Vitamin C deficiency

Bcom-(H) school of commerce

Thanuja.M
Vi s h a l R a o S
Sharath Garwad R
INTRODUCTION ON VITAMIN
–C
• Vitamin C is an antioxidant that helps protect your cells against the
effects of free radicals — molecules produced when your body breaks
down food or is exposed to tobacco smoke and radiation from the sun,
X-rays or other sources.
• Vitamin C (ascorbic acid) is a nutrient your body needs to form blood
vessels, cartilage, muscle and collagen in bones. Vitamin C is also vital
to your body’s healing process.
• Vitamin C is found in citrus fruits, berries, potatoes, tomatoes, peppers,
cabbage, Brussels sprouts, broccoli and spinach.

2
SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS OF VITAMIN – C
DEFICIENCY
• Rough, Bumpy Skin – Vitamin C plays a key role in collagen production,
a protein that is abundant in connective tissues like skin, hair, joints etc.
• Red Hair Follicles – Hair follicles on the surface of the skin contain many
tiny blood vessels that supply blood and nutrients to the area.
• Dry, Damaged Skin – Healthy skin contains large amounts of vitamin C,
especially in the epidermis, or outer layer of skin.
• Bruising occurs when blood vessels under the skin rupture, causing blood
to leak into the Surroundings.
• Studies show that vitamin C accumulates inside various types of immune
cells to help them combat infection
3
RISK FACTORS OF VITAMIN – C
DEFICIENCY
Alcoholism.
Babies only fed cow’s milk.
Seniors only consuming tea and toast diet.
Poor people who are not able to afford fruits and vegetables.
Smokers.
Individuals with eating disorders.
• Type 1 diabetes who have high vitamin C requirements.

4
CAUSES OF VITAMIN – C DEFICIENCY
Pregnancy
Breastfeeding
Disorders that cause a high fever or inflammation
An overactive thyroid gland (hyperthyroidism)
Diarrhea that lasts a long time
Surgery
Burns
• Smoking, which increases the vitamin C requirement by 30%

5
TREATMENT FOR VITAMIN C
DEFICIENCY
• Intake of foods rich in vitamin C – This is perhaps the most
natural and recommended way to treat vitamin C deficiency.
• Through vitamin C supplements – Supplements are another way
to treat vitamin C deficiency. Supplements are a great way to
achieve temporary relief. Nonetheless, in the long-run it’s best to
maintain a balanced diet.
• A nutritious diet with increased consumption of fresh fruits and
vegetables
• The diet should include increased consumption of fresh fruits and
vegetables.

6
CASE STUDY ON VITAMIN – C
DEFICIENCY
A five-year-old female with typical development initially presented with
rash, then later for pain in both lower extremities. After evaluation
revealed vitamin C deficiency, she was admitted into an intensive day
treatment feeding program. A feeding assessment found she had life-
long problems with eating and had a diet that never exceeded ten foods.
Across the course of treatment, she learned to eat 29 new foods. At six-
month follow-up her body mass index had increased from the 1st to the
61st percentile. At one-year follow-up her body mass index was at the
85th percentile. All sequalae of her deficiency resolved.

7
THANK YOU