17 Signs and Symptoms of Vitamin C Deficiency

What is Vitamin C Deficiency?

How Common is Vitamin C Deficiency?

What are the Signs & Symptoms of Vitamin C Deficiency?

The severity level of vitamin C deficiency in humans can vary widely, ranging from mild forms to severe cases involving multiple organ systems. Early manifestations may not be noticeable, but later on, they become complicated, leading to serious consequences for multiple organs.

This table provides all these symptoms along with their underlying interpretations:

Sr.No. 

Symptom Description
1 Pain in Joints and Muscles Weakened connective tissues cause constant joint and muscle pain due to collagen insufficiency, thus making movements difficult and uncomfortable physically.
2 Bruise-like Spots on Skin The appearance of small red or blue spots (petechiae) due to fragile blood vessels, often resulting in easy bruising without significant injury.
3 Fatigue and Weakness Generalised fatigue, lethargy, and weakness stemming from decreased red blood cell production and impaired energy metabolism.
4 Easy Bruising Increased tendency to bruise easily, even from minor bumps, due to compromised blood vessel integrity and slower healing processes.
5 Weight Loss Unintentional weight loss is linked to poor appetite, digestive issues, and the body’s inability to absorb and utilise nutrients effectively.
6 Dry and Damaged Skin Rough, dry, and flaky skin due to impaired collagen synthesis, affecting the skin's elasticity and moisture retention.
7 Split Ends and Hair Damage Hair becomes dry, brittle, and prone to split ends because of weakened collagen in hair follicles and reduced scalp circulation.
8 Discolouration and Gum Swelling Swollen, red, and bleeding gums may turn purple due to weakened gum tissues and reduced ability to heal and maintain oral health.
9 Infection Susceptibility Increased vulnerability to infections due to a compromised immune system, which struggles to respond effectively to pathogens and repair damaged tissues.
10 Poor Wound Healing Delayed wound healing, often resulting in infections and scarring, as a result of diminished collagen production essential for tissue repair.
11 Anaemia The development of anaemia is marked by low haemoglobin levels and fatigue caused by reduced iron absorption and synthesis of blood components.
12 Scurvy Severe vitamin C deficiency can lead to scurvy, characterised by severe gum disease, tooth loss, skin haemorrhages, joint pain, and general weakness.
13 Bleeding from Nose and Gums Frequent nosebleeds and gum bleeding due to weakened blood vessels and tissues, which are more prone to damage and rupture.
14 Subperiosteal Haemorrhage Bleeding between joints and bones causes significant pain and swelling, often leading to movement limitations and joint damage.
15 Loose Teeth Due to weakened gums and connective tissues, teeth become loose and may eventually fall out, making oral hygiene and dental health difficult to maintain.
16 Shortness of Breath Breathing difficulties result from anaemia and reduced oxygen transport in the blood, impacting overall stamina and physical capabilities.
17 Brain Haemorrhage In extreme cases, untreated deficiency can lead to life-threatening conditions, such as bleeding around the brain, due to severely weakened blood vessels and impaired clotting.

Reasons that Cause Vitamin C Deficiency

Diagnosis of Vitamin C Deficiency

Best Food Sources to Overcome Vitamin C Deficiency

Sr.No. 

Fruits Nutritional Value (Vitamin C per 100g)
1 Kiwi 92.7 mg
2 Lemons 53.0 mg
3 Strawberries 58.8 mg
4 Papaya 60.9 mg
5 Blackberries 21.0 mg
6 Guava 228.3 mg
7 Oranges 53.2 mg
8 Mango 36.7 mg
9 Lychee 71.5 mg
10 Pineapple 47.8 mg

Sr.No. 

Vegetables Nutritional Value (Vitamin C per 100g)
11 Carrots 5.9 mg
12 Spinach 28.1 mg
13 Bell Peppers 127.7 mg (Red)
14 Tomatoes 13.7 mg
15 Broccoli 89.2 mg
16 Cabbage 36.6 mg
17 Potatoes 19.7 mg
18 Brussels Sprouts 85.0 mg
19 Kale 93.4 mg
20 Cauliflower 48.2 mg
21 Sweet Potatoes 2.4 mg
22 Peas 40.0 mg

Sr. No. 

Food Items Nutritional Value (Vitamin C per 100g)
23 Oysters 30.0 mg
24 Paprika 76.4 mg
25 Chilli Peppers 143.7 mg

Note that vitamin C can disintegrate under the effect of heat during storage. This is why it is advisable to consume as many raw and fresh fruits and vegetables as possible.

On the other hand, if you have already been diagnosed with a vitamin C deficiency, you will need to consult a dietician who might suggest the following treatment methods:

  • Oral vitamin C supplements
  • Vitamin C injections

The healthcare professional will recommend the ideal dosage, depending on your deficiency level. He/she will also prescribe a diet chart to speed up recovery.

How Much Vitamin C Do You Need Daily?

Side Effects of Vitamin C Deficiency

Diseases Caused Due to Vitamin C Deficiency

Treatment for Vitamin C Deficiency

Addressing vitamin C deficiency typically involves dietary changes and medical interventions to restore adequate nutrient levels. Below are the common treatments:

Treatment Method

Description
Oral Vitamin C Supplements Tablets or capsules containing vitamin C, typically prescribed to boost levels quickly, with doses ranging from 500 mg to 1,000 mg per day, depending on deficiency severity.
Vitamin C-Rich Diet Incorporating more vitamin C-rich foods, such as citrus fruits, berries, and green vegetables, helps to naturally increase vitamin C intake and prevent recurrence.
Vitamin C Injections For severe cases or when oral supplements are ineffective, intramuscular or intravenous injections are administered to raise blood vitamin C levels rapidly.
Multivitamin Supplements Multivitamin preparations containing vitamin C ensure a balanced intake of essential vitamins and minerals for those with broader nutritional deficiencies.
Regular Monitoring Continuous assessment of vitamin C levels and adjustments to dietary or supplement intake are essential for maintaining optimal levels and preventing future deficiencies.

How Long Does it Take to Fix Vitamin C Deficiency?

Vitamin C deficiency patients can observe significant improvement in their health condition after starting to replenish the nutrient.

However, if you are wondering exactly how long it will take to fix vitamin C deficiency, here is a list of the symptoms and the probable time they might take to disappear.

Symptom Resolution Timeline

Symptoms
24 hours Pain, brain fog, fatigue, anorexia, and lethargy.
1-2 weeks Severe weakness, bleeding, and bruising.
3 months Complete recovery.

Note that this timeline may vary across individuals, depending on the extent of deficiency and other health conditions.

However, permanent damages like severe tooth deformation or tooth loss are irreversible. This is why you should prioritise taking good care of your health to prevent vitamin C deficiency before it is too late.

Who is at Risk of Suffering from Vitamin C Deficiency?

FAQs about Vitamin C Deficiency