Vitamin C Deficiency: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment

What is Vitamin C and Why is it Important?

Vitamin C, also known as ascorbic acid, is a water-soluble vitamin that the body cannot store or produce. It must be obtained daily through diet or supplements. This essential nutrient plays a critical role in collagen production—a key protein in connective tissues—immune function, iron absorption, and cholesterol metabolism.

Common Symptoms of Vitamin C Deficiency

Symptoms of vitamin C deficiency often appear after weeks or months of insufficient intake. Early signs may be subtle, but as the deficiency progresses, symptoms become more apparent and may include:

Slow Wound Healing

Vitamin C is essential for collagen synthesis, which is vital for skin repair and wound healing. Low levels can impair the function of neutrophils, a type of white blood cell, and delay wound recovery. In severe cases, older wounds may reopen or become infected.

Bleeding Gums, Nosebleeds, and Bruising

A lack of vitamin C weakens gum tissues, causing them to bleed or appear purplish. The deficiency may also result in tooth loss. Additionally, easy bruising occurs when blood vessels under the skin rupture due to weak collagen support.

Weight Gain

Vitamin C supports fat metabolism and helps regulate hormone levels associated with stress and inflammation. Studies have linked low vitamin C intake to increased body fat—especially abdominal fat—and a higher risk of obesity.

Fatigue and Irritability

Early signs of vitamin C deficiency include tiredness and mood swings, which often improve quickly after replenishing vitamin C through diet or supplements. One study found that fatigue significantly decreased within hours of high-dose supplementation.

Weakened Immunity

Vitamin C accumulates in immune cells, where it supports the body’s defense against infections. Its antioxidant properties help reduce oxidative stress. High doses may lessen the duration or severity of respiratory infections, especially in individuals under physical stress.

Vision Issues

Vitamin C contributes to the health of blood vessels in the eyes. Higher intake has been associated with a lower risk of cataracts and may help slow the progression of age-related macular degeneration when combined with other antioxidants and zinc.

Scurvy

Scurvy is a severe form of vitamin C deficiency, once common among sailors with limited access to fresh produce. It results from consuming less than 10 mg of vitamin C per day for about a month and causes fatigue, inflammation, bleeding, and tooth loss. While rare today, it can still occur with extremely poor dietary habits.

Causes of Vitamin C Deficiency

The primary cause is inadequate intake of vitamin C-rich foods, particularly fruits and vegetables. Other contributing factors include:

• Restricted diets or eating disorders
• Chronic illnesses that impair nutrient absorption, such as Crohn’s disease or chemotherapy treatments
• Heavy alcohol or drug use
• Smoking or prolonged exposure to secondhand smoke

Who is at Risk?

Some populations are more vulnerable to vitamin C deficiency, including:

• Infants fed only cow’s milk or plant-based formulas
• Individuals with limited access to fresh food, such as refugees or those in poverty
• Elderly people relying on processed foods
• Patients undergoing dialysis or with chronic intestinal disorders
• Smokers, due to decreased absorption and increased vitamin C breakdown

Recommended Daily Intake of Vitamin C

Daily requirements vary by age, gender, and physiological status. Smokers require an additional 35 mg per day due to increased oxidative stress. Here are the general guidelines:

Treatment for Vitamin C Deficiency

Vitamin C deficiency is typically easy to treat with increased dietary intake or supplements. In mild to moderate cases, symptoms such as bleeding gums may improve within 24 hours of supplementation, while joint and muscle pain may take a few weeks to resolve. Physicians may recommend a short-term supplement dose of up to 250 mg daily, depending on the severity.

Frequently Asked Questions

How is Vitamin C Deficiency Diagnosed?

Diagnosis is made through a blood test using Liquid Chromatography–Tandem Mass Spectrometry. Patients should fast for 12–14 hours before the test. Results are interpreted as follows:

• Less than 0.2 mg/dL: Severe deficiency
• 0.2–0.4 mg/dL: At risk of deficiency
• 0.4–2.0 mg/dL: Normal
• Above 3.0 mg/dL: Elevated, but not necessarily harmful

Are There Unique Symptoms of Vitamin C Deficiency in Women?

No, the symptoms of vitamin C deficiency are generally the same for men and women.