Vitamin C Deficiency: Signs, Symptoms, and How to Get Enough

Stay Young Bureau May 2, 2023

Rough, Bumpy Skin

Low vitamin C levels can lead to rough, bumpy skin, known as keratosis pilaris. This condition forms due to a buildup of keratin protein inside the pores and typically appears due to inadequate intake of Vitamin C, but may have other causes. Credit: Stay Young Bureau

Corkscrew-Shaped Body Hair

Vitamin C deficiency can cause hair to grow in coiled shapes and break off easily. Adequate vitamin C intake can help resolve hair abnormalities within a month. Credit: Stay Young Bureau

Bright Red Hair Follicles

Severe vitamin C deficiency can cause perifollicular haemorrhage, where small, bright red spots appear around hair follicles due to fragile blood vessels. Credit: Stay Young Bureau

Dry, Damaged Skin

Vitamin C is essential for healthy skin as it protects against oxidative damage, promotes collagen production, and improves skin quality. A deficiency may lead to dry, damaged skin. Credit: Stay Young Bureau

Easy Bruising

Weak blood vessels caused by poor collagen production due to vitamin C deficiency can result in easy bruising. This symptom requires further investigation into vitamin C levels, as it is often one of the first obvious signs of deficiency. Credit: Stay Young Bureau

Slowly Healing Wounds

Vitamin C deficiency reduces collagen formation and causes slow wound healing. Chronic non-healing leg ulcers are linked to deficiency, and old wounds may reopen, increasing infection risk in severe cases. Credit: Stay Young Bureau

Painful, Swollen Joints

Vitamin C deficiency can cause joint pain and bleeding within the joints. These symptoms are treatable with vitamin C supplements and usually resolve within a week. Credit: Stay Young Bureau

Weak Bones

Vitamin C deficiency can harm bone health, increasing fracture risk and osteoporosis. It plays a critical role in bone formation, which can be especially important in children's growing skeletons. Credit: Stay Young Bureau

Bleeding Gums and Tooth Loss

Vitamin C deficiency can cause red, swollen, and bleeding gums due to weakened gum tissue and blood vessels. In advanced stages, gums may appear purple and rotten, and teeth may fall out due to weak dentin. Credit: Stay Young Bureau

Poor Immunity

Vitamin C accumulates in immune cells to combat infection. Deficiency leads to poor immunity and a higher risk of infection, including pneumonia. People with scurvy often die of infection due to weakened immune systems. Credit: Stay Young Bureau

Dietary Changes

Including fruits and vegetables rich in vitamin C in your diet can provide enough sources of vitamin C. Credit: Stay Young Bureau

Foods High in Ascorbic Acid

Include foods high in ascorbic acids such as black currant, red pepper, kiwi fruit, guava, green bell pepper, orange, strawberries, papaya, broccoli, and kale. Credit: Stay Young Bureau

Supplements

Supplements may be recommended to treat a vitamin C deficiency. Adult men and women need at least 90 and 75 milligrams of ascorbic acid per day, respectively. Credit: Stay Young Bureau

Consulting a Healthcare Practitioner

If you suspect a vitamin C deficiency, consult a trusted healthcare practitioner in a clinical setting for the best course of treatment. Credit: Stay Young Bureau