Vitamin C

Vitamin C in Swindon

Understanding the signs and symptoms of Vitamin C deficiency can help patients to support and manage their wellbeing.

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Vitamin C

Vitamin C is a water-soluble vitamin that is popularly used as a remedy for colds and flu. Being water-soluble means that it can dissolve in water. It cannot be stored in the body and therefore needs to be ingested daily via diet or supplement.

Also known as ascorbic acid, vitamin C is needed for various body functions. It helps to create collagen which is a protein material used to make connective tissue that supports different body systems, organs, bones, cartilage and more.

It is also a powerful antioxidant that helps to regenerate other antioxidants while working to neutralise harmful free radicals. Its ability to protect cells helps to keep skin, bones, cartilage and blood vessels healthy and protect against the development of certain chronic conditions like heart disease and cancers.

Vitamin C is also believed to help in the healing of wounds and shorten the life of infections. It also aids in maintaining hormone and chemical balances in the brain and nervous system, and neurotransmitter synthesis. It also supports cognitive function.

Vitamin C also beneficially interacts with other vitamins and minerals in the body. One of its most helpful interactions is the ability to promote the absorption of nonheme iron from plant food sources. This is helpful to those that do not eat animal products that are rich in iron. Vitamin C can be found in abundance in many fruits and vegetables. Some of the best food sources include citrus fruits, peppers, berries, cruciferous vegetables, and white potatoes.

According to the NHS, the recommended daily allowance (RDA) of vitamin C for adults between the age of 19 to 64 years is 40mg. As it is not stored in the body, it is necessary to get this daily amount of vitamin C from diet or supplements. Care should however be taken with supplements to avoid excessive consumption. Absorbing high amounts over 1,000mg a day can lead to symptoms of gastrointestinal distress. These symptoms will however abate once your vitamin C levels drop.

It is difficult for a healthy person to suffer toxicity of vitamin C even when consumed in high amounts. This is because the higher the amount of vitamin C that is consumed, the less the body will absorb as tissues become saturated. The excess amount is simply allowed to pass through and be excreted through urine. This can however increase the level of uric acid which in turn can increase the risk of kidney stones and gout. Some studies do indicate that very high levels of vitamin C may have a damaging effect on tissues.

Too little intake of vitamin C can lead to a deficiency called scurvy. This condition is very rare given the many easily available and rich food sources there are for vitamin C. It may however be possible to acquire scurvy if:

you are eating very little, perhaps due to illness or treatments that affect appetite
you have no access to fresh fruits or vegetables to include in your diet for a prolonged period
you smoke, which can reduce the amount of vitamin C your body can absorb from food
you take high amounts of alcohol and illicit drugs that interfere with normal nutrition
you are pregnant or breastfeeding and therefore need larger amounts of vitamin C than usual

Symptoms of Vitamin C deficiency

Developed countries like the UK rarely have cases of vitamin C deficiency. However, as stated above, if you exclude fresh fruits and vegetables from your diet for a long time, smoke, drink or take drugs excessively, have been seriously ill or undergoing medical treatment that affects appetite, or are pregnant or breastfeeding to require higher absorption of vitamin C, this deficiency is possible.

Some of the common symptoms of scurvy include:

skin spots
easy bruising
severe joint or leg pain
swollen and bleeding gums
hair loss

slow healing of wounds
fatigue
irritability
low-grade fever
iron-deficiency anaemia

Babies with scurvy will often demonstrate an inability to thrive. They will be anxious and difficult to soothe. They may also develop weak and brittle bones that are prone to fracturing and bleeding.

Getting Tested

To confirm a diagnosis of scurvy, your doctor will question you about your diet and the symptoms you are exhibiting. If the doctor suspects vitamin C deficiency, they will order a blood test to confirm. The blood sample will be checked to determine your vitamin C levels in the blood serum. A blood serum level of vitamin C that is below 11 µmol/L will be an indication of scurvy.

Treatment Options

In most cases of vitamin C deficiency, appropriate adjustments to diet and taking supplements is normally good enough to correct the problem. However, if improving diet and taking oral supplements is difficult, vitamin C injections can be prescribed. Some people do have sensitivities that can lead to stomach irritation if they take vitamin C supplements. Others may be undergoing treatment or suffering an illness that makes consuming sufficient amounts of healthy food difficult.

Because vitamin C injections are directly administered into the bloodstream, there is the immediate and efficient delivery and absorption. You can get your vitamin C dosage in one of two ways.

IV Vitamin Therapy – using blood test results, your doctor will determine which nutrients you are lacking. An IV therapy treatment drip is then administered to address all identified deficiencies, including scurvy.
Intramuscular Injection – is the administration of a vitamin C booster, with the dosage being determined by the level of deficiency.

Typically, vitamin C boosters are given at a dosage of 200mg once a day, for up to seven days. When the injections are being taken to promote wound healing, the dosage administered may be higher and administered for up to 21 days.

Risks and Benefits of Vitamin C Boosters

Vitamin C boosters are better absorbed than taking supplements or relying on diet. With these boosters, you are likely to feel less fatigued, experience a boost to your immune system, and see an improvement in the appearance of your skin. You are likely to feel refreshed and energized immediately after the shot.

These boosters can also be a better option in avoiding toxicity as the correct dosage is calculated based on test results. This solution is also preferable as it is gentler on the stomach.

They may also be prescribed to help promote faster healing in case of traumatic injuries or burns. They can also be used as a quick boost to the immune system and to trigger a faster metabolism that promotes weight loss. These injections are the best way to raise vitamin C levels fast.

Though vitamin C boosters are safe to use when administered properly, there is a possibility of side effects such as pain at the injection site. High doses may also induce nausea.