Water soluble vitamin C is essential for a healthy body. When the body gets more vitamin C than it needs, the rest is excreted, so daily consumption is critical to stay healthy. Not only does it serve as an antioxidant and immune system support, it helps the body absorb iron. According to bodybuildingforyou.com, people over 55 years old have a high risk of being deficient in vitamin C because of the decrease of healthy minerals in older people. Severe cases of vitamin C deficiency can result in scurvy or rickets.
Oral Issues
People who have a vitamin C deficiency are likely to have swollen gums that are discolored and have a sponge-like texture. The gums are more likely to bleed with a light amount of friction. The teeth may loosen and be compromised.
Eye Issues
People who have a vitamin C deficiency are likely to have problems with their eyes. They may be more sensitive to light and suffer from blurred vision. Dry eyes and conjunctivitis may be the result of the deficiency.
Infections
Vitamin C is an antioxidant and helps fight infection. Without enough of it, a person may suffer from more infections, sores that take longer to heal and bleeding that is difficult to stop.
Overall Body Issues
Since vitamin C is essential for the body to absorb iron and folic acid, without enough of it, a person is likely to develop anemia. This can leave someone feeling lethargic and unable to concentrate. It can also cause irritability and problems with connective tissue defects. Joints may become swollen and painful, sometimes rendering the sufferer immobile. Muscle pain may also exist. You may also experience premature aging without the proper amount of vitamin C that helps the blood transport oxygen throughout the body.
Organ Issues
Without enough vitamin C, critical organs may be affected. You may experience low blood pressure and shortness of breath. If it is severe enough, it could possibly cause death. There is also a likelihood of weight gain because not getting enough vitamin C may slow down the metabolism, according to the U.S. National Library of Medicine and the National Institutes of Health.
Symptoms of Scurvy
Scurvy may result from extreme vitamin C deficiencies. Some of the symptoms of scurvy include excessive bruising, bleeding, loss of teeth and hair loss.
Member Comments