Vitamin C, a vital nutrient for overall health, plays a crucial role in maintaining various bodily functions. Its deficiency, though often overlooked, can lead to serious health issues.
- Skin and Oral Health Complications
A study by Raichura et al. (2022) highlights the impact of Vitamin C deficiency on skin health, leading to symptoms like bleeding gums, poor wound healing, and increased risk of squamous cell carcinoma due to its role in reducing free radical formation. Similarly, Gossweiler and Martinez-Mier (2020) emphasize the deficiency’s effects on oral health, including enamel hypoplasia and periodontitis, underscoring the importance of adequate Vitamin C intake for maintaining oral and skin health. - Increased Inflammatory and Cardiovascular Risks
Crook et al. (2021) found that a significant proportion of the U.S. population has insufficient Vitamin C levels, which is concerning given its established role in immune function and inflammation regulation. Moreover, Xiang, Lv, and Dai (2020) noted that Vitamin C deficiency could lead to increased risks of atherosclerosis due to its role in preventing oxidation of low-density lipoproteins. - Implications for Pregnancy and Newborn Health
Vitamin C’s significance extends to pregnancy and newborn health. Research by Zakharova et al. (2020) revealed that Vitamin C deficiency in pregnant women is associated with complications like gestational diabetes and preeclampsia. For newborns, insufficiency is linked to metabolic disorders and developmental issues, highlighting the critical need for adequate Vitamin C during pregnancy. - Obesity and Metabolic Syndrome
Research has shown a relationship between Vitamin C deficiency and obesity. Amirkhizi and Hamedi-Shahraki (2021) found that Vitamin D deficient obese subjects were at a higher risk of metabolic and inflammatory disorders. This connection is further supported by Hayhoe et al. (2020), who observed that Vitamin C inadequacy is associated with the risk of sarcopenic obesity, a condition characterized by low muscle mass and high fat mass. - Impact on Immune Function and Disease Susceptibility
Schuetz, Gregoriano, and Keller (2021) discussed the vital role of Vitamin C in immune system functioning. Its deficiency can impair immunity, increasing susceptibility to infections like pneumonia, which is particularly critical in the context of global health crises like the COVID-19 pandemic. - Vitamin C and Chronic Diseases
Sun et al. (2022) highlighted the association between low Vitamin C intake and increased risks of type 2 diabetes, suggesting that encouraging Vitamin C intake, including supplementation, might be beneficial for diabetic individuals.
Vitamin C is indispensable for maintaining various aspects of health, from skin and oral health to immune function and chronic disease prevention. Ensuring adequate intake of this vital nutrient is essential for preventing the wide array of health issues associated with its deficiency.
References
Raichura, S., Nicol, M., Brennan, R., & O’Kane, D. (2022). Corn flakes is the cure. The Ulster Medical Journal, 91, 117-118.
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC9200099/
Gossweiler, A., & Martinez-Mier, E. (2020). Chapter 6: Vitamins and Oral Health. Monographs in Oral Science, 28, 59-67.
https://doi.org/10.1159/000455372
Crook, J., Horgas, A., Yoon, S.-J., Grundmann, O., & Johnson-Mallard, V. (2021). Insufficient Vitamin C Levels among Adults in the United States: Results from the NHANES Surveys, 2003–2006. Nutrients, 13(11), 3910.
https://doi.org/10.3390/nu13113910
Xiang, B.-j., Lv, X., & Dai, C. (2020). Unusual case of pancreatic disease involving the parotid gland and submandibular gland. Internal Medicine Journal, 50.
https://doi.org/10.1111/imj.14900
Zakharova, I., Mal’tsev, S., Zubkov, V., Kuryaninova, V. A., Dmitriev, A., Mal’tseva, L. I., Verisokina, N., Klimov, L., Vasil’eva, É. N., Malyavskaya, S., Zaplatnikov, A., & Perinatology, M. (2020). Effect of vitamin D on the pregnancy and the health of newborns and infants: state-of-the-art. Journal, 3(3), 174-181.
https://doi.org/10.32364/2618-8430-2020-3-3-174-181
Amirkhizi, F., & Hamedi-Shahraki, S. (2021). Association of vitamin D status with metabolic and inflammatory factors in adults with obesity. Journal, 64.
https://doi.org/10.22038/MJMS.2021.18847
Hayhoe, R., Mulligan, A., Luben, R., Khaw, K., & Welch, A. (2020). The sarcopenic risk factor of low skeletal muscle mass is associated with inadequate plasma vitamin C concentrations and obesity. Proceedings of the Nutrition Society.
https://doi.org/10.1017/s002966512000052x
Schuetz, P., Gregoriano, C., & Keller, U. (2021). Supplementation of the population during the COVID-19 pandemic with vitamins and micronutrients – how much evidence is needed? Swiss Medical Weekly, 151. https://doi.org/10.4414/smw.2021.20522
Sun, H., Karp, J., Sun, K. M., & Weaver, C. (2022). Decreasing Vitamin C Intake, Low Serum Vitamin C Level and Risk for US Adults with Diabetes. Nutrients, 14(19), 3902.
https://doi.org/10.3390/nu14193902
