Vitamin C’s role in the body; Vitamin C was also known as ascorbic acid, is necessary for the growth, development, and repair of all body tissues. It’s involved in many body functions, including the formation of collagen, absorption of iron, the immune system, wound healing, and the maintenance of cartilage, bones, and teeth.”
Although vitamins are needed in minor amounts in the body, they are nonetheless equally beneficial and we should know to comprehend the symptoms when we see some.
Here are nine early warnings and signs:
1) Gums swell and bleed easily :
Gums and teeth need an optimum amount of vitamin c for good health. It protects the epithelium tissue which in turn protects the teeth from bacteria and periodontal diseases. A lack of vitamin c results in swelling of gums, inflammation, and bleeding. The gums can also recede. A study in American Society for Microbiology linked periodontitis with a lack of vitamin c.
2) Hair is dry with plenty of split ends :
Vitamin c, when consumed by the body, is first transported to the vital organs before making its way to the hair roots. If you don’t take adequate amounts of vitamin c then your hair roots are not able to absorb enough so it results in dry hair, split ends and even hair loss.
3) Frequent nosebleeds:
Vitamin c also helps in making the capillaries strong. The nose is quite sensitive since it is lined with plenty of capillaries. If you are experiencing frequent nosebleeds then you have inadequate levels of vitamin c in your system. A nosebleed is also known as epistaxis, is also a symptom for scurvy.
4) Dry, rough and red skin:
This is also an early indication that your body lacks ascorbic acid. Vitamin c synthesizes with the body’s collagen to keep the skin in shades of healthy pink. This deficiency may also lead to a skin condition known as keratosis pilaris. It can cause mild itching but does not hurt much. Moisturizers and lotions rich in vitamin c can help to get rid of it.
5) Prone to bruising :
Just because the capillaries are very sensitive without exposure to enough vitamin c a simple strong touch can lead to instant bruising. There are instances when you don’t even know about the bruise until you spot it while taking a bath and then wonder how and when you got that. This might also indicate an underlying health condition.
6) Wounds heal slowly :
There are cuts or scrapes that linger on your arms or legs longer than they should. A surgery from long ago may still make your skin feel tender. The only possible explanation for this is a lack of vitamin c.
7) Painful, swollen joints :
People suffering from rheumatoid arthritis often have joints with painful swelling. This may as well be inflammation. People with low vitamin c levels have a much higher risk of developing this disease.
8) Susceptible to colds and flu :
Vitamin c helps in producing white blood cells which attack foreign bacteria cells in the body. A deficiency of vitamin c may result in a lack of white blood cells making you prone to catching a cold or flu. It is also an antioxidant that protects your cells from infection.
9) You are in low spirits :
You find yourself easily tired without any possible explanation. Vitamin c deficiencies also link to psychological problems. Studies in hospitalized patients and high school students suffering from anxiety disorders show that their mood exceptionally increases after taking vitamin c supplements.
“Vitamin C is the world’s best natural antibiotic, antiviral, antitoxin and antihistamine.”