Vitamin C (ascorbic acid) is a potent water-soluble antioxidant that plays a critical role in proper functioning of the body's immune system. A vitamin C-deficient diet can cause a condition called scurvy, which leads to anemia, poor wound healing, and gum disease, amongst other health problems. Vitamin C deficiency can also increase vulnerability to all types of infections. Therefore, it is important to consume adequate amounts of vitamin C every day.
What Is Vitamin C Deficiency?
Vitamin C deficiency occurs when inadequate amounts of vitamin C are consumed on a daily basis. Since the body does not manufacture vitamin C (or other water-soluble vitamins), it must regularly be obtained from foods and/or supplements. Vitamin C deficiency can also occur in the presence of certain medical conditions that reduce the body's ability to properly absorb it (cancer and kidney disease).
What Are the Effects of Vitamin C Deficiency?
Vitamin C is an antioxidant that protects the body from damaging chemicals called free radicals that increase the risk of disease. Therefore, prolonged vitamin C deficiency can have drastic health consequences including heart disease, cancer, and early death. However, the primary short-term effect of vitamin C deficiency is a condition called...
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Posted By: Nina Cherie Franklin Franklin
Tuesday, April 30th 2013 at 9:20PM
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