Vitamin C Deficiency Diseases: Causes, Symptomps & Treatment Option

Do you know as per a study conducted by the Indian Journal of Clinical Biochemistry, a large section of the Indian population fails to meet the recommended daily intake of vitamin C, with nearly 74% falling short. Vitamin C, or Ascorbic acid, is an essential nutrient which is important for our overall health. You might ask what role vitamin C plays in our health, and the answer is: it helps in protecting cells from damage, aids in strengthening the immune system, improves the absorption of iron from food and also helps in producing collagen in the body. But do you think that your vitamin C consumption is up to the body's requirements? 

Although vitamin C is essential to the body, intake remains relatively low among individuals. A deficiency of vitamin C causes an overall health impact and can lead to major health issues like Scurvy. The reason behind this deficiency can be poor eating habits or lifestyle choices.

This detailed guide delves into everything you need to know about vitamin C deficiency — from spotting the early symptoms, function and deficiency of vitamin C to adopting effective treatment and prevention methods. With a clearer understanding of the condition, you can take informed steps to make sure you and your family get enough vitamin C to maintain good health and overall well-being.

What is Vitamin C Deficiency?

Vitamin C deficiency happens when the body does not get enough vitamin C for its daily functioning. Vitamin C is not produced in the human body; rather, it's obtained from diet or external supplements. It is essential to get enough vitamin C to support good skin, healthy bones, blood vessels, and improved collagen production. Apart from all these, it also enhances the immune system and protects against external toxin attacks.

Vitamin C deficiency can be mild or severe. Mild deficiency can include minute symptoms like fatigue, dry skin, or brittle hair. Severe deficiency can cause diseases like Scurvy.

Despite being widely available in fruits and vegetables, vitamin C deficiency remains a concern, particularly in populations with limited access to fresh produce or poor dietary habits. Here is a vitamin C deficiency diseases list:

• Scurvy
• Anaemia
• Delayed wound healing
• Gingivitis
• Periodontal disease
• Weakened immune function
• Petechiae
• Purpura
• Osteoporosis
• Bone fragility

Common Causes of Vitamin C Deficiency

Vitamin C deficiency may result from various factors, often linked to inadequate dietary intake or increased physiological demand. Some of the most common causes include:

Poor Dietary Intake

The most prevalent cause of vitamin C deficiency is insufficient consumption of fruits and vegetables, particularly citrus fruits, berries, tomatoes, broccoli, and leafy greens. Individuals with unbalanced diets—especially those lacking fresh produce—are at higher risk.

Smoking and Alcohol Abuse

Smoking significantly lowers vitamin C levels in the body by increasing oxidative stress and metabolic turnover of the nutrient. Similarly, chronic alcohol use can impair nutrient absorption and deplete stores of vitamin C.

Malabsorption Disorders

Certain gastrointestinal conditions, such as Crohn’s disease, coeliac disease, or chronic diarrhoea, can impair the absorption of nutrients, including vitamin C, leading to deficiency even with adequate dietary intake.

Eating Disorders and Extreme Dieting

Individuals with anorexia nervosa, bulimia, or those following severely restrictive diets (e.g., certain fad diets or extreme calorie restriction) are at heightened risk of nutrient deficiencies, including vitamin C.

Socioeconomic and Environmental Factors

Populations with limited access to fresh food due to poverty, displacement, or food insecurity may experience chronic undernourishment, including insufficient vitamin C intake.

Increased Physiological Need

Certain life stages or health conditions may elevate the body's demand for vitamin C. These include pregnancy, lactation, infection, post-surgical recovery, and chronic illnesses.

What are the Symptoms of Vitamin C Deficiency?

Vitamin C deficiency presents a spectrum of symptoms, ranging from mild to severe, depending on the duration and severity of the deficiency. Timely recognition of signs of vitamin C deficiency is essential to prevent progression to advanced stages.

Early Symptoms

In the initial phase, symptoms are often non-specific and may be mistakenly attributed to other conditions. Early indicators include:

• Fatigue and weakness often occur due to impaired energy metabolism and reduced iron absorption.
• Irritability or mood changes may arise, possibly linked to disrupted neurotransmitter synthesis.
• The skin may become dry or rough as a result of impaired collagen formation.
• Individuals may experience frequent infections owing to a weakened immune system.
• Vitamin C deficiency results in compromised tissue repair mechanisms, and wounds tend to heal more slowly.

Advanced Symptoms

If untreated, vitamin C deficiency can progress to scurvy, a potentially life-threatening condition. Advanced symptoms include:

• Bleeding Gums and Loose Teeth: As a result of weakened capillaries and periodontal tissues.
• Bruising and Petechiae: Small red or purple spots caused by subcutaneous bleeding.
• Joint Pain and Swelling: Due to bleeding into joints and cartilage degeneration.
• Anaemia: Caused by reduced iron absorption and internal bleeding.
• Corkscrew Hairs and Hyperkeratosis: Characteristic skin changes seen in prolonged deficiency.

Diagnosis of Vitamin C Deficiency

Accurate diagnosis involves a combination of clinical evaluation, laboratory testing, and exclusion of other potential causes of the symptoms.

Clinical Evaluation

A thorough medical history and physical examination are essential. Physicians typically assess:

• Dietary Habits: Evaluation of fruit and vegetable intake.
• Lifestyle Factors: Smoking, alcohol use, and socio-economic status.
• Physical Signs: Skin changes, gum inflammation, bleeding tendencies, and general malaise.

Laboratory Tests

To confirm the deficiency, specific tests may be conducted:

• Plasma Ascorbic Acid Test: The most direct measure, though levels can fluctuate based on recent intake.
• Leucocyte Ascorbic Acid Concentration: Provides a better estimate of tissue stores, though it is less commonly performed.
• Complete Blood Count (CBC): CBC test May show anaemia.
• Inflammatory Markers: To assess for underlying infection or inflammation, which can coexist.

Differential Diagnosis

Given the non-specific nature of early symptoms, clinicians must rule out other causes such as:

• Iron deficiency anaemia
• Coagulopathies
• Autoimmune conditions
• Connective tissue disorders
• Dental or periodontal diseases

Vitamin C Deficiency Treatment

Treatment of vitamin C deficiency involves addressing the underlying cause, replenishing vitamin C levels, and implementing sustainable lifestyle and dietary changes.

Diet Adjustments

Emphasis should be placed on incorporating vitamin C-rich foods into the daily diet. Recommended sources include:

• Citrus fruits (oranges, lemons)
• Strawberries, kiwi, guava
• Bell peppers, broccoli, Brussels sprouts
• Tomatoes and spinach

Cooking methods also matter; as vitamin C is heat-sensitive, raw or lightly steamed vegetables are preferable.

Vitamin C Supplements

In moderate to severe deficiency, especially in symptomatic individuals, supplementation is often necessary:

• Oral Supplements: Doses range from 100–500 mg daily for mild deficiency, and up to 1,000–2,000 mg per day in more severe cases.
• Intravenous Administration: Reserved for individuals with malabsorption issues or severe scurvy requiring rapid correction.

Lifestyle Changes 

Encouraging overall healthy living can help maintain adequate vitamin C levels:

• Smoking Cessation: Essential for improving absorption and utilisation of vitamin C.
• Reduced Alcohol Consumption: Supports better nutrient absorption and metabolism.
• Balanced Diet: Ensures overall nutritional adequacy beyond just vitamin C.

Medical Intervention

In cases where deficiency has led to complications such as scurvy, dental deterioration, or systemic involvement, medical management may be required. This may include:

• Hospitalisation in severe cases
• Pain management
• Treatment of secondary infections
• Iron therapy for anaemia

Regular follow-up is advised to monitor recovery and ensure sustained improvement.

Way Forward

Vitamin C deficiency, though preventable, continues to pose a public health challenge, particularly in vulnerable populations. By understanding the lack of vitamin C causes which disease, recognising symptoms early, and seeking timely diagnosis and treatment, the adverse effects of this deficiency can be effectively avoided.

A balanced diet rich in fresh fruits and vegetables remains the basis of prevention. For those at higher risk, dietary counselling, lifestyle modification, and, where necessary, supplementation can make a significant difference. In a broader context, awareness and education play a key role in ensuring that communities are equipped to meet their nutritional needs and maintain overall well-being.

Additionally, having a reliable best health insurance plan like Niva Bupa Health Insurance can provide timely access to consultations, diagnostics, and nutritional guidance, ensuring you and your family stay protected against preventable health concerns.

People Also ask

1. Who is most at risk of developing vitamin C deficiency?

   Individuals with poor dietary habits, the elderly, smokers, alcohol-dependent individuals, people with malabsorption disorders (such as coeliac disease or Crohn’s disease), and those under increased physiological stress (e.g., surgery, infection, pregnancy) are at a higher risk of vitamin C deficiency.

2. Can vitamin C deficiency be reversed completely?

   Yes, when diagnosed early and treated appropriately through dietary changes and/or supplementation, vitamin C deficiency is generally reversible. Most individuals begin to show improvement within days, with full recovery typically occurring over several weeks.

3. How much vitamin C is recommended per day?

   The recommended daily allowance (RDA) for vitamin C varies by age and gender. For healthy adults, it is approximately 75 mg per day for women and 90 mg per day for men. Smokers may require an additional 35 mg per day due to increased oxidative stress.