How Prevalent is Vitamin C Deficiency Today?

January 5, 2026 •

3 min read

While severe vitamin C deficiency leading to scurvy is relatively uncommon in developed countries today, recent data reveals that marginal deficiency is far more widespread than many realize. Understanding how prevalent is vitamin C deficiency is critical for identifying at-risk populations and promoting better health outcomes globally.

Quick Summary

The prevalence of vitamin C deficiency varies significantly across the globe due to factors like diet, lifestyle, and socioeconomic status. High-risk groups include smokers, the elderly, and individuals with restrictive diets or certain medical conditions.

Key Points

Prevalence Varies Widely: The global prevalence of vitamin C deficiency is not uniform, with significantly higher rates in low-income regions compared to some developed countries.
Marginal Deficiency is Common: While severe scurvy is rare in developed nations, marginal vitamin C deficiency still affects a notable percentage of the population.
Key Risk Groups Exist: Smokers, the elderly, individuals with restrictive diets, and people with malabsorption conditions are at a heightened risk for deficiency.
Look for Subtle Symptoms: Early signs can be non-specific, including fatigue, irritability, and muscle aches, which can easily be mistaken for other issues.
Scurvy is the Severe Form: Scurvy is the clinical manifestation of severe, long-term vitamin C deprivation, causing more dramatic symptoms like bleeding gums and poor wound healing.
Prevention is Key: Eating a diet rich in fresh fruits and vegetables is the primary way to prevent deficiency, with supplements available for those with insufficient intake.

Global and Regional Prevalence Rates

Vitamin C, or ascorbic acid, is a vital nutrient that humans must obtain from their diet as our bodies cannot synthesize it. Its deficiency can have a range of negative health impacts, from mild symptoms like fatigue to the severe condition known as scurvy. The prevalence of vitamin C deficiency is not uniform worldwide, with rates differing dramatically based on region, wealth, and access to nutritious foods.

Studies reveal a wide disparity in deficiency rates:

United States: Data from the 2017–2018 National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey showed that approximately 5.9% of the population aged 20 or older was deficient. Additional regional prevalence data is available on {Link: Medscape Reference https://emedicine.medscape.com/article/125350-overview}.

Understanding the Difference: Deficiency vs. Scurvy

It is important to differentiate between general vitamin C deficiency and the severe, historical disease of scurvy.


Feature	Marginal Vitamin C Deficiency	Severe Vitamin C Deficiency (Scurvy)
Symptom Onset	Gradual, often mistaken for other issues.	After several months of very low intake (below 10 mg/day).
Common Symptoms	Fatigue, weakness, irritability, muscle aches, and dry skin.	Classic symptoms including bleeding gums, petechiae (small red-blue skin spots), corkscrew hairs, joint pain and swelling, and poor wound healing.
Severity	Mild to moderate. Symptoms are often vague but can impact overall well-being.	Severe and potentially life-threatening if left untreated, leading to anemia, jaundice, and organ failure.
Underlying Issue	Inadequate dietary intake falling below the recommended daily allowance, but above the minimal amount to prevent scurvy.	Extremely low intake of vitamin C-rich foods for an extended period.
Prevalence	More common, even in developed countries, particularly in at-risk populations.	Rare in developed countries, mainly seen in cases of severe malnutrition.

Primary Risk Factors for Inadequacy

Several groups are at a higher risk of developing a vitamin C deficiency due to lifestyle, diet, or health status. These include:

Smokers, who need extra vitamin C to counteract oxidative stress.
The elderly, especially those with poor dietary habits.
Individuals with limited access to or intake of fresh fruits and vegetables.
People with malabsorption conditions like Crohn's disease or those post-bariatric surgery.
Infants fed unfortified cow's milk.
Chronic alcoholics, due to poor diet and nutrient absorption.

Symptoms and Health Impacts

Recognizing the signs of deficiency is key. Common symptoms range in severity and include:

Fatigue and irritability.
Rough skin, easy bruising, and petechiae.
Swollen, bleeding gums.
Joint and muscle pain.
Poor wound healing.
Anemia, due to impaired iron absorption.
Adverse mood and cognitive effects, such as depression and confusion.

Prevention and Treatment

Vitamin C deficiency is preventable and treatable, primarily through dietary changes and supplementation.

Prevention

Consume a variety of fresh, raw fruits and vegetables, such as citrus fruits, peppers, kiwi, strawberries, broccoli, and Brussels sprouts.
Minimize nutrient loss by opting for raw preparations or using cooking methods like steaming or microwaving.
High-risk individuals may benefit from regular screening and supplementation under medical guidance.

Treatment

For confirmed deficiency, healthcare providers may recommend vitamin C supplements.
Alongside supplementation, adopting a diet rich in vitamin C is crucial for recovery and preventing recurrence.

Conclusion

While severe scurvy is uncommon in many parts of the world today, marginal vitamin C deficiency remains a public health issue. Prevalence rates vary based on geography, diet, and socioeconomic factors. Identifying risk factors and subtle symptoms is important for taking proactive steps, including dietary adjustments and potential supplementation, to ensure adequate vitamin C intake and improve overall health. For more detailed information, refer to {Link: Medscape Reference https://emedicine.medscape.com/article/125350-overview}.

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, although overt scurvy is rare, marginal deficiency is still present. Data from the NHANES survey indicates that an estimated 5.9% of adults were deficient in 2017–2018, with rates varying by demographic.

High-risk groups include cigarette smokers, the elderly, individuals with poor or restrictive diets, people with malabsorption issues, infants fed unfortified milk, and those with alcoholism or certain chronic diseases.

Early symptoms can be non-specific, such as fatigue, weakness, and irritability. More pronounced signs include easy bruising, dry skin, bleeding gums, joint pain, and slow wound healing. A blood test by a healthcare provider is needed for a definitive diagnosis.

No. Scurvy is the name for the severe form of vitamin C deficiency that results from prolonged, extremely low intake. Many people with a deficiency may not develop the full symptoms of scurvy.

Excellent food sources include citrus fruits like oranges and grapefruit, red and green peppers, kiwifruit, broccoli, strawberries, and Brussels sprouts. Eating these fresh or lightly cooked helps retain more of the nutrient.

Yes. Vitamin C is water-soluble and heat-sensitive, so prolonged cooking or boiling can significantly reduce its content in foods. Steaming or microwaving can help minimize this loss.

Treatment involves increasing vitamin C intake, typically through supplements and dietary changes. A healthcare provider can recommend the appropriate dosage, which is often followed by a maintenance plan of a nutritious diet.