Chennai: Rich in antioxidants, Vitamin C is a compound that helps in combating several diseases and maintain a healthy body. Experts is the city opine that the deficiency of the nutrient is uncommon which shows by default that we intake the required supplements without our knowledge to increase the immunity levels of our body.
CAUSES
“Lack of the Vitamin C can lead to scurvy which can lead to multiple conditions such as anaemia, spontaneous bleeding, pain in legs and limbs et al,” said Fortis Malar Hospital consultant dermatologist, Dr Deepika Lunawat.
“It is an essential nutrient that is not secreted inside the body, so it has to be taken orally. It is not a common deficiency and is found in 7 to 10 per cent in the entire population. It takes about two-three months for manifestation if your body lacks the nutrient,” explained Apollo Hospitals senior clinical dietitian and head – department of dietetics, D K Daphne.
However, the condition is common in poverty-ridden countries where the community is prone to diseases — both physically and mentally.
Talking about mental blocks, Daphne continued, “It can be found in people who are anorexic, that is, the specific set of population who are too conscious about weight gain and tend to ignore essential nutrients. Conditions, as mentioned, can pull down the amount of Vitamin C required for a normal body to function without suffering from ailments often.”
BENEFITS
The balanced level of the nutrient can give people skin-tightening effect, protect from photodamaging of skin, improve the colour of the skin, enhance the melanin synthesis and play an anti-inflammatory role in skin dryness, wound and scar healing.
“It has a major role in protecting the skin from rays and healing the wounds as it is an antioxidant,” adds Dr Deepika.
In addition, the elements aid the process of absorption of iron. Experts opine that Vitamin C-rich foods can be taken while consuming iron supplements, thus, helping in curing anaemia.
WHY IS IT ESSENTIAL?
Experts say that Vitamin C is required for the formation of collagen in the connective tissues. The tissues are present in skin, bones, blood vessels and almost major parts of the body. When a human falls short of the vitamin, all the areas would get affected.
“It can be as bad as loss of teeth. But the positive side of the lack of the nutrient is that if proper treatment is provided post detection, the signs and symptoms will immediately change and energise the body,” said Daphne.
SOURCES
Vegetarian: Citrus fruits such as orange, lemon, grapes, kiwi, gooseberries, bell pepper, cabbage, broccoli
Non-vegetarian: Liver
“Uncooked sources like fruits and vegetables are the best source any day for balancing and absorption of the nutrient. However, all non-vegetarian foods are cooked, which leads to loss of Vitamin C in them,” said Daphne.
ESSENTIAL DURING PREGNANCY
Doctors state that the requirement of this particular compound is higher than normal time during pregnancy and lactation.
“It is one portion higher than normal values. By and large, every nutrient is essential, more so, because of the infant. Regular intake of the nutrition positively impacts the infant,” explained Daphne.
GLOBAL WARMING AND RETENTION
It is predicted that the temperature of the Earth will rise by 1.5 degrees Celsius in two decades. Talking about the connection of the nutrient with temperature changes, Apollo Hospitals consultant family physician, Dr Sadhana Dhavapalani, said, “Even when we experience climatic changes, it will not affect the absorption of the nutrient.”
Explaining about retaining the nutrient despite consuming water in large quantities, Dr Sadhana added, “Though it is water soluble, the intake of water will not disturb the changes in levels.”
NORMAL VALUES
80 – 120 milligrams is the broader range of requirement of Vitamin C.
SUPPLEMENTS
Multivitamin tablets are generally prescribed in case of lack of the nutrient.