What is vitamin C deficiency?

Vitamin C deficiency happens when your body doesn't get enough vitamin C. This may happen if you don't eat enough fruits and vegetables.

Vitamin C is an essential vitamin, it helps to keep you healthy and your body functioning well

Persistent (chronic) vitamin C deficiency can lead to an illness known as scurvy.

Read about vitamin C and your health to better understand how vitamin C affects your body.

What are the symptoms of vitamin C deficiency?

The most common signs of vitamin C deficiency are:

• fatigue (exhaustion)
• anaemia — due to less absorption of iron

Symptoms of severe vitamin C deficiency are:

• bruising or bleeding easily
• bleeding gums and wobbly teeth
• poor wound healing
• skin spots — due to bleeding and bruising from broken blood vessels
• hair loss

What causes vitamin C deficiency?

Vitamin C is a water-soluble vitamin, which means it dissolves in water. It's absorbed from your gastrointestinal tract directly into your blood.

Vitamin C is not stored in your body, so deficiency can happen quickly.

Adults who eat less than 7 to 8mg of vitamin C a day are at risk of vitamin C deficiency.

The Australian Government publishes a Recommended Dietary Intake (RDI) for all vitamins. This lists the amount of each vitamin you should try to eat as part of a healthy diet.

Am I at risk of vitamin C deficiency?

You may be more at risk of vitamin C deficiency if you:

• don't eat enough fruits and vegetables
• smoke
• abuse drugs or alcohol
• have a poor diet while pregnant or breastfeeding — your body needs more vitamin C at these times

You are also at higher risk of vitamin C deficiency after having an illness or surgery.

People who find it hard to eat healthily may also be more at risk of vitamin C deficiency. This includes:

• babies
• children
• older adults

When should I see my doctor?

If you think you are getting too little vitamin C in your diet, speak with your doctor.

How is vitamin C deficiency diagnosed?

Your doctor will ask you about your symptoms and examine you. They may also want to know about your diet, whether you drink alcohol and if you smoke.

They may arrange for you to have some blood tests.

Your doctor may give you nutrition advice or refer you to an accredited dietitian.

How is vitamin C deficiency treated?

Mild cases of vitamin C deficiency are easily treated by adding some vitamin C to your diet. This may be in the form of fresh fruits and vegetables.

Your doctor may suggest that you take a vitamin C supplement (ascorbic acid) until you feel better. However, large doses are not needed and any excess vitamin C will leave your body in your urine (wee). Large doses of vitamin C can cause kidney stones.

The Royal Australian College of General Practitioners (RACGP) does not recommend vitamin C infusions. This is due to a lack of good evidence.

Your doctor may want to see you again after 3 months to see if the treatment has worked.

Can vitamin C deficiency be prevented?

Eating a healthy, balanced diet, with plenty of fruit and vegetables, is the best way to prevent vitamin C deficiency.

Boiling your vegetables can lower the amount of vitamin C available for your body. This is because vitamin C dissolves in water.

Instead, try:

• eating more fresh fruit and vegetables
• lightly steaming your vegetables
• roasting your vegetables

Complications of vitamin C deficiency

Vitamin C deficiency can lead to scurvy (severe deficiency). Scurvy can be life-threatening if it's not treated.

Resources and support

See the Australian Guide to Healthy Eating.

Health Translations has information about fruit and vegetables in languages other than English.

The Dietitians Australia website allows you to search for an Accredited Practising Dietitian.

You can also call the healthdirect helpline on 1800 022 222 (known as NURSE-ON-CALL in Victoria). A registered nurse is available to speak with 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.