People who are over age of 55 are likely to be deficient in vitamin C. This is mainly due to the absorption of healthy minerals been dramatically decreased. Vitamin C helps to absorb extra calcium and iron in order to keep blood, bones, tendons and cell reproduction healthy and normal. These following groups of people are at higher risk of vitamin C deficiency:
People with inadequate caloric or nutritional dietary intake or increased nutritional requirements
People who abuse alcohol, tobacco or other drugs
People with chronic wasting illness, AIDS, acute illness with fever, hyperthyroidism, tuberculosis, code exposure
Those under excess stress for long periods
Those with a portion of the gastrointestinal tract surgically removed
People with recent burns or injuries
Anyone who has recently undergone surgery
People receiving kidney dialysis
People who work in toxic environment (to increase their immune system)
Vitamin C Deficiency Symptom & Scurvy
Severe vitamin C deficiency has been known for many centuries as the potentially fatal disease, scurvy. Symptoms of scurvy include bleeding and bruising easily, hair and tooth loss, joint pain and swelling. Such symptoms appear to be related to the weakening of blood vessels, connective tissue, and bone, which contain collagen. Early symptoms of scurvy such as fatigue may result from diminished levels of carnitine, needed to derive energy from fat, or decreased synthesis of the neurotransmitter norepinephrine. However, recent cases have occurred in children and the elderly on very restricted diets.
Although our body have lost the ability to produce vitamin C, but in general, we can get most of the required vitamin C from our daily food sources. Since more people are aware of vitamin C deficiency compare to other vitamins, therefore, vitamin c deficiency is not as common as some of the B vitamins deficiencies. However, due to the huge quantity of vitamin C our body need, you should spend some time to look through the list below and re-structure your dietary pattern or get some extra vitamin C supplements.
Good Food Sources of Vitamin C:
Black Currants, Brussels Sprouts, Collards, Green Peppers, Guava, Kale, Lemons, Mangos, Oranges, Spinach, Tomatoes and Watercress.
Learn about Vitamin C Supplements
Vitamin C is available in many forms. There are slight differences between them. Therefore, choosing the right one for yourself is important.
Natural vs. synthetic vitamin C:
These two forms of ascorbic acid are in similar chemical forms and produce identical biological effects to the human body. However, Natural vitamins are easier to be absorbed by your body. Therefore, they come in different prices.
Mineral ascorbates:
Mineral salts of ascorbic acid are buffered and therefore, less acidic than ascorbic acid. Some people find them less irritating to the gastrointestinal tract than ascorbic acid. Sodium ascorbate and calcium ascorbate are the most common forms, although a number of other mineral ascorbates are available. Sodium ascorbate generally provides 131 mg of sodium per 1,000 mg of ascorbic acid, and pure calcium ascorbate provides 114 mg of calcium per 1,000 mg of ascorbic acid.
Vitamin C with bioflavonoids:
Bioflavonoids are a class of water-soluble plant pigments that are often found in vitamin C-rich fruits and vegetables, especially citrus fruits. Bioflavonoids function as antioxidants which means the ascorbic acid supplements with bioflavonoids may serve as a key immune system nutrient and a potent free-radical fighter.
Vitamin C is no stranger to most people. It is a double-duty nutrient that's been shown to prevent many illnesses, from everyday ailments such as the common cold to devastating diseases such as scurvy. It is a water-soluble vitamin and also known as ascorbic acid. We depend on Vitamin C ascorbic acid for many aspects of our biochemical functioning; yet human beings are among only a handful of animal species that cannot produce their own supply of vitamin C. Like these other animals, including primates and guinea pigs, we have no choice but to obtain this nutrient from our diet and with Vitamin C supplements.
