Vitamin C, also known as ascorbic acid, is an essential nutrient that cannot be manufactured by your body. Your body uses vitamin C to manufacturer collagen in the skin, bones, tendons and ligaments and helps maintain a healthy immune system. A deficiency of vitamin C is considered rare, but can occur due to poor nutrition or impaired nutrient absorption caused by medication or a medical condition. Several health problems can result from a lack of vitamin C, some are reversible and some permanent. Additionally, a lack of vitamin C can lead to a deficiency of other important nutrients. Check with your doctor before using a vitamin C supplement.
Scurvy
Scurvy is the medical term for a severe deficiency of vitamin C that results in degradation of the collagen that forms the structures of the blood vessels and tissues. Scurvy was common is sailors on long voyages from the 15th to 19th centuries, according to DermNet. Fortunately, this condition is rare in modern society, but can occur as a result of impaired nutritional absorption caused by age, alcoholism and a strict, nutrient limited diet. After three months of not consuming or absorbing vitamin C, the first signs of scurvy, tiny hemorrhages on the skin, begin to appear. If left untreated, these small bruises increase in number and size, covering the body.
Impaired Healing
Inadequate vitamin C in the body causes impairment in collagen formation. Collagen is used to manufacturer skin and tissue and is used to heal wounds. A lack of vitamin C can be characterized in its early stages by delays in healing and susceptibility to viruses and bacteria. Vitamin C is essential for the operation of your immune system, so a deficiency can leave you vulnerable to illnesses and infections you might otherwise be able to fight.
Hemorrhaging and Anemia
Vitamin C is necessary for your body to absorb iron. A lack of vitamin C therefore, causes impairment in the absorption of iron, causing anemia. This condition is characterized by fatigue, delayed healing and shortness of breath caused by a lack of enough oxygen rich red blood cells. Additionally, small hemorrhages in the skin caused by a vitamin C deficiency, utilize the blood to form and to attempt to heal. Iron deficiency anemia is a serious medical condition that should be treated by a health care professional. If left untreated, this anemia may require treatment via a blood transfusion.
Swollen and Bleeding Gum Tissue
Like the skin, the gums are made from collagen that is manufactured by your body using vitamin C. Without enough of this vitamin, the gums will begin to swell and bleed easily, starting at the base nearest the tooth. You may first notice your gums receding a bit, and bleeding when flossing or brushing. As the deficiency progresses, your gums will bleed from mild to moderate pressure or when eating. The gums may eventually recede to a point where teeth become loose and can fall out if the deficiency isn't reversed. Additionally, the lack of vitamin C can make the wounds of the gums vulnerable to bacteria that can lead to serious infection.
References
- Linus Pauling Institute at Oregon State University: Vitamin C
- University of Maryland: Vitamin C (Ascorbic Acid)
- DermNet NZ: Scurvy (Vitamin C Deficiency)
- National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute: Anemia Treatment, Anemia Diet, Anemia Medicines
- Wageningen International: Human Nutrition in the Developing World
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