Vitamin C deficiency - these are the symptoms

The most important points in brief

• Those who eat a balanced diet generally do not suffer from a lack of vitamin C.
• Expectant or nursing mothers still need additional amounts of this vitamin - this also applies to smokers.
• Older people and diabetics must also ensure that they have an adequate supply of vitamin C.
• Those who take in too little vitamin C often suffer from symptoms.

The stories of the seafarers and pirates are often about heroism and adventure. Everyday life on board is glorified - and for many sailors everyday life was: scurvy. Lack of vitamin C due to poor diet. No vegetables, no fresh fruit, overall unbalanced diet. Scurvy is not a phenomenon from the distant past, but still real today.

Although the disease and its symptoms rarely occur because we pay attention to our diet and vitamin-rich food is the order of the day, we get it at any time of the year. But pregnant women, the elderly, diabetics and nursing mothers have an increased need for vitamin C , the - if not covered - can lead to a number of symptoms.

Too little vitamin C makes you tired and weak for a short time

Anyone who often feels weak, constantly overtired and sleepy, could suffer from a lack of vitamin C. Pain in the muscles and frequent colds, caused by a weakened immune system, are also symptoms that can occur if the organism is not supplied with sufficient vitamin C.

A vitamin C deficiency becomes dangerous in the long term. This can result in constant bleeding of the gums (and the associated loose and falling teeth), permanent joint pain or very slow wound healing, even with the smallest injuries such as cuts. In addition, there is an increased risk that water will collect in the tissue and form edema. In many cases, the organism is also unable to produce collagen, an important structural protein that is extremely important for ligaments, cartilage and tendons, but also for the skeleton.

Permanent vitamin C deficiency can be serious

Too little collagen - this can have serious consequences in the long run. At first, the skin is often attacked and bleeding often occurs without actually injuring yourself. There is also increased bleeding in the mucous membrane, muscles and internal organs. Because joints and bones are no longer adequately strengthened, they are prone to structural changes.

Incidentally, bleeding can also occur in healthy people. However, if the wounds appear on the hair roots or at the same time in several places, which may also be large areas, then this clearly indicates an undersupply of vitamin C. In this case, going to the doctor is unavoidable to have the vitamin C status of the blood determined.

It is particularly important for pregnant and breastfeeding women. Expectant mothers must pay particular attention to a diet rich in vitamins and iron, 100 milligrams of vitamin C per day are recommended. Mothers who breastfeed their babies still need to consume vitamin C, 125 milligrams should be. Of course, it is not easy to get the supply of vitamin C exclusively through a diet rich in fruit and vegetables - this is exactly what food supplements and vitamin preparations are for.