What are the symptoms of vitamin C deficiency in adults?

In adults, symptoms of vitamin C deficiency develop after weeks to months of vitamin C depletion. Lassitude, weakness, irritability, weight loss, and vague myalgias and arthralgias may develop early. Symptoms of scurvy (related to defects in connective tissues) develop after a few months of deficiency.

What happens when vitamin C is low?

In developed countries, vitamin C deficiency can occur as part of general undernutrition, but severe deficiency (causing scurvy) is uncommon. Symptoms include fatigue, depression, and connective tissue defects (eg, gingivitis, petechiae, rash, internal bleeding, impaired wound healing).

What happens if adults don’t have enough vitamin C?

People who get little or no vitamin C (below about 10 mg per day) for many weeks can get scurvy. Scurvy causes fatigue, inflammation of the gums, small red or purple spots on the skin, joint pain, poor wound healing, and corkscrew hairs.

What disease is caused by vitamin C deficiency?

Severe deficiency, called scurvy, causes bruising, gum and dental problems, dry hair and skin, and anemia. The diagnosis is based on symptoms and sometimes blood tests. Increasing consumption of fresh fruits and vegetables or taking vitamin C supplements by mouth usually corrects the deficiency.

What is the best time of day to take vitamin C?

While Vitamin C is a largely helpful nutrient, it is a water-soluble nutrient, which is best absorbed when you take them empty stomach. An ideal way would be to take your supplement first thing in the morning, 30-45 minutes before your meal.

How long does it take to correct vitamin C deficiency?

People with scurvy also have problems such as loose teeth, cracked fingernails, joint pain, brittle bones, and corkscrew body hair. When you boost vitamin C, symptoms start getting better in a day, and usually it’s cured within 3 months.

What should not be taken with vitamin C?

Aspirin and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) — Both aspirin and NSAIDs can lower the amount of vitamin C in the body because they cause more of the vitamin to be lost in urine. In addition, high doses of vitamin C can cause more of these drugs to stay in the body, raising the levels in your blood.

How to diagnose vitamin deficiencies in seniors?

Supplementation with a multivitamin containing at least the RDAs is recommended for seniors at risk for vitamin deficiency, since tests to diagnose early deficiencies can be difficult and expensive. 1 The most valuable means of screening patients for vitamin deficiency (or toxicity) is a thorough nutrition-focused history and physical exam. 2

What are the first symptoms of vitamin C deficiency?

The first symptoms of vitamin C deficiency tend to be: Tiredness and weakness. Muscle and joint pains. Easy bruising. Spots that look like tiny, red-blue bruises on your skin.

What happens if you dont take enough vitamin C?

Insufficient vitamin C intake causes scurvy, which is characterized by fatigue or lassitude, widespread connective tissue weakness, and capillary fragility [1,2,4,6-9]. The intestinal absorption of vitamin C is regulated by at least one specific dose-dependent, active transporter [4].

What are the symptoms of vitamin deficiency anemia?

Signs and symptoms of vitamin deficiency anemia include: Fatigue Shortness of breath Dizziness Pale or yellowish skin Irregular heartbeats Weight loss Numbness or tingling in your hands and feet Muscle weakness Personality changes Unsteady movements Mental confusion or forgetfulness