Vitamin C Deficiency: 6 Health Problems You Are Facing Due To Vitamin C Deficiency | Times of India

Getting the right amount of vitamins and minerals is vital to support your body functioning. They are important from supporting normal growth and development to boosting immunity and strengthening bones. In particular, vitamin C is an essential nutrient for faster recovery from disease 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 about 74% of the elderly population (60 years of age and older) in Northern India and 46% of this population in Southern India. Here are 6 health problems you are facing due to vitamin C deficiency:

Vitamin C plays a role in relieving seasonal infections, such as colds and flu, especially in people suffering from non-communicable diseases. Studies suggest that vitamin C supplementation is also effective in making the common cold less severe and last longer.

Dr Tushar Mhapankar, of Mhapankar Otolaryngology Clinic, Mumbai said: “Vitamin C is an essential nutrient with numerous health benefits. In addition to its contributions to the body\’s immunity and growth, it also helps relieve seasonal infections, such as by reducing the duration and symptoms of colds, flu, and pneumonia. Additionally, people with non-communicable diseases such as diabetes and high blood pressure may require even more vitamin C. It has an important role to play in supporting people\’s overall health and well-being.

If you have diabetes, vitamin C can help improve blood glucose levels and lipid profile. It is observed that patients with common non-communicable diseases such as 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 that vitamin C can help reduce the risk of coronary heart disease. In cardiovascular disease or patients with hypertension, 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 for helping people with anemia (lack of iron levels in the body). Having anemia can be a clue that you may have a vitamin C deficiency.

This vitamin is known to help heal wounds and maintain healthy 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 at Abbott India, said: “Vitamin C plays an important role in boosting immunity, but many Indians lack adequate amounts. At Abbott, we aim to create awareness around this vitamin so more people can understand the health benefits it provides.

The vitamin has also been shown to shorten the length of hospital stay in patients with pneumonia. While a healthy diet is important for good nutrition, this may not be enough to counteract the deficiency. Supplementing with vitamin C in the dosage prescribed by your doctor can be helpful in giving you the boost you may need to keep your vitamin C levels in check.

Consult your doctor before taking supplements, and especially if you have an existing health condition to ensure you are getting the right dosage to meet your health needs.