Wednesday, December 5, 2012

What are the symptoms of vitamin C deficiency?

Q. Can ones diet prevent such symptoms? If yes, how so? If no, why not?

A. A lack of vitamin C leads eventually to scurvy. The symptoms are mainly due to poorly formed collagen (the protein which forms the basis of connective tissue) and include the breaking open of small blood vessels, the reddening and soreness of mouth and gum, bleeding of gums, bleeding in the eyes, loss of hair, loose teeth, cavity in the teeth, joint pains, pain in the bones, dry scaly skin and blood vessel damage which result in "pinpoint hemorrhages (bleeding) into the skin around the hair follicles. Other symptoms include general weakness, fluid retention (edema), depression, and anemia.

Vitamin C deficiency can lead to slower wound healing, increased susceptibility to infections (especially colds and bronchial infections), male infertility and increased genetic damage to sperm cells which may lead to birth defects. It may also contribute to rheumatoid arthritis and gastrointestinal disorders.

Other symptoms include lack of energy, irritability, listlessness, swollen and tender joints, loss of appetite, weakness, fatigue, restlessness, poor digestion, and the tendency to bruise easily.

Ones diet can prevent such symptoms if one includes in ones diet citrus fruits and juices, pineapples, cantaloupe, green peppers, broccoli brussels sprouts, tomatoes, cabbage, green leafy vegetables, potatoes, yams, cauliflower and asparagus.


Any studies on taking tons of vitamin C? How much of it can the body use and what happens to the rest?
Q. Have there been any well documented studies with the use of Vitamin C within the human body?
is there a limit to how much is useful to take, and what does the body do with the rest? Details please , can anyone explain, thanks

A. Vitamin C (ascorbic acid) is a non-fat soluble vitamin. It is therefore, non-toxic. In other words, excess amounts simply get flushed out of your body. The correct dosage, per day, depends on age and weight factors, and also whether you smoke or not. Refer to this chart:

http://lpi.oregonstate.edu/infocenter/vitamins/vitaminC/

It is best not to overdo Vitamin C, as a continuous use of large doses can result in a condition known as "rebound scurvy" once Vitamin C is stopped. Loose teeth, bleeding gums, and other symptoms of regular scurvy caused by Vitamin C deficiency are the results of excessive dosage for long periods. Diarrhea, heartburn and other GI maladies are common with large doses of C.


what do i say if i have to talk to a group about vitamin c deficiency diseases?
Q. i have to talk about 'scurvy' 'rickets' and something like 'berry berry' to a large group at a pirate themed camp for kids aged nine to twelve. i also have to make smoothies with lots of vitamins, but i really need something to say to the group about lack of vitamin c and the diseases that apply to it.

A. Vitamin C (ascorbic acid) is essential for the formation of bone and connective tissue (which binds other tissues and organs together). Vitamin C helps the body absorb iron, and it helps burns and wounds heal. Like vitamin E, vitamin C is an antioxidant: It protects cells against damage by free radicals, which are reactive by-products of normal cell activity. Vitamin C deficiency causes scurvy. In adults, the deficiency usually results from a diet low in vitamin C. For example, vitamin C deficiency may develop in people who eat only such foods as dried meat, tea, toast, and canned vegetables. Smoking increases the vitamin C requirement by 30 to 50%. Surgery, and burns can significantly increase the body's requirements for vitamin C and the risk of vitamin C deficiency. The diagnosis of scurvy is based on symptoms. Blood tests detect a very low level of vitamin C. Scurvy is treated with daily vitamin C supplements. Such treatment plus iron supplements can cure the anemia.


How long does it take to cure anemia with assistance of iron supplement?
Q. I have iron-deficiency anemia, my iron level is dangerously low (it's 8.5 and average is between 40-200), yesterday I went to the doctor and she gave me some special iron pills and told me to take them twice a day. With my current condition and taking these pills twice a day (with vitamin C pills), how long do you think it will take for my iron count to go up and my anemia symptoms to begin disappearing?

Thanks! :)

A. usually your blood test will be repeated in 2 to 6 months. you should start to see an improvement slowly over the next weeks and months.





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