Also known as ASCORBIC acid, it has several important functions.
Lack of vitamin can lead to SCURVY. Mild deficiencies may occur in people with poor or very restricted diets
Vitamin C cannot be stored by the body, so it is needed every day
An adult (19-64) needs 40mg of vitamin C per day. Smokers need more as smoking depletes Vit C levels quicker
Signs of Scurvy
- Loose teeth
- Bleeding gums
- Red inflamed gums
- Proptosis (bulging eyes)
- Scaly dry skin
- Discoloured skin
- Slow healing wounds
- Swelling around joints
- Dry Hair
- Hair breakage
- Lack of bone growth (children)
