Vitamin C Deficiency

Vitamin C (ascorbic acid) has many functions in the body. It plays an important role in the formation of collagen, a stiff jelly-like substance which as a connective tissue holds together the cells of the body; it is important to development of healthy bones and teeth; it functions in the formation and maturation of red blood cells; it promotes resistance to infection; and aids the rapid healing of wounds and broken bones.

Severe deficiency results in scurvy, a disease characterized by spongy and bleeding gums, easy bruising, slow healing wounds, loss of appetite, small red spots on the skin caused by the bleeding of the small blood vessels, susceptibility to infections and extreme muscular weakness.