Vitamins are organic substances which are essential to the process of metabolism in animal life. They are found in small quantities in food, some are produced naturally by the body, and vitamins can be produced synthetically by pharmaceutical manufacturers.
There are a number of diseases caused by vitamin C deficiency which can have varying effects on the body, some of which can be more serious than others. –
The most common disease resulting from lack of vitamin C is scurvy. It shows as bleeding of the gums, loose teeth, and degeneration of the teeth enamel. It may also lead to bleeding of the skin and mucous membrane. Victims of scurvy will frequently experience bouts of lethargy, muscle pain, and anemia with possible discoloration of the skin. It was a common disease in seamen in the past who endured long sea voyages often lacking fruit and vegetables in their diet which are a rich source of vitamin C.
Other diseases caused by lack of vitamin C include the following conditions. –
The converse to suffering a deficiency in the intake of vitamin C is to have too much!! If there is an excess of the vitamin in the body it will lead to severe diarrhea, sickness, and acute stomach upset. There have been cases recorded whereby continuing excess vitamin C in the parent may result in some form of genetic deformity in the offspring. Certainly if excess vitamin C is metabolized into uric acid, problems with the formation of kidney stones may be encountered.
The solution to any deficiency of vitamin C is to pay attention to the diet. Vitamin C is found in the form of ascorbic acid and a daily intake of 50 – 60mg of the substance is recommended, indeed for any person suffering from scurvy a much higher intake of 300 – 1000 mg is recommended. Fruit and vegetables are a common source of vitamin C; oranges, mangos, leafy vegetables, potatoes, cabbage, and tomatoes should form part of the daily diet.
Care should be taken with the preparation of the vegetables since overcooking can often deplete the vitamin content, and the consumption of too much canned vegetable and fruit should be avoided, vitamin C can often be lost during the processing of canned goods.
There are many over the counter vitamin supplements available which can be used as a daily ‘vitamin pill’ to ensure an adequate intake of vitamin C and ensure a healthy life.
There are a number of diseases caused by vitamin C deficiency which can have varying effects on the body, some of which can be more serious than others. –
The most common disease resulting from lack of vitamin C is scurvy. It shows as bleeding of the gums, loose teeth, and degeneration of the teeth enamel. It may also lead to bleeding of the skin and mucous membrane. Victims of scurvy will frequently experience bouts of lethargy, muscle pain, and anemia with possible discoloration of the skin. It was a common disease in seamen in the past who endured long sea voyages often lacking fruit and vegetables in their diet which are a rich source of vitamin C.
Other diseases caused by lack of vitamin C include the following conditions. –
- Dry hair which has a tendency to become split at the ends.
- Rough and scaly skin.
- A weakening of body tissue and bone materials.
- Cataracts in the lens of the eye, directly due to lack of vitamin C.
- A reduction in the efficiency of the immune system, thus increasing the risk of infection.
- Problems associated with the respiratory system which largely depends on vitamin C for correct functioning.
The converse to suffering a deficiency in the intake of vitamin C is to have too much!! If there is an excess of the vitamin in the body it will lead to severe diarrhea, sickness, and acute stomach upset. There have been cases recorded whereby continuing excess vitamin C in the parent may result in some form of genetic deformity in the offspring. Certainly if excess vitamin C is metabolized into uric acid, problems with the formation of kidney stones may be encountered.
The solution to any deficiency of vitamin C is to pay attention to the diet. Vitamin C is found in the form of ascorbic acid and a daily intake of 50 – 60mg of the substance is recommended, indeed for any person suffering from scurvy a much higher intake of 300 – 1000 mg is recommended. Fruit and vegetables are a common source of vitamin C; oranges, mangos, leafy vegetables, potatoes, cabbage, and tomatoes should form part of the daily diet.
Care should be taken with the preparation of the vegetables since overcooking can often deplete the vitamin content, and the consumption of too much canned vegetable and fruit should be avoided, vitamin C can often be lost during the processing of canned goods.
There are many over the counter vitamin supplements available which can be used as a daily ‘vitamin pill’ to ensure an adequate intake of vitamin C and ensure a healthy life.
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