Vitamin C helps form and maintain bones, cartilage, skin, and blood vessels. As an antioxidant, it also supports the immune system.
It helps the body absorb iron.
The body needs vitamin C to produce collagen. This is the main component of connective tissue and makes up 1–2% of muscle tissue. Collagen is a vital component in fibrous tissues such as:
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tendons
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ligaments
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skin
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the cornea
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cartilage
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bones
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the gut
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blood vessels
Symptoms of vitamin C deficiency:
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Tiredness and weakness.
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Muscle and joint pains.
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Easy bruising.
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Spots that look like tiny, red-blue bruises on the skin.
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Dry skin.
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Splitting hair.
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Swelling and discoloration of the gums.
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Sudden and unexpected bleeding from the gums.
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Nosebleeds.
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Poor healing of wounds.
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Problems fighting infections.
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Bleeding into joints, causing severe joint pains.
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Changes in the bones.
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Tooth loss.