Symptoms of Vitamin C Deficiency and How to Make Sure You Get Enough

Vitamin C is one of the most commonly talked about vitamins yet most people aren't getting enough of it. Vitamin C is a water-soluble vitamin which plays a major role in maintaining the health of your body's connective tissues. It also acts as an antioxidant that can clean the body of nasty toxins. Your body cannot make vitamin C on its own and it can't store it either. This means it's extremely important for you to consume plenty of fruits and vegetables that are rich in vitamin C. Other benefits of this vitamin include protection against immune system deficiencies, cardiovascular disease, prenatal health problems, eye disease and even skin wrinkling.

A deficiency in vitamin C will show itself in several different ways and while the signs and symptoms may not seem too bothersome, the results of long term vitamin C deficiency can be very detrimental to the body. A severe vitamin C deficiency may result in scurvy, a disease that is the result of collagen breakdown. Some other less noticeable (but still very serious) signs of vitamin C deficiency include:

• Easy bruising
• Swollen gums
• Slow wound healing
• Dry and splitting hair
• Dry red spots on the skin
• Rough, dry, scaly skin
• Nosebleeds
• Weakened immune system
• Swollen and painful joints

Health problems related to vitamin C deficiency can get much worse over time and could even lead to serious health issues. Thankfully, it's not a very strenuous task to make sure you can meet your daily requirement.

Try to consume 2-3 vitamin C food sources each day to help maintain optimal levels. Ideal fruits and vegetables include guava, black currant, red peppers, kiwi, green peppers, peas, oranges, strawberries, papaya, broccoli, mango, kale, and grapefruit.

You can also incorporate vitamin C supplements into your daily regimen to make sure you're getting plenty of this essential vitamin.