7 signs that you may be deficient in vitamin C

Are you getting enough vitamin C from your diet? You may think you're following a healthy diet, but research shows that nearly 7% of women and 10% of men are deficient in vitamin C.

So what are the signs that you are vitamin C deficient?;

1. You get sick often

Η vitamin C is an antioxidant, which protects cells from oxidative stress and helps the body fight infections. This antioxidant vitamin also helps wound healing and supports healthy collagen production. The collagen is a protein that helps keep your joints healthy and your skin firm and wrinkle-free.

If you often get respiratory infections and viruses, you may need more vitamin C in your diet. Also, if you are not eating fruits and vegetables, one of the best sources of vitamin C, your body is definitely deficient in vitamin C.

The body cannot store vitamin C. You should therefore get some in your diet every day. It will help you avoid colds and viruses, but if you generally get sick often, it is wise to rule out other causes with a blood test and physical examination at a doctor's office.

2. Feeling tired all the time

A possible sign that you need more vitamin C is fatigue. If you feel tired all the time and you haven't changed anything in your diet or lifestyle recently, it may be due to low vitamin C levels. However, there are many causes of fatigue. If you are feeling tired, see your doctor for a physical exam and get a blood test as well.

3. Your gums are bleeding

Vitamin C is a powerful antioxidant that can help prevent the development of gingivitis. One study found that people with low vitamin C levels had 1.16 times more likely to experience bleeding gums. If you have bleeding gums, eat more foods rich in vitamin C but also visit your dentist.

4. You bruise easily

If you have noticed more bruising than usual, a lack of vitamin C may be to blame. Vitamin C helps blood clot and keeps the body's tissues strong. If you are not deficient in vitamin C you may bruise much more easily and on unsuspected contact or light bumps. It may take a few weeks for your body to absorb enough vitamin C from foods or supplements before you notice changes. Low platelet count is another cause of bruising. So it's still wise to get a complete checkup and blood test before you assume you are vitamin C deficient.

5. Slow wound healing

If the skin is slow to heal from cuts or other wounds, it may be because you are not getting enough vitamin C from your diet. Studies show that more than half of patients who were given high doses of vitamin C after surgery recovered faster than those who didn't take the supplement.

Vitamin C helps maintain healthy collagen, a protein that keeps skin smooth and supple. Without enough vitamin C, you don't produce enough new collagen as you age. That's why older people have wrinkles on their faces and hands. So, if you want youthful skin make sure you consume lots of fruits like kiwis or oranges.

6. Your joints hurt

Joint pain is one of the most common signs of vitamin C deficiency. It can affect any joint, but is most common in the knees and hips. Why does vitamin C deficiency cause joint pain? Vitamin C helps create healthy collagen to support joints. When you are deficient in vitamin C, your joints can suffer. Symptoms include:

• joint pain when you move
• stiffness
• swelling and bruising around the joints
• pain in muscles or tendons near the joints

If you have these symptoms, it is important to see a doctor because they may be caused by something else, such as a type of arthritis. But make sure you get enough vitamin C in your diet to keep your joints healthy.

7. Skin changes

If you are deficient in vitamin C, you may have some skin changes that are easy to spot. The most common symptoms in this case are:

• Red or discolored patches on the skin
• You bruise easily, especially in places where you rarely bruise (such as the inside of elbows)
• Dryness and cracking of the skin at the corners of the mouth

These symptoms usually subside when you increase the amount of vitamin C you take. If not, there is probably another cause. You can get more vitamin C from foods like citrus fruits and peppers, or from vitamin C supplements (check with your doctor).

In conclusion

If you notice any of the above signs, be aware that a lack of vitamin C may be a possible cause. Even if you don't have these signs or symptoms, make sure you're getting enough vitamin C in your diet by eating plenty of products rich in it.