What Are the Healing Powers of Vitamin C for Better Health?

What Is Vitamin C and Why Is It Essential for Skin and Immunity

Vitamin C is a water-soluble vitamin that can be found in many of the foods we enjoy, especially fruits and vegetables. Vitamin C, or ascorbic acid, is full of antioxidants, which will protect the body from oxidative stress due to free radicals (Ref).

The body also needs rough vitamin C to produce collagen (Ref). Collagen is a protein that helps in wound healing, skin health, and maintaining the structure of blood vessels and bones.

Since the body is not able to produce vitamin C on its own, it is important to get enough through diet or supplements. The recommended daily amount of vitamin C for most adults is 65 to 90 mg. Do not go above 2000 mg a day to avoid some side effects (Ref).

Signs You’re Low on Vitamin C (Fatigue, Skin, Gums & More)

A deficiency of vitamin C can be harmful to your health. It may lead to several symptoms. Some of these are obvious very quickly and others will develop gradually. These symptoms include:

Fatigue and Weakness

One of the first signs that you have a vitamin C deficiency is fatigue (Ref). This will happen because vitamin C plays a role in the production of carnitine.

This is a molecule that helps convert fat into energy. Without enough vitamin C, the body’s energy production is compromised. This can lead to tiredness and a general feeling of weakness, too.

Skin Issues

Vitamin C is essential for producing collagen. And collagen is key for maintaining healthy skin. A lack of vitamin C can cause the skin to be dry, rough, and more prone to bruising.

When it gets severe enough, this can lead to a condition known as scurvy. Scurvy is characterized by the appearance of red or purple spots on the skin due to broken blood vessels.

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Swollen or Bleeding Gums

Another symptom that can show up with vitamin C deficiency is swollen, bleeding gums. Since vitamin C is there to support gum health, not having enough of it will lead to issues like:

• Gum inflammation
• Pain in the gums
• Bleeding in the gums

These tend to show up more when brushing or flossing the teeth. Increasing the amount of vitamin C you take in can help handle this problem (Ref).

Joint and Muscle Pain

As vitamin C is involved in producing collagen, a deficiency can cause joint pain. When there isn’t enough collagen in the body, it can lead to swelling and muscle aches as well. This can lead to difficulty moving or performing daily activities.

ALSO READ: How Does Vitamin C Help Collagen Production?

Weak Immune System

Most people know that vitamin C plays a big role in supporting the immune system (Ref). It helps white blood cells function effectively. Without enough vitamin C, the body may not be able to fight off infections. You may be more susceptible to colds, flu, and other illnesses.

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Slow Wound Healing

Collagen is important for wound healing. If you don’t have enough vitamin C to help produce collagen, the healing process can be much slower. Your body needs vitamin C to repair tissue damage. Unless you add more to your diet, your recovery time can be longer.

Iron Deficiency Anemia

Vitamin C helps with the absorption of nonheme iron from plant-based foods. If you have a deficiency, it can lead to iron deficiency anemia. This condition is characterized by fatigue, dizziness, and pale skin because of the blood.

Dr. Rhonda Patrick, a biochemist and CEO of FoundMyFitness, says that “Vitamin C is an essential nutrient that plays a critical role in immune support, skin health, and collagen production. Ensuring adequate intake is crucial for maintaining overall well-being.”

Causes of Vitamin C Deficiency

Vitamin C deficiency can happen if you do not take enough of this nutrient. Some of the factors that can increase the risk of a deficiency include:

• Poor diet: If your diet is low in fruits and vegetables, it is easier to be deficient.
• Smoking: Smoking will deplete vitamin C levels in the body. Smokers often need more vitamin C to stay healthy.
• Medical conditions: Certain medical conditions, like gastrointestinal disorders, can make it hard for the body to absorb vitamin C.
• Alcoholism: Excessive alcohol consumption interferes with the absorption of vitamin C. It can also increase the body’s need for this nutrient.
• Age: Older adults are at a higher risk of vitamin C deficiency.

Best Foods Rich in Vitamin C (Top 10 List)

To make sure that you get enough vitamin C, it is a good idea to eat a balanced diet that contains a lot of vitamin C. Some great sources of vitamin C in your diet include:

Food Sources Of Vitamin C

Incorporating these foods into your diet each day will help keep your body full of vitamin C

How to Get Enough Vitamin C Daily – Diet & Supplement Tips

Preventing vitamin C deficiency can be achieved through a balanced diet, one that includes a variety of vitamin C-rich foods. Some tips to help you get this done include:

• Eat lots of fruits and vegetables: Variety is the spice of life here. You should aim for a minimum of 5 servings of fruits and vegetables a day. Go for options like leafy greens, peppers, and citrus fruits to help.
• Avoid excessive cooking: Vitamin C is water-soluble and sensitive to heat. Boiling and frying can destroy the vitamin. Opt for eating raw fruits and vegetables or try steaming to preserve the vitamin C.
• Consider supplementation: If you have trouble getting enough vitamin C, consider a supplement. Your doctor can help give you recommendations on the right supplement to use.
• Avoid smoking and alcohol: Both smoking and excessive alcohol can increase how much vitamin C our body needs. Reducing these habits can help you maintain the nutrient levels you require.