Lack of any vitamin or nutrient is never a good thing for our bodies, but a deficiency is particularly noteworthy. Vital to our overall health, vitamin C works to support the skin and metabolic system, as well as immunity. Below, the experts break down the signs of vitamin C deficiency so that you can catch it before it leads to more serious health issues.
They also offer their advice on how to get those vitamin C levels back on track with a few tweaks in your diet. Read on to see what they had to say. Why is vitamin C good for the body? As , MD, IFMCP, board-certified medicine physician and founder of , explains it, vitamin C is a water-soluble vitamin that is found in citrus fruits, berries and some vegetables.
Also known as ascorbic acid, it is an antioxidant that our bodies need to function properly. “Vitamin C is an antioxidant [and has] anti-inflammatory, wound healing, skin integrity and iron absorption [properties],” says Dr. Sharp.
“[It] is essential for the production and maintenance of collagen (which is vital for skin), cartilage, tendons, ligaments and blood vessels. It enhances the function of the immune system, helping the body fight off infections.” What are the symptoms of vitamin C deficiency? A vitamin C deficiency can show itself in many ways and — worst case scenario— eventually lead to if nothing if done about it.
, DCN, RD, director of ambulatory nutrition services at Mount Sinai Hospital, and Dr. Sharp list the following as symptoms that ma.
