Dieras says that scurvy is rare and that the main cause is a prolonged period of time without an adequate amount of vitamin C consumption, which can be linked to a poor diet or limited access to nutritious foods. According to the Mayo Clinic, other risk factors include those who smoke or experience secondhand smoke, have gastrointestinal conditions, or have certain types of cancers as people who are also more prone to experience a vitamin C deficiency. But the good news is that once it’s diagnosed, it can be treated.
How do you fix a vitamin C deficiency?
Dr. Sharp says that the recommended daily amount of vitamin C is 75 micrograms (mcg) for adult women (120 mcg for pregnant women) and 90 mcg for adult men. The best way to make sure you hit those levels and get enough vitamin C, according to both experts, is through your diet. Dr. Sharp recommends incorporating vitamin C-rich fresh fruits and vegetables into your meals, such as grapefruit, orange, lemon, lime, red bell pepper, and broccoli. Other options include vitamin C supplements, but you should be cautious about which ones you digest, as not all of them are effective.
“Vitamin C supplements are a way to get you to your proper dosage, however, food should always be the first line of consumption,” says Dieras. “Vitamin C through food is better absorbed. Supplement companies are not highly regulated, if you are going to incorporate supplements I recommend choosing supplement brands who engage in third-party testing and [can] prove that the supplement contains what is on the label.”
And there is a thing as too much of a good thing when it comes to vitamin C intake. An excessive amount can result in nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, heartburn, stomach cramps, and bloating, she says.
As with any health concerns, both experts recommend seeking professional advice. If you’re experiencing any symptoms or just have general questions about vitamin C, see a doctor to get properly diagnosed and help you figure out a safe game plan to replenish those low levels. Don’t webMD your way out of most things, but especially with this one.
