13 Symptoms That Indicate You Are Lacking Vitamin C

• Lack of vitamin C is related to the early development of cardiovascular diseases due to its antioxidant role.
• A weakened immune system, together with symptoms such as paleness, nosebleeds, gum inflammation, hair loss and joint pain, are warning signs of a vitamin C deficiency.
• Include citrus fruits and vegetables in your daily diet, consider supplements if necessary, and reduce alcohol and tobacco to prevent vitamin C deficiency.

Vitamin C is essential for preventing diseases, increasing iron absorption and improving calcium metabolism. The body’s inability to store it means that daily intake is necessary to avoid deficiencies.

Not surprisingly, when your body does not have enough of this acid, a series of critical points often begin to suffer, giving rise to the so-called signs of vitamin C deficiency in adults and children, some of the most representative, due to their persistence and severity, being the following:

1 Depression and lack of energy

On certain occasions, those who do not receive the required intake of vitamin C through their diet end up suffering from a depressive neurological condition, a condition that must be stopped early, before its progression intensifies its complex consequences.

2 Increased stress levels

A study carried out at Vanderbilt University concluded that a lack of this vitamin caused participants to show aggressive and subdued behaviours, combined with reduced glucose levels and greater oxidation of the body’s cells.

3 Low immune system

This is the best-known condition caused by vitamin C deficiency.

To have a healthy and strong immune system, take vitamin C supplements! Otherwise, we could be talking about a depressed immune system, with frequent or recurring illnesses, especially colds.

4 Cardiovascular diseases

Although the development of cardiovascular diseases can be due to many factors, their early onset may have a lot to do with a body receiving insufficient amounts of vitamin D.

Its antioxidant action reduces cholesterol build-up, supporting blood cleansing and stimulating toxin elimination. Therefore, we are talking about an essential nutrient for your body to have tissues and blood vessels in good condition.

5 Paleness of the mucous membranes

When the body experiences a vitamin C deficiency, one of the first symptoms may be a change in the colour of the mucous membranes, resulting in noticeable paleness.

This symptom, often overlooked, is an early indicator that cells are not receiving the nutrients they need for optimal function.

6 Gum inflammation and bleeding

Also known as gingivitis, vitamin C insufficiency can sometimes lead to dental health problems. This risk also includes the possibility of weakened tooth enamel.

7 Hair weakening and hair loss

Just as happens with the skin, hair is one of the areas most affected by a lack of the “queen” vitamin, or ascorbic acid, in the body. If you notice that your hair is no longer as strong as before and breaks easily, you may suspect this.

The reason vitamin C is an essential nutrient for hair is that it maintains collagen and the proteins that give it strength. Therefore, a diet poor in foods that contain it may cause dryness, hair loss and susceptibility to dandruff, all of which will noticeably affect the appearance of your hair.

8 Joint pain

Do you notice pain in your elbows and wrists? These could also be symptoms pointing in the same direction. In fact, continuous body aches and nutritional deficiencies are often closely related.

Along these lines, vitamin C deficiency reduces the proper absorption of certain minerals, leading to muscle weakening. It also prevents correct collagen synthesis and causes weakening of the cartilage responsible for protecting the joints.

9 Weight gain

Although at first you may not see the connection between vitamin C deficiency and gaining a few extra kilos, there is a logical explanation for it: the general slowing down of metabolism.

If you notice that the scales are sounding the alarm, without having changed your calorie intake, perhaps you should review your intake of this important nutrient.

10 Wounds that do not heal

If bruises appear on your skin as if from nowhere and, on top of that, when you get a wound you realise in disbelief that it takes too long to heal, you probably need to eat more foods with vitamin C and take dietary supplements containing this nutrient.

11 Mood swings

Did you know that vitamin C has a close link with emotional health? This is true to the point that adequate levels of this nutrient provide mental stability, calmness and control over hormones, which are largely responsible for your emotional state.

Therefore, a deficiency may make you feel irritable and stressed, circumstances that will affect your daily life.

12 Dry skin

If you get used to consuming vitamin C daily, you will be able to enjoy soft, beautiful skin free from problems. What is more, this nutrient prevents the premature loss of collagen and elastin, two substances responsible for maintaining the firmness and elasticity of the skin. On the other hand, a lack of this vitamin will contribute to your skin becoming dry, something you will soon notice.

13 Scurvy disease

Scurvy is the most severe manifestation of vitamin C deficiency, essential for collagen synthesis.

This disease, historically associated with sailors, can cause serious symptoms such as anaemia, inflamed gums, skin spots, poor wound healing, loose teeth and arthritis. Without treatment, it can be fatal and lead to additional complications.

How to prevent vitamin C deficiency?

Surprising as it may seem, this vitamin, which is involved in dozens of biological functions that require its presence in the body, still appears at insufficient levels in many people.

Vitamin C deficiency is common among those who do not usually eat fruit and vegetables regularly, consume excessive alcohol or smoke. If this is your case, it is advisable to follow a good and adequate diet or find a great ally through vitamin C supplements. Are you a sportsperson or do you perform intense physical efforts and do not consume this type of food? Then you are at even greater risk — do not let it happen!

Buy Vitamin C supplements at HSN

Keep reading on this topic:

• Functions and benefits of vitamin C
• Why is Vitamin C so good for the skin?
• The foods with the highest vitamin C content
• Symptoms of vitamin A deficiency and how to prevent it
• Main symptoms of vitamin D deficiency