Vitamin c provides many important and vital functions in the human body.
A deficiency of this vital vitamin has dire consequences.
A lack of vitamin C eventually leads to scurvy.
As is usual with any vitamin deficiency, the deficiency is treated with an intake of the vitamin for which there is the deficiency.
Similarly, scurvy is best treated with an intake of the vitamin c.
In the late eighteenth century, English sailors carried limes on long voyages to ward off scurvy, which led to them being given the nickname ‘limeys’.
However, it was not until 1932 that ascorbic acid (vitamin C), a water-soluble white powder, was isolated and identified as the substance in certain foods responsible for curing scurvy.
Although the deficiency of vitamin c is extremely rare, its symptoms are clear.
Symptoms of Vitamin C deficiency
The symptoms are mainly due to poorly formed collagen and 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.
It is therefore recommended that a good daily regimen of vitamin c intake is included in your daily diet.
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.
However, because of the way they are grown and treated, you may not get the required amount of vitamin c.
Supplements, therefore, provide a standard amount of your daily dosage.