Although not everyone in the United States gets enough vitamin C from diet, it is relatively rare for people to have a full-blown vitamin C deficiency, which is known as scurvy, according to Merck Manuals. However, those who are undernourished may have some of the vitamin C deficiency symptoms, including bleeding.
Function
Vitamin C plays a number of roles in your body. It is essential for forming collagen, amino acids, carnitine and hormones. This antioxidant also helps the body to absorb iron and assists in immune function and the repair of bones, cartilage and teeth. Vitamin C is needed for healing wounds, as collagen is essential for the formation of blood vessels, ligaments, scar tissue, skin and tendons.
Recommendations
Because vitamin C is a water-soluble vitamin, the body does not store it, and you need to consume vitamin-C-containing foods each day. The recommended daily amounts for children are: infants to 6 months old, 40 mg; 7 to 12 months, 50 mg; 1 to 3 years old, 15 mg; 4 to 8, 25 mg; 9 to 13, 45 mg. Boys 14 to 18 need 75 mg per day and girls 65 mg. Adult women need 75 mg per day and adult men 90 mg. Smokers and women who are pregnant or breastfeeding should speak with their doctors since they have higher needs for vitamin C, according to Medline Plus.
Deficiency Symptoms
In the early stages of vitamin C deficiency, people may lack energy, feel weak and irritable and lose weight. Issues with bleeding occur in the later stages of deficiency. Bleeding may occur from swollen gums, wounds may not heal well and hemorrhages may happen in the hair follicles, joints or skin. People may bruise easily and get nosebleeds. Other signs include dry hair and skin.
Risk Factors
Vitamin C deficiency is most common in the elderly in the United States, according to Medline Plus, since it is usually due to malnourishment. However, certain conditions make this deficiency more likely, including surgery, burns, illnesses involving fever or diarrhea, protein or iron deficiencies and smoking, according to Merck Manuals.
Prevention
Consuming a healthy diet including five servings of fruits and vegetables per day will provide more than enough vitamin C to prevent a deficiency. Fruits and vegetables all contain at least some of this vitamin, with citrus fruits, green leafy vegetables, broccoli, green pepper, mango, pineapple, winter squash and berries rich in vitamin C. If you are worried you are not getting enough vitamin C, you can take a vitamin C supplement or multivitamin to meet your needs.
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