Can lack of vitamin C cause leg pain? Understanding the link to scurvy

October 30, 2025 •

3 min read

According to research, severe vitamin C deficiency, or scurvy, is historically documented to cause significant limb pain, often in the legs. This link is rooted in the vitamin's crucial role in producing collagen, a vital protein for bones, cartilage, and blood vessels.

Quick Summary

Severe vitamin C deficiency can lead to leg pain, joint discomfort, and bruising, key symptoms of scurvy resulting from impaired collagen synthesis and tissue hemorrhages.

Key Points

Collagen Disruption: A lack of vitamin C impairs collagen production, weakening blood vessels, cartilage, and bones, which directly contributes to musculoskeletal pain.
Scurvy Symptoms: Severe deficiency, or scurvy, is a known cause of excruciating limb pain, particularly in the legs, due to bleeding into bones and joints.
Subclinical Pain: Milder, subclinical vitamin C deficiency can also cause non-specific muscle and joint aches and fatigue, which may not be immediately recognized.
At-Risk Groups: Individuals with restrictive diets, alcohol use disorder, the elderly, and smokers are at higher risk of experiencing deficiency-related pain.
Treatment: Supplementation and a diet rich in fruits and vegetables can resolve deficiency symptoms and alleviate leg pain over time.
Important for Healing: Vitamin C also plays a critical role in tissue repair and managing inflammation, making it important for overall joint health.

The Core Connection: Vitamin C, Collagen, and Connective Tissues

Vitamin C (ascorbic acid) is vital for synthesizing collagen, which provides structure to bones, cartilage, skin, ligaments, and tendons. Without enough vitamin C, the body can't produce healthy collagen, weakening these tissues and potentially causing pain, especially in the legs.

The Direct Impact on Bones and Joints

Severe vitamin C deficiency, known as scurvy, can cause subperiosteal hemorrhage (bleeding under the bone membrane). This is common in the long bones of the legs, leading to severe pain and tenderness. It can also impair bone matrix formation, contributing to low bone density and increased fracture risk. Vitamin C's antioxidant role also protects joint tissues from oxidative stress, which, when deficient, can worsen joint degeneration and pain.

The Muscular and Vascular Implications

Low vitamin C affects muscles by reducing carnitine production, needed for energy, potentially causing fatigue and muscle aches, often in the legs. Weakened blood vessels from poor collagen lead to easy bruising and small skin bleeds (petechiae), commonly seen on the legs. Swelling in the legs and feet can also occur in advanced scurvy.

Who Is at Risk for Vitamin C Deficiency?

While severe scurvy is uncommon, groups at higher risk of lower vitamin C levels include:

Those with limited diets
Older adults
Individuals with alcohol use disorder or malabsorption issues
Smokers, due to depleted vitamin C stores
People with significant physiological stress

Diagnosis and Treatment

Diagnosis involves dietary history and blood tests for vitamin C levels. X-rays can show bone changes in scurvy. Treatment includes supplements and improving diet. Pain can lessen within days, but full recovery may take months.

Foods high in vitamin C include:

Citrus fruits
Berries and tropical fruits
Bell peppers
Cruciferous vegetables like broccoli and kale
Potatoes and tomatoes

Deficiency vs. Scurvy: A Comparison


Feature	Subclinical Vitamin C Deficiency	Severe Scurvy (Overt Deficiency)
Onset	Gradual	1–3 months of severe lack
Symptom Severity	Vague aches, fatigue	Severe pain, widespread bleeding
Musculoskeletal Impact	Nonspecific pain, potential accelerated cartilage breakdown	Severe bleeding into joints/under bones, impaired bone growth
Dermatological Signs	Easy bruising	Petechiae, corkscrew hairs, dry skin
Oral Manifestations	Minor gum issues	Swollen, bleeding gums; loose teeth
Risk Level	More common in vulnerable groups	Rare, extreme dietary situations

Conclusion

A lack of vitamin C can indeed cause leg pain, particularly in severe deficiency (scurvy) due to impaired collagen synthesis and resulting tissue damage and bleeding in bones and joints. Muscle weakness and fatigue also contribute. Subclinical deficiency can cause milder musculoskeletal pain. Identifying and treating deficiency with diet and supplements is crucial for symptom relief. For further details on vitamin C and pain, consult medical research.

How Vitamin C Supports Bone and Joint Health

Collagen Synthesis: Crucial for forming stable collagen, vital for bone, cartilage, and tendon structure.
Antioxidant Protection: Guards against free radical damage to joint tissue and inflammation.
Prevents Hemorrhage: Maintains blood vessel integrity, preventing painful bleeding into musculoskeletal tissues.
Fights Inflammation: Possesses anti-inflammatory effects that can reduce joint swelling and discomfort.
Supports Tissue Repair: Essential for healing ligaments and tendons.

Potential Risks of High-Dose Vitamin C Supplementation

While generally safe, high doses may cause:

Gastrointestinal Issues: Stomach pain, nausea, diarrhea.
Iron Overload: Increased absorption in those with hemochromatosis.
Kidney Stones: Possible increased risk in susceptible individuals.
Drug Interactions: Can interfere with certain medications.

The Role of Vitamin C in Overall Musculoskeletal Health

Vitamin C is vital for maintaining connective tissue strength, supporting bone density, and aiding in tissue repair, benefiting those with conditions like arthritis or recovering from injuries.

What to do if you suspect a deficiency?

If you have persistent leg pain, fatigue, or other concerning symptoms, see a doctor for proper diagnosis. They can rule out other conditions and recommend the right treatment, which might include diet changes or supplements. Avoid self-diagnosis.

Frequently Asked Questions

While severe scurvy is clearly linked to excruciating leg pain, even subclinical or low-grade vitamin C deficiency can cause non-specific muscle aches and joint pain due to impaired collagen and increased oxidative stress.

The pain is typically a deep, aching pain in the legs, especially in the long bones. In advanced cases of scurvy, bleeding under the bone's surface (subperiosteal hemorrhage) causes severe tenderness.

Vitamin C is necessary for making collagen, which forms the structural matrix of bones and cartilage. A deficiency weakens this structure, leading to fragile bones, cartilage breakdown, and painful hemorrhages.

With proper supplementation, significant improvement in pain can occur within one to two weeks, but complete resolution of musculoskeletal symptoms may take several weeks to months.

Other signs include fatigue, weakness, easy bruising, bleeding gums, tiny red or blue spots on the skin (petechiae), dry hair, and slow wound healing.

Those at highest risk include people with restrictive diets, alcoholics, older adults, smokers, and individuals with chronic diseases that affect nutrient absorption.

For most people, a balanced diet rich in fruits and vegetables is enough. However, if a deficiency is diagnosed or you are in a high-risk group, supplementation may be necessary to correct low levels.