Vitamin C, or ascorbic acid, is essential in the formation of collagen, which gives structure to the body's tissues, and in the absorption of iron, in addition to participating in the regulation of the body's metabolism and in the formation of blood cells. Therefore, its lack can 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 from the gums and nose, but that can appear anywhere on the body, due to the rupture of the tissues that support the blood vessels; Purplish spots on the body, also due to the fragility of blood vessels; Bone deformities and increased risk of fractures, especially in children, as it alters the process of calcification and bone formation; Hair loss and weakening of nails, due to weakening of tissues; Bone pain, swelling in the body and weakening of the cartilage and joints; Falling and softening of the teeth, because it alters the formation of the dentin, which is the matrix of the teeth; Increased risk of infections, such as colds and flu, as the 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, as the lack of this vitamin can produce brain chemical changes.
The disease caused by vitamin C deficiency is called scurvy, and these signs and symptoms start to appear after 45 to 80 days of vitamin deficiency. Infantile 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 the treatment is done
Vitamin C is found mainly in fruits and vegetables, such as pineapple, acerola, orange, lemon and peppers, for example, and the presence of these foods in the diet is important to meet daily needs. Check out the full list of food sources of vitamin C.
The amount of vitamin C that should be consumed daily is around 60mg, however, some people may need larger amounts, such as pregnant women, smokers and people using some drugs that can impair the absorption of this vitamin, such as contraceptives, antidepressants and diuretics, it is recommended to talk to the doctor and nutritionist to adjust the vitamin replacement in these cases.
As vitamin C can be gradually eliminated through urine, its consumption must be daily, and if the necessary amount is not reached with food, it is also possible to consume supplements with vitamin C, such as Targifor, Bio-C or Redoxon, for example. However, its consumption should be advised, preferably, by a nutritionist so that it is not done in short or in excess.
What is vitamin C for
Vitamin C plays an important role in regulating the body's metabolism, in the formation of hormones and blood cells, as well as in the composition of collagen and tissues that form the skin, blood vessels, bones and cartilage.
In addition, this vitamin is also a powerful antioxidant, capable of nourishing cells and eliminating free radicals responsible for the wear and tear of tissues, and, therefore, prevents the appearance of diseases and premature aging. Learn more about these and other benefits in vitamin c: an indispensable antioxidant.
