How Vitamin C deficiency effects your body.

 

Vitamin C is an essential nutrient and must be consumed regularly to prevent deficiency. Although the deficiency in developed countries is relatively rare due to the supply of fresh produce and the addition of vitamin C to certain foods and supplements, it still affects approximately 7% of adults. The most common risk factors for vitamin C deficiency are poor diet, alcoholism, anorexia, severe mental illness, smoking, and dialysis (According to Some Sources). Severe vitamin C may take several months to form, and there are some subtle signs to watch out. These are the 15 most common signs and symptoms of vitamin C deficiency.

 Vitamin C plays a key role in the production of collagen, which is rich in connective tissues such as skin, hair, joints, bones and blood vessels. When vitamin C level is low, a known skin condition can develop due to keratosis pilaris. In this case, because keratin accumulates in the pores, uneven "chicken skin" will be formed on the back of the upper arms, thighs or buttocks . Inadequate intake for several months was resolved with supplements intake. However, keratosis pilaris has many other potential causes, so its existence alone is not enough to diagnose the defect. On the arms, thighs or buttocks. However, these masses alone are not enough to diagnose defects.

 When the level of vitamin C is low, there is a defect in the formation of cementum material between cells in connective tissue, bones and dentin, leading to weakening of capillaries, subsequent bleeding and bone defects in their related structure. Injuries may cause poor bone growth. Fibrous tissue is formed between the diaphysis and epiphysis, and the junction of costal cartilage is enlarged. Densely calcified cartilage fragments are embedded in fibrous tissue. Subperiosteal bleeding can occur in children or adults, sometimes due to small fractures.

 In adults, vitamin C deficiency symptoms can occur after a few weeks or months when vitamin C starts to deplete. Signs like Fatigue, weakness, irritability, weight loss, and vague myalgias and arthralgias may appear earlier. Symptoms of scurvy (related to connective tissue defects) will appear after a few months of deficiency. Hyperkeratosis, curls, and bleeding around the hair follicle may occur. The gums will be swollen, purple, spongy and brittle; they will bleed easily when they are severely lacking. Over time, the teeth loosen and become avulsed. Secondary infections can develop. Wounds heal poorly and are easy to tear. Spontaneous bleeding may occur, especially skin bruises or bulbar conjunctival hemorrhage of the lower extremities. Other symptoms and signs include femoral neuropathy due to hemorrhage of the femoral sheath (similar to deep vein thrombosis), lower extremity edema, and painful bleeding or exudation in the joints. In infants, symptoms include irritability, pain during exercise, anorexia, and slow growth. In infants and children, bone growth is impaired and bleeding and anemia may occur.

 In adults, vitamin C deficiency symptoms can occur after a few weeks or months when vitamin C starts to deplete. Signs like Fatigue, weakness, irritability, weight loss, and vague myalgias and arthralgias may appear earlier. Symptoms of scurvy (related to connective tissue defects) will appear after a few months of deficiency. Hyperkeratosis, curls, and bleeding around the hair follicle may occur. The gums will be swollen, purple, spongy and brittle; they will bleed easily when they are severely lacking. Over time, the teeth loosen and become avulsed. Secondary infections can develop. Wounds heal poorly and are easy to tear. Spontaneous bleeding may occur, especially skin bruises or bulbar conjunctival hemorrhage of the lower extremities. Other symptoms and signs include femoral neuropathy due to hemorrhage of the femoral sheath (similar to deep vein thrombosis), lower extremity edema, and painful bleeding or exudation in the joints. In infants, symptoms include irritability, pain during exercise, anorexia, and slow growth. 

 How Vitamin C Difficiency is diagnosed?

 As  clinical (based on skin or gum examination results and risk factors) The diagnosis of vitamin C deficiency is usually a clinical diagnosis in patients who have skin or gum signs and are at risk for vitamin C deficiency. May require laboratory confirmation. blood count is performed and usually checked for anemia. Bleeding, clotting and prothrombin time are normal. Bone X-rays can help diagnose scurvy in children (but not adults). This change is most pronounced at the ends of long bones, especially the knees. The first change is similar to shrinking. The loss of trabeculae results in the appearance of frosted glass. The crust is thinning. Calcified irregular cartilage lines (Fraenkel white lines) can be seen in the metaphysis. The proximal and parallel sparse areas or linear fractures may only have triangular defects visible on the lateral edge of the bone, but it is specific. The epiphysis may be compressed. The healing of subperiosteal hemorrhage can increase and calcify the periosteum. Laboratory diagnosis requires the measurement of ascorbic acid in the blood, sometimes in academic centers.