Vitamin C deficiency - causes, symptoms & countermeasures

A vitamin C deficiency weakens the immune system and can lead to scurvy. Find out how to recognise deficiency symptoms and prevent them with nutrition or supplements.

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Wissenswertes über "Vitamin C deficiency"

A vitamin C deficiency is usually caused by an unbalanced diet, chronic illnesses, increased requirements (e.g. during pregnancy, breastfeeding, infections or in smokers) or by malabsorption in the intestine.

Vitamin C (ascorbic acid) is a water-soluble vitamin that plays a central role in the human body - particularly in collagen synthesis, immune protection, iron absorption and the neutralisation of free radicals. As humans cannot produce vitamin C themselves, it must be taken in regularly through food.

Mild vitamin C deficiency often manifests itself as fatigue, irritabilityreduced defence against infection, bleeding gums, delayed wound healing or dry skin. A long-term severe deficit can to scurvy - a historical, now rare disease with tooth recession, joint pain, haemorrhaging and immunodeficiency. Older people, alcoholics, patients and people with eating disorders are particularly at risk. Chronic stress and high physical exertion can also increase the need for vitamin C.

To prevent and treat a deficiency, a balanced diet with fresh fruit and vegetables - citrus fruits, peppers, , and rosehips in particular provide plenty of vitamin C. In cases of deficiency or increased need, targeted supplementation can be useful. liposomal forms or ascorbic acid in buffered form are particularly bioavailable. As vitamin C promotes iron absorption in the intestine, it also plays a supportive role in the treatment of iron deficiency.

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Literature references:

Jacob, R. A. (1999): "Vitamin C function and status in chronic disease". Nutrition in Clinical Care.
Carr, A. C., Vissers, M. C. (2013): "Synthetic or food-derived vitamin C - are they equally bioavailable?". Nutrients.
Levine, M. et al. (2001): "Vitamin C pharmacokinetics in healthy volunteers". PNAS.