Your body relies on a number of different vitamins and minerals to function well, so you want to make sure you’re getting the nutrients you need. While every vitamin plays a role in your health, vitamin C is particularly important, as it is a powerful antioxidant that wards off disease.
Unfortunately, a little more than 7% of the population in the United States is vitamin C deficient, leaving them susceptible to poor health and other side effects.
To help you determine whether or not you’re getting the vitamin C your body needs, Dr. Scott Lafferty and the team here at Lafferty Family Care outline a few of the signs of a vitamin C deficiency below.
As we mentioned, vitamin C is an antioxidant that boosts immunity and fights off disease. As well, your body needs vitamin C to form blood vessels, cartilage, collagen, and bone, which means that many of your body’s tissues rely on vitamin C for good health.
Your body does not make vitamin C, but relies on outside sources for this crucial nutrient, namely your diet. Two of the key sources of vitamin C are fruits and vegetables, such as citrus fruits, strawberries, leafy greens, kiwifruit, and peppers, to list a few of the better vitamin C sources.
Another interesting fact is that your body doesn’t store vitamin C, so you need to get enough in the foods your eat every day.
Some people are more prone to vitamin C deficiency, such as those who are exposed to cigarette smoke, either directly or indirectly. Certain gastrointestinal disorders, such as inflammatory bowel disease, can interfere with the absorption of this critical nutrient. And sometimes a deficiency is due to lack of access to foods high in vitamin C.
Whatever the case, the signs of a vitamin deficiency are the same and can include:
If you’re experiencing any combination of these symptoms, we urge you to come see us so that we can determine whether a lack of vitamin C is to blame.
If we find this to be the case, we can suggest nutritional changes that you can make to increase your vitamin C intake, as well as supplements that work well in providing more vitamin C. While you can find vitamin supplements in your local grocery store or pharmacy, we want to discuss with you the right amount to take to support your health.
If, after reading this, you’re concerned that you may be vitamin C deficient, please contact our office Bentonville, Arkansas, to schedule an appointment.
