6 health problems you’re facing due to vitamin C deficiency

Getting the right amount of vitamins and minerals is crucial to support how your body works. They are important from supporting normal growth and development to boosting immunity and strengthening your bones. In particular, Vitamin C is a nutrient that is essential for faster recovery from illnesses and long-term good health.

The recognized benefits of Vitamin C are endless. The powerful antioxidant plays an important role in strengthening the body’s defenses and supports the immune system. Many people in India are deficient in Vitamin C. This includes roughly 74% of the elderly population (60 years of age and above) in North India, and 46% of this population in South India. Here are 6 health problems you are facing due to Vitamin C deficiency:

Vitamin C plays a role in alleviating seasonal infections, like cold and flu, especially in people suffering from NCDs. Studies suggest that Vitamin C supplementation is also effective in making the common cold less severe and last shorter.

Dr. Tushar Mhapankar, Mhapankar’s ENT Clinic, Mumbai said, “Vitamin C is an essential nutrient with several health benefits. Beyond its contributions to the body’s immunity and growth, it also helps alleviate seasonal infections, such as by reducing the duration and symptoms of cold, flu, and pneumonia. Also, people with non-communicable diseases like diabetes and hypertension may require even more Vitamin C. It has an important role to play in supporting people’s overall health and wellbeing.”

If you have diabetes, Vitamin C may help in improving your blood glucose levels and lipid profile. It is observed that patients with common NCDs like diabetes may require more vitamin C than others due to the high oxidative stress seen in these patients. Patients with diabetes have 30% lower vitamin C concentrations than non-diabetics.

Studies have shown Vitamin C can help in reducing the risk of coronary heart disease. In cardiovascular diseases or hypertension patients, the nutrient can protect end organ damage and improve vascular endothelial function, which helps regulate blood clotting.

Vitamin C can help your body absorb iron, which is important in helping people with anaemia (lack of iron levels in the body). Having anemia can be a clue that you may experience Vitamin C deficiency.

This vitamin is known to help heal wounds and maintain the health of teeth and gums. The powerful antioxidant plays an important role in strengthening the body’s defenses and supports the immune system.

Dr. Parag Sheth, Regional Medical Director, Abbott India said, “Vitamin C plays an important role in boosting immunity, yet many Indians do not have an adequate amount of it. At Abbott, we aim to create awareness about this vitamin so that more people can understand the health benefits it provides.”

The vitamin has also been shown to reduce the duration of hospital stay in pneumonia patients. While a healthy diet is important for good nutrition, this may not be enough to counter deficiency. Vitamin C supplementation in the dosage prescribed by your doctor can be useful to help give you the boost you may need to keep your Vitamin C levels in check.

Consult your doctor before taking supplementation, and especially if you have an existing health condition to ensure you get the right dosage to address your health needs.