What happens if the body is deficient in vitamin C?

November 8, 2025 •

3 min read

According to the National Institutes of Health, while severe vitamin C deficiency resulting in scurvy is rare in developed countries, inadequacy still affects some populations, notably those with restrictive diets. But what happens if the body is deficient in vitamin C for an extended period, leading to a breakdown in vital bodily functions?.

Quick Summary

A lack of vitamin C impairs collagen synthesis and compromises immune function, leading to symptoms like fatigue, slow wound healing, and bleeding gums. Severe deficiency results in scurvy, a disease that can cause anemia, joint pain, and other serious complications.

Key Points

Essential Nutrient: Vitamin C is vital and cannot be produced by the body.
Collagen Synthesis: Deficiency impairs production of collagen, a key structural protein.
Common Symptoms: Signs include fatigue, slow wound healing, and bleeding gums.
Scurvy: Severe, long-term deficiency leads to scurvy with life-threatening complications.
Reversible Effects: Symptoms can improve quickly with increased vitamin C intake.
Treatment: Increasing dietary sources and supplements are effective treatments.
Prevention: A balanced diet rich in fruits and vegetables is crucial.

The role of vitamin C in the body

Vitamin C, or ascorbic acid, is a crucial water-soluble vitamin that the human body cannot produce. It is essential for numerous bodily functions and must be obtained through diet. A key function is its role in synthesizing collagen, a protein vital for skin, bones, tendons, and blood vessels. Vitamin C also acts as an antioxidant, protecting cells from damage, supports immune function, aids wound healing, and improves iron absorption from plant sources. When vitamin C levels are low, these vital processes falter.

Symptoms and consequences of vitamin C deficiency

Early signs of vitamin C deficiency are often vague, including weakness and fatigue. With ongoing deficiency, symptoms related to impaired collagen and weakened connective tissues become more apparent after a few months.

Common physical symptoms include:

Bleeding gums and dental issues: Weakened blood vessels can cause gums to bleed easily and become tender, potentially leading to tooth loss.
Easy bruising: Fragile blood vessels result in easy bruising with minimal trauma.
Slow wound healing: Reduced collagen production hinders wound repair, and old wounds may reopen.
Dry and rough skin: Vitamin C is needed for healthy skin and collagen; deficiency can cause rough, dry, and bumpy skin.
Hair changes: Hair can become dry, brittle, and take on a corkscrew shape.
Painful, swollen joints: Lack of collagen in joint tissues can lead to pain and swelling.
Anemia: Impaired iron absorption can result in iron deficiency anemia, causing fatigue.
Weakened immune response: A compromised immune system increases susceptibility to infections.

Progression to scurvy

Scurvy is the severe form of vitamin C deficiency, occurring after at least three months of insufficient intake. While rare today, it can affect certain populations. Untreated scurvy can be life-threatening, causing severe weakness, pain, swelling, and internal bleeding.

Comparison of deficiency and scurvy


Feature	Mild to Moderate Vitamin C Deficiency	Severe Vitamin C Deficiency (Scurvy)
Onset	Gradual, over weeks to months	After at least three months of insufficient intake
Fatigue	General weakness and lethargy	Severe exhaustion and irritability
Connective Tissue	Easy bruising, slow wound healing	Spontaneous hemorrhages under the skin and into joints; poor wound healing, old wounds reopening
Oral Health	Mild gingivitis, bleeding gums	Swollen, purple, spongy gums; eventual tooth loss
Skin and Hair	Rough, bumpy, dry skin; dry, splitting hair	Follicular hyperkeratosis, corkscrew hairs, widespread bruising
Immune Function	Weakened response, increased susceptibility to infection	Severe impairment, increased risk of serious infections
Mental State	Mild irritability, low mood	Depression, confusion, delirium

Diagnosis and treatment

Diagnosing vitamin C deficiency involves reviewing diet and health, considering risk factors, and may include a blood test for plasma ascorbic acid levels. In severe cases, doctors may look for physical signs of scurvy.

Treatment is effective and involves increasing vitamin C intake through diet and/or supplements. Symptoms often improve rapidly.

Strategies for correcting a vitamin C deficiency

Boost dietary intake: Consume more fresh fruits and vegetables like oranges, peppers, broccoli, strawberries, kiwis, and spinach.
Consider supplements: If diet is insufficient, supplements can help. Consult a healthcare provider.
Address underlying causes: If conditions like malabsorption or lifestyle factors like smoking are the cause, these need to be managed.

Conclusion

While scurvy is uncommon, maintaining adequate vitamin C is essential for health. Deficiency affects connective tissues, immune function, and mental well-being. These effects are reversible with increased vitamin C intake through diet and supplementation. Recognizing the signs of deficiency early is crucial to prevent serious complications.

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK493187/

Disclaimer: The information provided in this article is for general knowledge and informational purposes only, and does not constitute medical advice. It is essential to consult with a qualified healthcare professional for any health concerns or before making any decisions related to your health or treatment.

Frequently Asked Questions

Vitamin C deficiency occurs when the body does not have enough vitamin C, an essential nutrient it cannot produce on its own. This lack can impair various bodily functions, particularly collagen synthesis and immune function.

Early symptoms are often non-specific and include fatigue, weakness, and irritability.

A deficiency can lead to dry, rough, or bumpy skin and dry, brittle hair that may curl into a corkscrew shape due to compromised collagen and connective tissues.

Scurvy is the severe form of vitamin C deficiency that develops after at least three months of inadequate intake. It is characterized by more serious symptoms like widespread bruising, severe joint pain, and potential internal bleeding.

Diagnosis typically involves a review of diet and symptoms, considering risk factors, and may be confirmed with a blood test to measure plasma ascorbic acid levels.

Treatment involves increasing vitamin C intake through a diet rich in fruits and vegetables, and sometimes with supplements. Addressing underlying causes like malabsorption is also important.

Yes, it can be prevented by consuming a balanced diet that includes good sources of vitamin C, such as citrus fruits, berries, and vegetables like broccoli and peppers.

With increased vitamin C intake, symptoms often begin to improve dramatically within days or weeks.