Ascorbic acid deficiency: how to recognize the problem at an early stage

Why is vitamin C so important?

Ascorbic acid (vitamin C) is not just another trace element in the list of nutrients. It is involved in numerous biochemical reactions: collagen synthesis, regulation of the immune response, iron absorption, protection of cells from free radicals. Without it, the skin loses elasticity, gums bleed, and the immune system fails.

Who is at risk of vitamin C deficiency?

• Patients with chronic gastrointestinal diseases

• People who follow strict diets or exclude fruits/vegetables

• Smokers (they have lower vitamin C levels due to oxidative stress)

• Children and adolescents during the period of active growth

• Elderly people with impaired appetite

Unexpected symptoms that may indicate a deficiency

• Long-lasting healing of even small scratches

• Bruises for no reason

• Fatigue that doesn't go away after rest

• Frequent colds

• Dryness and peeling of the skin

• Irritability, memory impairment

In severe cases, scurvy can develop, a disease accompanied by tissue destruction, tooth loss, hemorrhages, and general intoxication.

How to know if you have a deficiency: laboratory diagnostics

The most accurate method is a blood test for vitamin C (ascorbic acid) levels. Additionally, the following may be assessed:

• Hematological parameters (anemia, leukocyte level)

• Wound healing indicators, gum condition

• Indices of oxidative stress in the body

The normal serum ascorbic acid level is 23–85 μmol/L. A value below 11 μmol/L indicates clinical deficiency.

What to do in case of shortage

Treatment depends on the severity of the condition. Mild cases can be corrected with dietary changes:

Foods rich in vitamin C:

• Rose hips (especially dried)

• Bell pepper

• Broccoli

• Kiwi, strawberries, oranges

• Sauerkraut

In cases of severe deficiency, the doctor prescribes ascorbic acid in tablets or injections. The daily preventive dose is 75–90 mg, but in case of deficiency it can be increased several times.

Prevention: It's not always just about vitamins

It is important to remember that even when consuming sufficient amounts of fruits and vegetables, improper storage or cooking (prolonged boiling, frying) destroys up to 50–80% of vitamin C. Therefore, it is worth including some raw foods in your diet.

Interesting facts

• Sailors in the Age of Discovery often died not from disease, but from scurvy.

• Smokers have a daily requirement of vitamin C 30–50% higher than non-smokers.

• Ascorbic acid also affects mood: its deficiency may be associated with increased anxiety and depression.

The right balance of vitamin C is not only about immunity, but also about the stability of all metabolic processes. Regular prevention and timely detection of deficiency is the key to energy, healthy skin, and a strong psychological state.