Humans are the only mammals that don’t make their own vitamin C. Interestingly Vitamin C is so important that literally, most other mammals have the ability to create their own.
Aside from boosting the immune system, vitamin C also plays a role in various other functions of the body. It can help with the absorption of iron, the production of collagen, and tissue regeneration.
Since we have to rely on other sources of vitamin C, it’s very common for people to be deficient. A deficiency can lead to various health conditions. It’s important to catch it early to prevent it from happening.
7 signs you’re deficient in Vitamin C
- You get sick more often than most people you know
Getting enough vitamin C is very important for maintaining a healthy immune system. It can help prevent the body from getting weak and start to catch other things that are coming your way.
- You bruise easily (and can’t remember how they happen)
A lack of vitamin C leads to weakened capillaries, so even a minor bump creates a bruise. The delicate blood vessels known as capillaries are located throughout the body and transport nutrients, blood, and oxygen to different parts of the body. They are the smallest blood vessels in the body.
- You have dry or scaly skin
Being deficient in vitamin C can lead to various skin conditions such as chronic dry skin. It can also cause small bumps on the thighs and back of arms.
- You have brittle hair and nails
This is because In most cases, hair is not a vital part of the body. Nutrients such as vitamin C are therefore sent to other vital areas first.
- Nosebleeds are a regular occurrence
This happens for the same reason bruising does. Inadequate levels of vitamin C equals weakened and fragile blood vessels.
- Your joints are swollen and/or sore
One of the most critical nutrients that people need to fight inflammation is vitamin C. A study revealed that people who were low in vitamin C were more prone to developing arthritis than those who had a high vitamin C diet.
- Cuts or burns seem like they take a long time to heal
Without vitamin C, collagen can’t properly bind wounds, which is why it’s important to have a high vitamin C diet. This was first established in 1937 after doctors noticed that patients who were low in vitamin C were prone to experiencing spontaneous breaks in their surgical wounds.
If people don’t address this issue now, it could lead to various health conditions such as cancer and high blood pressure.