Vitamin C is one of the body’s most important antioxidants. This essential nutrient that keeps the body functioning is necessary for the growth, development, and repair of all body tissues as well as in the formation of collagen, absorption of iron, the proper functioning of the immune system, and many more. Deficiency from this vitamin may cause symptoms that we need to watch out for.
Check down below how vitamin C deficiency affects our health.
Weak Immunity
Vitamin C is needed by our body to fight off infections and kill disease-causing germs. Deficiency in this vitamin can weaken our immunity thereby making us vulnerable to various infections and diseases including serious illnesses like pneumonia.
Painful, Swollen Joints
Our joints can be affected by vitamin C deficiency since they contain a lot of collagen-rich connective tissue. Results of a study revealed that bleeding within the joints can also occur in people who are deficient in vitamin C, causing swelling and additional pain.
Easy Bruising
When blood vessels under the skin ruptures, bruising occurs. This is a common sign of vitamin C deficiency since poor collagen production causes weak blood vessels.
Rough, Bumpy Skin
Low levels of vitamin C cause keratosis pilaris. This condition causes the formation of bumpy “chicken skin” on the back of the upper arms, thighs, or buttocks due to a buildup of keratin protein inside the pores.
Chronic Inflammation
Vitamin C helps prevent cellular damage by neutralizing free radicals that can cause oxidative stress and inflammation in the body which have been linked to many chronic illnesses, including heart disease and diabetes. Inadequate intake of this vitamin has been associated with higher levels of inflammation and oxidative stress.
Dry Skin
Large amounts of vitamin C are present it the outer layer of our skin. This vitamin protects our skin from oxidative damage caused by pollution and the sun and helps in collagen production which maintains the skin glowing and younger-looking. With an insufficient amount of vitamin C, we may experience dry and damaged skin.
Anemia
Vitamin C aids in better absorption of iron. Thereby, reduced vitamin C levels slow down the absorption of this important nutrient from plant-based foods which can lead to iron-deficiency anemia.
Weak Bones
A low intake of vitamin C has been linked to increased risk of fracture and osteoporosis. According to a study, vitamin C plays a critical role in bone formation, so a deficiency can increase the rate of bone loss.
