Vitamin C is an essential nutrient for people and it is also known as l-ascorbate or ascorbic acid. The body cannot produce Vitamins but it must be obtained in the diet. Vitamin C is necessary for good health. Any kind of Vitamin deficiency is injurious for the body because all functions that rely on the accessibility of that particular vitamin cannot happen. People are conscious of advantages of vitamin C and are also regarding disorders happening due to lack of vitamin C. A deficiency of vitamin C can results in scurvy. Scurvy is very easy to cure and prevent. In the following article, there are symptoms of Vitamin C deficiency and dietary sources of Vitamin C.

Vitamin C deficiency is caused by not eating sufficient fruits and vegetables. During cooking due to water solubility, heat, exposure to air and the use of copper cookware, the vitamin C contained within food can be lost. Vitamin C is necessary for the formation, growth and repair of bone, skin, and connective tissue. Vitamin C assists to maintain healthy teeth and gums. It also helps the body to soak up iron, which is required to make red blood cells. Vitamin C helps for burns and wounds heal. Vitamin C is an antioxidant like vitamin E. A person with an eating disorder like anorexia is at high risk for vitamin C deficiency. Alcoholics are also at risk as they get calories from their drinks that they frequently neglect eating healthy food. Nose bleeding, weakness, swollen gums and lassitude are the symptoms of mild deficiency. Various infections, male infertility, birth defects, slower wound-healing, joint and muscle aches and rash on the legs are led by Vitamin C deficiency over a long period of time.

For centuries, scurvy is a common and hazardous disease. It results from the severe deficiency of vitamin C, which is required for the synthesis of collagen in humans. From the Latin name of scurvy, scorbutus, which also gives the adjective scorbutic, the chemical name for vitamin C, ascorbic acid is derived.

Symptoms of scurvy in children

Early symptoms:

General fatigue

Loss of appetite

Rapid Breathing

Fever

Diarrhea

Later symptoms:

Pain in the bones and joints

Pseudoparalysis

Hemorrhaging

Swollen gums

Loosening of the teeth

Anemia

Dry Skin

Symptoms of scurvy in adults

Early symptoms:

Lassitude

Weakness

Irritability

Weight Loss

Vague Myalgias

Arthralgias

Later symptoms:

Swollen gums

Follicular hyperkeratosis

Coiled hair

Perifollicular hemorrhages

Lower Extremity Edema

Painful Bleeding

Effusions within joints

Loosening of the teeth

Dietary Sources of Vitamin C

Excellent sources of vitamin C are grapefruit, oranges, watermelon, papaya, cauliflower, strawberries, kiwi, mango, broccoli, cantaloupe, tomatoes, winter squash, brussels sprouts, green peppers, cabbage, and citrus juices or juices fortified with vitamin C. Raw and cooked leafy greens, red and green peppers, canned and fresh tomatoes, potatoes, raspberries, blueberries, cranberries and pineapple are also rich sources of vitamin C. The most Vitamin C will get if fruits and vegetables are taken raw or lightly cooked as Vitamin C is sensitive to light, air, and heat.

Daily intake of Vitamin C

Pediatric:

Birth – 6 months: 40 mg

Infants 6 – 12 months: 50 mg

Children 1 – 3 years: 15 mg

Children 4 – 8 years: 25 mg

Children 9 – 13 years: 45 mg

Adolescent girls 14 – 18 years: 65 mg

Adolescent boys 14 – 18 years: 75 mg

Adult:

Men over 18 years: 90 mg

Women over 18 years: 75 mg

Breastfeeding women: 120 mg