Vitamin C, or ascorbic acid, is essential in the formation of collagen, which gives structure to the tissues of the body, and in the absorption of iron, besides having a role in regulating the body's metabolism and in the formation of blood cells. Therefore, your lack may cause signs and symptoms such as:
- Tiredness, pallor and dizziness due to anemia caused by poor absorption of iron;
- Difficulty in wound healing due to collagen deficiency;
- Bleeding, mainly by the gums and nose, but which can arise anywhere in the body, due to the rupture of the tissues that support the blood vessels;
- Blotchy spots on the body, also due to the fragility of the blood vessels;
- Bone deformities and increased risk of fractures, especially in children, as it alters the calcification process and bone formation;
- Hair loss and weakening of the nails, by weakening of the tissues;
- Bone pain, swelling in the body and weakening of cartilages and joints;
- Falling and softening of teeth, because it alters the formation of dentin, which is the matrix of teeth;
- Increased risk of infections, such as colds and flu, because lack of vitamin C impairs the formation of white blood cells and alters various functions of the immune system;
- Sadness, mental stress and reasoning difficulties, because the lack of this vitamin can produce brain chemical changes.
The disease caused by vitamin C deficiency is called scurvy, and the ensemble of these signs and symptoms begins to appear after 45 to 80 days of vitamin deficiency. Infant scurvy is called Moeller-Barlow disease, and it is also characterized by important bone deformities, impaired growth and cardiac changes.
Causes of lack of vitamin C
Vitamin C is absorbed in the intestine and its main source is food, so the lack of this vitamin happens when the diet is insufficient or when absorption by the intestine is not adequate. Thus, some of the main risk factors are:
- Malnutrition;
- Anorexia;
- Smoking;
- Alcoholism;
- Intestinal diseases and inflammations, such as Crohn's disease;
- Pregnancy and breastfeeding.
In addition, babies who do not breastfeed and who consume formulas that are not enriched with vitamin C are also at risk of developing this deficiency.
How is the treatment done?
Vitamin C is found mainly in fruits and vegetables such as pineapple, acerola, orange, lemon and pepper, for example, being important these foods in the diet to meet the daily needs. Check out the full list of foods sources of vitamin C.
The amount of vitamin C that should be consumed daily is about 60mg, however, some people may need larger amounts, such as pregnant women, smokers and people using some medicines that may impair the absorption of this vitamin, such as contraceptives, antidepressants and diuretics and it is recommended to talk with your doctor and nutritionist to adjust vitamin replacement in these cases.
Because vitamin C can be gradually eliminated through the urine, your intake should be diary, and if the required amount is not reached with food, you can also consume vitamin C supplements such as Targifor, Bio-C or Redoxon, for example. However, your intake should preferably be advised by a nutritionist so that it is not made in excess or lack.
What is vitamin C
Vitamin C plays an important role in the regulation of body metabolism, the formation of hormones and blood cells, as well as the composition of collagen and tissues that make up skin, blood vessels, bones and cartilage.
In addition, this vitamin is also a powerful antioxidant, able to nourish cells and eliminate free radicals responsible for tissue wear, and therefore prevents the onset of diseases and premature aging. Learn about these and other benefits in vitamin C: an indispensable antioxidant.
