From fighting off sickness, to promoting healthier skin, there are many important benefits to vitamin C.
Poor diet is one common risk factor of a vitamin C deficiency. Severe symptoms of a vitamin C deficiency can take months to develop, but there are some important tell-tale signs to be aware of.
1. Dry, damaged skin
Vitamin C is great at keeping skin healthy, helping protect it against damage from the sun and exposure to air pollutants.
It also supports in the production of collagen, the protein promotes supple, youthful-looking skin.
Because of this, vitamin C deficiency can increase the risk of developing dry, wrinkled skin.
2. Red hair follicles
The hair follicles on the skin contain small blood vessels that play an important role in supplying blood and nutrients to that part of the body.
These blood vessels can become fragile and break when the body is lacking in vitamin C. This creates small, bright red spots around the area of the follicles.
3. Bumps on the skin
Rough, bumpy skin is another key sign of a vitamin C deficiency.
Since vitamin C is needed in collagen production, when there’s a deficiency, production can be compromised. This creates a build-up of keratin protein inside the pores, resulting in the skin condition keratosis pilaris.
This skin condition can form in the back of arms, thighs or buttocks. It’s important to note keratosis pilaris can be caused by many other things, so the condition alone is not enough to diagnose a deficiency.
4. Bruising
Low vitamin C levels weaken blood vessels, making it easier for the body to bruise.
This can look like large bruises throughout the body, or small, purple dots appearing just under the skin.
5. Sore, swollen joints
Collagen is also present in healthy joints, so when there’s a lack of vitamin C, this can weaken the joints.
Swelling of the joints can cause pain, even causing limping or trouble walking.
