Not getting enough vitamin C can actually be pretty harmful to your health if you aren't careful, so INSIDER spoke to some dietitians and physicians about all those warning signs you'll want to be on the lookout for.
You can bruise very easily
"This is usually one of the first signs of a vitamin C deficiency," said registered dietitian Chelsea Gold, MS, RD . Lack of vitamin C can weaken our blood vessels, causing the skin to easily bruise, she explained.
You can experience dry, rough bumpy skin.
"Vitamin C deficiency can lead to poor skin health," Gold told INSIDER. Studies show that having higher intakes of vitamin C increases your skin quality, she added.
You can have spoon-shaped nails.
"Lack of vitamin C can leave you with very thin and brittle spoon-shaped nails due to the lack of collagen and protein development," Gold suggested.
You can become anemic
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"If you feel fatigued all the time, this could be a sign of anemia secondary due to a lack of vitamin C," Gold said. Low levels of vitamin C may contribute to iron deficiency anemia, she explained, because it can reduce the absorption of iron from plant-based sources.
Your gums can start to bleed
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"Without adequate vitamin C, your gum tissues can become weakened and inflamed," Gold said. This causes you to bleed more easily, she told INSIDER.
Your wounds will heal poorly
"Although typically not seen until the advanced stages of deficiency, we know that vitamin C deficiencies slow the rate of collagen formation in our bodies," Gold explained. Without it, wounds can heal very slowly, she added.
You may experience weight gain
You are feeling tired and moody all the time
"Not getting enough vitamin C can impact your energy levels and your mood," Brissette told INSIDER. Getting plenty of fruit and vegetables can help you feel less fatigued and boost your mood, she added.
You may experience nosebleeds
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"Vitamin C decreases the frailty of the capillaries in the nose, where 90% of all nosebleeds come from," said Dr. Luiza Petre , board-certified cardiologist and weight management specialist.
You can get enough vitamin C just by following a balanced diet.
Youll want to be cautious of how you supplement vitamin C into your life
Taking too much vitamin C is also not recommended, she told INSIDER, as it can lead to negative effects such as kidney stones, stomach ulcers, and more.