Vitamin c provides many important and vital functions in the human body.
It is involved in over 300 biological processes.
A deficiency of this vital vitamin, though rare, can have serious consequences.
Deficiency of vitamin C
A lack of vitamin C leads eventually to the disease of scurvy.
The symptoms are mainly due to poorly formed collagen.
collagen is the protein which forms the basis of connective tissue.
Connective tissue is most abundant tissue in the body and acts as a cementing substance between cells.
Collagen forms a protective barrier and promotes healing of wounds, fractures and bruises.
The result of poorly formed collagen include the breaking open of small blood vessels, the reddening and bleeding of gums, loose teeth, joint pains, dry scaly skin and blood vessel damage.
Other symptoms include general weakness, fluid retention, depression, and anemia.
Vitamin C deficiency can lead to slower wound healing, increased susceptibility to infections, male infertility and increased genetic damage to sperm cells which may lead to birth defects.
It may also contribute to rheumatoid arthritis and gastrointestinal disorders.
Vitamin C helps support and protect blood vessels, bones, joints, organs and muscles and a deficiency loses this support and protection.
Vitamin C is the body’s most powerful water-soluble antioxidant and functions in a vital role in protecting the body against oxidative damage.
Deficiency of vitamin C causes the body to lose this protection from oxidative damage.
The deficiency of vitamin c is treated by consumption of adequate amounts of vitamin c.
Good Sources of Vitamin C
Rich sources of Vitamin C are citrus fruits, tomatoes, berries, and potatoes.
Fresh, green, leafy vegetables, as broccoli, brussels sprouts, collards, turnip greens, parsley, sweet peppers, and cabbage also contain vitamin C.
Unfortunately, though, even consuming these vitamin c rich foods in sufficient quantities may not always provide the amount of vitamin c our body needs.
How they are grown, stored and prepared can affect the amount of vitamin c they contain when they are consumed.
For instance, cooking can destroy vitamin c in foods.
A good supplement program is, therefore, recommended to ensure that the required amount of vitamin c is included in your daily diet.
Supplements provide a standard amount of vitamin c in every dosage.