Spots on your fingernails? You must be suffering from vitamin C deficiency.
Well, there is some truth to this statement afterward. Moon-shaped fingernails with lines and spots are a clear-cut indication of vitamin C deficiency.
FYI – Vitamin C deficiency is also known as Scurvy ( in medical and formal terminologies)
Vitamin C is one of the most important nutrients that your body needs for efficient working and wellness. Although the concept of vitamin C deficiency in developed countries is a far-fetched claim due to two things. The first one is a strong emphasis on a good diet and the second is the availability of fresh and organic produce.
But in developing countries, vitamin C deficiency is one of the common health problems. Vitamin C deficiency causes mental problems, anorexia, and kidney problems that need dialysis.
Table of Contents
Vitamin C Deficiency Symptoms
Compiled below are some of the vitamin Symptoms and signs that you need to know about:
Vitamin C Deficiency – Rough Skin
Are you familiar with the advertisements of vitamin C serum benefits on the skin?
This is because vitamin C is necessary for collagen production an important connective tissue that is present in hair, skin, bones, and blood vessels. Therefore if you are suffering from vitamin C deficiency you might experience the horrors of rough, bumpy, and dry skin.
Vitamin C Deficiency – Moon-shaped Fingernails
One of the striking features of moon-shaped nails is that they are concave in shape and brittle therefore they break easily. They are linked with iron deficiency leading to vitamin C deficiency. But do not consider the fact that moon-shaped nails are a depiction of vitamin C deficiency.
Vitamin C Deficiency – Bleeding Gums
A deficiency of vitamin C leads to gum diseases such as swollen gums and inflamed blood vessels in the oral cavity. Therefore in case you are suffering from bleeding gums or bad breath, try to up your game with vitamin-rich foods.
Vitamin C Deficiency – Weakened Immunity
Low levels of vitamin C lead to the body’s increased risk of infections. Vitamin C is necessary for the immunity status of the body by destroying disease-causing pathogens.
Vitamin C Deficiency – Easy Bruising
Bruising is a condition in which the blood vessels below the skin rupture because of some physical injury leading to blood leakage and pooling in the surrounding areas. According to doctors of Mid City Hospital, if you are someone who gets bruised easily you should check out for your levels of vitamin C.
Which of the following is an Early Sign of Vitamin C Deficiency?
Bleeding gums and easy bruising are considered to be the early signs of vitamin C deficiency.
Vitamin C Deficiency – Slow Healing
Collagen formation is needed to heal wounds. Low levels of vitamin C hint at slow healing. Severe cases of vitamin C deficiency also account for the reopening of old wounds, hence increasing the risk of bacterial or viral infections.
Vitamin C Deficiency – Aching Joints
A study shows that Vitamin C is necessary for collagen formation in the body. Our joints are connected to one another with the help of collagen. Collagen helps to reduce friction when you move your joints. Vitamin C deficiency leads to thinning of the collagen which can ultimately turn into aching and painful joints.
Vitamin C Deficiency – Weaker Bones
It is not only calcium that you need for good bone structure, vitamin C is equally important. Vitamin C deficiency in the body can lead to increased chances of osteoporosis and bone fractures.
Therefore make sure to keep an eye on your child’s vitamin C intake because low levels of vitamin C in their body render their bone structure weak.
Here are some of the best foods that you can try for stronger bones.
Vitamin C Deficiency Causes/ Risk Factors
Poor diet is one of the main reasons for vitamin C deficiency. But vitamin C deficiency is not restricted to that one cause only. Given below are some of the vitamin C deficiency causes or risk factors that you need to know about:
- Alcohol intake
- People who are suffering from Type 1 diabetes and have high requirements of vitamin C
- Reduced consumption of fruits and vegetables
- People who are dealing with inflammatory bowel diseases
- Chain smoking
- Dirrehea that tends to last for a long period of time
- Mothers that are breastfeeding
- Pregnant women
- People who are suffering from eating disorders
- People who are dealing with allergies and thus follow a restricted diet pattern
Vitamin C Deficiency Treatment
The lingering question is what are the best treatment options for catering to vitamin C deficiency? Vitamin C deficiency treatments are easy. This is mainly because of the fact that vitamin C is present in a number of fruits. Try to increase your consumption of oranges, lemons, and other citrus fruits to optimize the levels of vitamin C in your blood. The benefits of oranges come in handy when you are fighting vitamin C deficiency. In case you are not that big of a fan of fruits you can start drinking fresh juices.
In addition to all this, you can also make the best out of supplements and tablets.
Foods that are Rich in Vitamin C
According to research the daily intake of vitamin C for men is 90 mg and for women, it is 75mg. But these guidelines are changed for smokers. They must ensure an additional 35 mg intake of vitamin C in order to not suffer from vitamin C deficiency down the road.
Apart from supplements, here are some food choices that can ensure a steady amount of vitamin C in your body.
- Citrus fruits such as oranges, kiwis, lemons, and grapefruit
- Bell peppers
- Strawberries
- Tomatoes
- Cruciferous vegetables such as broccoli, Brussels sprouts, cabbage, and cauliflower
- White potatoes
A Note from Healthwire
Vitamin C deficiency is something that you can cater to by paying a little attention to what you eat and improving your lifestyle habits. Vitamin C is an important nutrient that is needed by the body in ample amounts for collagen formation and a number of other important functions.
But in case you have any more queries you can reach out to the best nutritionists via healthwire. They will guide you properly in these regards.
