Beware of the Signs of Vitamin C Deficiency in the Body
A lack of vitamin C or ascorbic acid intake is indeed associated with canker sores. However, a deficiency in vitamin C can have a greater impact on overall health.
In this review, we will learn about the importance of this vitamin for health and the effects of deficiency.
Vitamin C and Its Important Role in the Body

This water-soluble vitamin plays a major role in maintaining overall health. The functions of vitamin C include strengthening immune cells to fight viral and bacterial infections, as well as producing collagen and L-carnitine.
This type of vitamin also helps the body absorb iron from plant-based sources. Vitamin C also plays a major role in forming and maintaining various types of tissues in the body.
15 Effects of Vitamin C Deficiency
Like any other vitamin or nutrient, intake should be monitored and kept within the ideal range. You are advised not to consume too much or too little vitamin C.
Everyone's needs may also vary depending on their individual health condition. So, what happens when the body lacks vitamin C?
1. Fatigue and Bad Mood

Do you often feel easily fatigued and irritable? This could be an early sign of deficiency.
However, you don't need to worry because it is still in the early stages, so improving your vitamin C intake will help both symptoms improve within days.
2. Rough Skin

Another important role of this vitamin is supporting collagen production. A lack of vitamin C intake can make the skin rough because collagen production is not optimal.
It may even lead to keratosis pilaris (a skin texture resembling goosebumps).
3. Bleeding Gums

You may have often heard that canker sores mean a vitamin C deficiency. However, there are other oral health issues to watch out for, such as swollen, red, and bleeding gums.
Weakened and swollen gum tissue makes blood vessels prone to injury. Eventually, unhealthy gums can also cause teeth to become loose and fall out.
4. Weak Immune System

If your intake is insufficient, you are more susceptible to infections. This is because vitamin C supports the immune system.
Ascorbic acid gathers various types of immune cells to fight infections and destroy pathogens.
5. Scurvy

This vitamin C deficiency disease is quite rare. If your body does not receive vitamin C for three consecutive months, you could develop this rare disease.
Symptoms include lethargy, bleeding gums, and anemia.
6. Iron Deficiency Anemia

Iron and vitamin C deficiencies often occur together. This is because reduced absorption of iron from plant-based sources affects iron metabolism.
Symptoms include shortness of breath during exercise, paleness, fatigue, and spoon-shaped nails.
7. Slow Wound Healing

This vitamin supports collagen production, allowing wounds to heal faster. It also helps white blood cells fight infections, so insufficient intake can slow down the wound healing process.
8. Bright Red Hair Follicles

Human hair can be black, blonde, or brown. However, the follicles contain blood vessels that deliver nutrients and blood.
When vitamin C intake is low, these tiny blood vessels can burst, making the area around the follicles red.
9. Spoon-Shaped Nails with Red Spots or Lines

This condition is usually associated with iron and vitamin C deficiencies. The nails become spoon-shaped, thin, and brittle.
Red lines or spots appear at the nail base because the blood vessels lack nutrients and are easily damaged.
10. Dry and Damaged Skin

Skin that lacks moisture is prone to dehydration. However, healthy skin also contains plenty of vitamin C, especially in the epidermis.
When your skin starts to look dull, you need vitamin C to boost collagen production and restore its suppleness.
11. Easy Bruising

When you lack ascorbic acid, collagen production decreases, weakening the blood vessels and making them prone to bursting and causing bruises.
The resulting bruises may appear as purple spots or cover a larger area.
12. Joint Pain

The joints are one of the body parts containing a lot of collagen, so they are significantly affected when vitamin C intake is insufficient.
In severe cases, the joints may bleed and swell.
13. Brittle and Weak Bones

This vitamin also affects bone health. It is important for bone formation, especially in children. Deficiency can lead to weak and brittle bones.
14. Weight Gain

Vitamin C can help prevent obesity by regulating the release of fat from cells. Interestingly, low vitamin C levels have been linked to abdominal fat.
This also applies to people with a normal weight.
15. Hair Loss

Low vitamin C intake can interfere with iron absorption. Low iron levels can trigger hair problems such as hair loss.
Some sources of vitamin C you may consider include guava, lemon, orange, strawberry, papaya, and broccoli. However, if you want a hassle-free option, you can take a supplement such as Sido Muncul Vitamin C 500 mg.
This supplement will make it easier to meet your daily vitamin C needs. Not only is it convenient because of its clearly defined dosage, but it is also safe and helps you avoid the effects of vitamin C deficiency.
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