ascorbic acid or vitamin C is a nutrient that participates in several processes, such as the production of collagen for example. This is partly why it is reputed to be a nutrient beneficial to health.
A vitamin C deficiency can be a health problem for a number of reasons. It is no secret to anyone that vitamins play a fundamental role in everything that has to do with the health and proper functioning of the body. Among these, vitamin C is one of the best known and most important.
This nutrient is essential for the health of all body systems and it is proven that –in rodents– its regular consumption contributes to the production of collagen, the absorption of iron, the reduction of oxidative stress, among other processes.
Symptoms of vitamin C deficiency
For all the above, its deficiency in the body can trigger a series of negative reactions that directly affect the physical and mental state.
Although at first it may be difficult to notice it, with the passage of time some symptoms appear that make it evident. Keep them in mind so that you go to your doctor in time for an evaluation.
1. Weakening and hair loss
Hair thinning and loss are often associated with multiple factors that can damage the hair root.
Vitamin C deficiency is a common cause, as it is an essential nutrient for maintaining collagen and proteins that give you strength. Therefore, a diet poor in foods that contain this vitamin can cause dryness, hair loss and susceptibility to dandruff.
2. Recurrent infections
People with a vitamin C deficiency tend to develop more infections. This is counteracted by giving an extra contribution in the diet.
According to experts from the National Institutes of Health, this nutrient is essential for the body’s defense mechanisms and, therefore, a decrease in its levels reduces its ability to destroy pathogens that cause all kinds of diseases.
Continuous urinary infections or oral problems can be signs that indicate that you should increase your consumption.
3. Mood swings
Although most of us ignore it, this vitamin also has a close link with emotional health.
According to hypotheses, when there are adequate levels of this vitamin in the body, there is mental stability, tranquility and control over hormones. The latter are largely responsible for the emotional state.
It is considered that a deficiency of vitamin C in the body can cause irritability, stress and other negative conditions that affect daily life.
4. Chronic fatigue, a symptom of vitamin C deficiency
Indirectly, chronic fatigue and continuous feeling of tiredness can be symptoms of scurvy, a serious health problem that is related to vitamin C deficiency and requires immediate medical treatment.
On the other hand, in a recent study, it is suggested that perhaps oxidative stress is one of the causes involved in the development of mood disorders (such as depression and anxiety), chronic fatigue, among others; and therefore, it is considered that vitamin C supplements (and other antioxidants) could contribute to the treatment of these types of problems.
5. Wounds that heal with difficulty
Since this nutrient is necessary for proper oxygenation and cell repair, its decrease in the body prevents wounds from healing normally.
It is common for superficial injuries to take longer to heal and bruises to appear overnight.