Vitamin C is essential for wound healing and warding off infections, among other important bodily processes. While it does not directly affect your appetite, getting too much or too little of this vitamin can indirectly result in a change in appetite. Talk to your doctor before you begin consuming more or less vitamin C, and let her know if you have recently experienced any unexplained changes in your appetite.
Function and RDA of Vitamin C
Vitamin C is an antioxidant, which rids your body of free radicals, and it is also essential for the growth and reparation of your tissues. Your skin, tendons, cartilage, ligaments, blood vessels, bones and teeth all depend on this vitamin to function properly. You can get all of the vitamin C you need through your diet, and it is also available in supplement form. Men need 90 mg a day, and women need 75 mg. However, your doctor may prescribe higher doses to help prevent high blood pressure, gallbladder disease or other conditions.
Indirect Aid to Appetite
A vitamin C deficiency can have several negative side effects, including a compromised immune system, anemia, nosebleeds, a slow metabolism, rough skin and swollen joints. It may also cause weakened tooth enamel and even gingivitis, which is characterized by inflamed and sometimes bleeding gums. If your mouth is bleeding or your teeth have weakened, your appetite may decrease because it is too painful for you to eat. Getting enough vitamin C helps maintain the health of your mouth, which in turn helps keep up your appetite.
Vitamin C and Stomach Upset
While it is nearly impossible to get too much vitamin C, as this vitamin is water-soluble, consuming high doses can have negative repercussions. If you take more than 2,000 mg of this vitamin a day, you may experience side effects like diarrhea, gas or other types of stomach upset. All these can result in a loss of appetite. Ask your doctor before you begin consuming more than the RDA of vitamin C. If you do consume high amounts, lower your dosage if you experience these or other side effects.
Other Causes of Appetite Changes
Your appetite may increase or decrease for a variety of reasons, some of which may not be associated with your vitamin C intake. For example, a decrease in appetite can be the result of certain types of cancer, liver disease, kidney failure, hepatitis, hypothyroidism or the use of certain medications. On the other hand, your appetite may increase because of high anxiety levels, hyperthyroidism, hypoglycemia or bulimia. If you notice a change in your appetite, seek medical attention to determine the cause and subsequent treatment.
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