What Is Vitamin C Deficiency?
Vitamin C deficiency refers to a condition where the body does not have enough vitamin C to perform important functions. Humans, unlike many animals, cannot manufacture vitamin C on their own — they must consume it as part of their diet. This vitamin helps build and maintain healthy bones and teeth; build tendons, cartilage, skin, and collagen; and heal wounds.
Someone suffering from a minor vitamin C deficiency may have an increased risk of high blood pressure, gallbladder disease, stroke, some types of cancer, and arteriosclerosis. Severe vitamin C deficiency increases the potential of anemia and scurvy — both serious, but treatable, conditions. Physicians diagnose patients based on these symptoms, but will likely run blood tests to confirm their suspicions.
Anemia can result when low levels of vitamin C prevent the body from manufacturing enough red blood cells. These blood cells carry oxygen, providing the body with energy. Anemia that results from Vitamin C deficiency can lead to extreme tiredness, memory problems, and a tingling or numbness in the hands and feet.
Some people are in a higher-risk category for developing vitamin C deficiency anemia than others. People who are malnourished are the most at risk. Those that suffer from hyperthyroidism or smoke may develop it as well, as both of these factors reduce the ability of the body to absorb vitamin C.
Scurvy, common many years ago, is still a problem in some parts of the world today. The disease often developed on board ships crossing the oceans. The long trips limited the availability of fresh fruits and vegetables, which is the best source of vitamin C. Sufferers of scurvy develop spots on their skin, typically on their legs. Their gums will appear swollen and spongy. They may also experience bleeding from mucus membranes, such as the nostrils and ears.
As scurvy advances, the afflicted person finds it increasingly difficult to move. They suffer depression and develop open and pus filled sores. It is common for them to lose some teeth. The treatment for scurvy is a balanced diet containing adequate amounts of vitamin C.
Scurvy is most common in developing nations that do not have an abundant supply of fruits and vegetables for the citizens to add to their diet. The most common sufferers in industrialized nations are the elderly who do not have a well balanced diet and may not eat enough of any type of food. Infants are also at risk, particularly those who are fed regular cow's milk because the vitamin C in cow's milk is destroyed when it goes through the pasteurization process. Since many baby formula companies supplement their product with additional vitamin C, formula-fed babies are less at risk.
Prevention and treatment of this deficiency is rather straightforward. People should get the recommended daily amounts of vitamin deficiency via fruits and vegetables or vitamin supplements. Exceeding the recommended daily amount may be dangerous or cause diarrhea or nausea.
Written by Amy Hunter
