5 diseases caused by deficiency of vitamin C

When it comes to maintaining a healthy body, our nutrients and minerals play an important role. Our diet should be balanced and must be wholesome.

That said, Vitamin C is one of the most essential nutrients crucial for the healthy functioning of our body.

Besides being responsible for the proper formation of the collagen in the body, it is important for bone development, blood vessel health and wound healing.

This is why lack of Vitamin C can lead to many diseases, which may cause further complications.

1. Scurvy
Scurvy is the most prominent disease linked to Vitamin C deficiency. It denotes a heavy lack of vitamin C in the diet, leading to bruising, bleeding gums, weakness, fatigue, rash and more.

Early warning signs may include unexplained tiredness, reduced appetite, irritability and joint pain. When left untreated, it can also cause anaemia, gingivitis, skin hemorrhages, etc.

2. Hyperthyroidism
Hyperthyroidism is when the thyroid gland secretes excess hormones. Vitamin C along with other vital nutrients is important for your thyroid health. That said, prolonged Vitamin C deficiency can lead to excess secretion of hormones from the thyroid glands, leading to hyperthyroidism, causing symptoms such as unintentional weight loss, heart palpitations, increased appetite, nervousness, tremors, changes in menstrual pattern in women and more.

3. Anaemia
Incorporating Vitamin C in your diet is very important. Apart from other benefits, vitamin C helps in iron absorption, which is vital to prevent diseases such as anaemia, which is an outcome of a reduced number or quality of red blood cells in your body. Symptoms may include fatigue, paleness, shortness of breath, dizziness, weight loss and more.

4. Bleeding gums
When it comes to your dental health, Vitamin C is extremely vital. Not only does it strengthen your teeth, it also protects the gums. Therefore, lack of Vitamin C can lead to bleeding gums and gum disease.

5. Skin diseases
Vitamin C plays an important role in maintaining skin health. It has antioxidant properties and plays a key role in collagen production, a protein that is abundant in connective tissues like skin, hair, joints, etc, crucial for healthy skin. That said, Vitamin C deficiency, also known as scurvy, can lead to skin lesions. Early symptoms include spots of small subcutaneous bleeding.

How to treat vitamin C deficiency?
Including Vitamin C rich foods in your diet is the best way to treat the condition. Bulk up on citrus fruits, veggies rich in vitamin C. Smoking should be avoided as studies have proven that smokers have reduced amounts of vitamin C in their bodies. Vitamin C supplements can also be considered, but consult with your doctor before taking any.