While symptoms of a vitamin C deficiency can take months to reveal itself, there are certain red flags you should be on the lookout for.
One of the most common signs you’re lacking adequate nutrition is rough, bumpy skin, said registered dietitian Erica Julson.
Julson stated: “When vitamin C levels are low, a skin condition known as keratosis pilaris can develop.”
Keratosis pilaris has been described as “chicken skin” that can appear on the back of the upper arms, thighs or buttocks.
“Keratosis pilaris caused by vitamin C deficiency typically appears after three to five months of inadequate intake and resolves with supplementation,” added Julson.
However, the skin condition can be caused by other factors, so the appearance of “chicken skin” on its own isn’t indicative of a vitamin C deficiency.
Julson stated new, corkscrew-shaped body hair might suggest a lack of vitamin C in your body.
As could “perifollicular haemorrhage”, which describes broken blood vessels near hair follicles that leads to “bright red spots”.
Another possible indication of a vitamin C deficiency is slowly healing wounds.
Julson elaborated: “Slow wound healing is one of the more advanced signs of deficiency.”
This symptom of the condition typically doesn’t occur until a person has a deficiency for many months.
Julson added: “Since joints contain a lot of collagen-rich connective tissue, they can also be affected by vitamin C deficiency.
“There have been many reported cases of joint pain associated with vitamin C deficiency, often severe enough to cause limping or difficulty walking.”
To protect yourself against a deficiency, you should eat fresh fruits and vegetables.
Not only will a healthy diet help prevent nutritional deficiencies, eating well can help prevent disease.
Foods rich in vitamin C:
- Kiwi
- Papaya
- Cauliflower
- Oranges
- Brussels sprouts
- Tomatoes.
The NHS says: “Vitamin C cannot be stored in the body, so you need it in your diet every day.”