Vitamin C to Boost Immunity and Fight Fatigue

When thinking of vitamin C most people immediately think of citrus fruits such as lemons or beverages like orange juice. However, a whole host of fruits and vegetables contain vitamin C. You’ll also find it in many nutritional supplements and multivitamin packs. Still, it is possible to end up with a vitamin C deficiency, especially if you’re on a diet for weight loss or a restricted diet due to allergies or food intolerance. Please also note that if you smoke cigarettes, you are at a higher risk of vitamin C deficiency.

Use this guide to help you learn about the signs of vitamin C deficiency.

Fatigue

If you’re not getting enough vitamin C in your diet, one of the first things you might notice could be your inability to stay awake or a general feeling of fatigue. Fatigue is common with almost every vitamin deficiency, though it’s often the first symptom of vitamin C related issues.

Frequent Infections

Vitamin C helps to boost the immune system and keep infections at bay. If you’re not getting enough vitamin C you may notice that you have to take more antibiotics and that you may have repeated illnesses such as chronic sinus infections.

Increasing your intake of vitamin C is often helpful when you’re sick, but if you have a deficiency, you should notice a change quickly once you’re getting enough in your diet.

Dry Hair

When you’re not getting enough vitamin C in your diet you might find that your hair suffers before anything else. That’s because vitamin C helps to keep your hair healthy and strong, and without it, you might notice a lot of split ends. Dry spots on the scalp and overly dry hair are also common among people who aren’t getting enough vitamin C in their diets.

Dental Problems

Your teeth probably won’t fall out because you have a vitamin C deficiency, but bleeding gums are a sign that you could be deficient. Increase your intake of vitamin C and this should go away quickly.

Please also note that if you smoke cigarettes, you are at a higher risk of vitamin C deficiency.

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References

Medline Plus Editors; Vitamin C; Medline Plus; accessed September 20, 2015

Larry E. Johnson, M.D., PhD; Vitamin C (Ascorbic Acid); Merck Manuals; accessed September 20, 2015