Vitamin C has many important functions in the body, including:
Boosts the immune system: vitamin C helps the production and function of white blood cells, which increases the body’s defences against disease.
Antioxidant: Vitamin C protects the body from damage caused by free radicals, which helps to prevent ageing and disease.
Collagen production: vitamin C is necessary for the production of collagen, which is the basis for healthy skin, blood vessels, joints and tendons.
Absorption: vitamin C helps in the absorption of iron, which is important for the production of red blood cells and the transport of oxygen.
Stress: vitamin C helps protect against stress by helping the body adapt to physical and mental stress.
Liver detox: Vitamin C helps flush toxins and poisons from the liver, which helps cleanse the body.
Symptoms of lack of vitamin C
Symptoms of vitamin C deficiency include weakness, fatigue, muscle and joint pain, and hair and skin problems. A deficient intake of vitamin C can be dangerous in the long term. This is because the body cannot produce this vitamin, so the deficiency may persist.
Scurvy
Scurvy is a disease caused by vitamin C deficiency. Symptoms of scurvy include bloody sores, teeth shifting, muscle weakness, and bone fragility. Scurvy usually occurs in people who do not eat enough fruit and vegetables or in people who have digestive problems. Treating scurvy involves eating foods rich in vitamin C and taking vitamin C supplements.
Vitamin C deficiency can also affect the immune system and increase the risk of cardiovascular disease. Vitamin C deficiency is common in people who do not eat enough fruit and vegetables or in people with digestive problems. Eating foods rich in vitamin C and taking vitamin C supplements are recommended to correct vitamin C deficiency.
