What are the symptoms of vitamin C deficiency?

Vitamin C deficiency is primarily associated with a condition known as scurvy. This deficiency arises when the body's intake of vitamin C is insufficient, leading to a range of symptoms that indicate the body's inability to synthesize collagen, vital for the health of connective tissues.

One of the hallmark symptoms of scurvy is bleeding gums, which occurs due to weakened connective tissue and inadequate collagen production. Other symptoms include fatigue, which can result from a general decline in health and stamina, as well as the body's increasing inability to fight infections due to weakened immunity. The manifestations of scurvy illustrate the critical role that vitamin C plays in maintaining overall health, particularly in tissue repair and immune function.

While nausea and headaches, dry skin and brittle nails, and muscle cramps and joint pain may indicate other health issues or deficiencies, they are not specifically linked to vitamin C deficiency in the same way scurvy is. Thus, recognizing the symptoms of scurvy is essential for identifying vitamin C deficiency and understanding its implications for health.