Vitamin C: Essential Functions and Symptoms of Deficiency (Scurvy Explained)

Vitamin C: Essential Functions and Symptoms of Deficiency (Scurvy Explained)

Functions and deficiency manifestation of vitamin C.
Answer.

Vitamin C

Vitamin C is also known as ascorbic acid

Functions Of Vitamin C

• Vitamin C is required as a coenzyme in hydroxylation of proline and lysine. Hydroxyproline and hydroxylysine are important constituents of collagen. Thus vitamin C is required for collagen synthesis
• Vitamin C is required for bone formation
• Vitamin C enhances iron absorption by keeping it in the reduced ferrous
• Vitamin C is essential for the hydroxylation of tryptophan to hydroxy tryptophan in the synthesis of serotonin
• Vitamin C is required for the oxidation of P hydroxy phenyl pyruvate to homogentisic acid in tyrosine metabolism
• Vitamin C is required for the reduction of dihydrofolate (FH2) to tetrahydrofolate (FH4). Tetrahydrofolate (FH4) is the active form of folic acid
• Vitamin C is required for the synthesis of steroid hormones

Vitamin C: Essential Functions and Symptoms of Deficiency (Scurvy)

• Vitamin C is a strong antioxidant. It spares vitamin A and vitamin E from oxidation
• Vitamin C enhances the synthesis of immunoglobulins
• Vitamin C increases the phagocytic activity of leucocytes
• Vitamin C is required for the formation of mucopolysaccharides
• Vitamin C is required for the functional activity of osteoblasts and fibroblasts
• Vitamin C is required for the formation of ferritin

Vitamin C Deficiency: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment

• Vitamin C is required for the electron transport chain
• Vitamin C activates the enzyme arginase and inhibits the enzymes urease and amylase
• Vitamin C is required as a coenzyme for the conversion of dopamine to norepinephrine
• Vitamin C is required for the formation of carnitine
• Vitamin C is required for the alpha oxidation of fatty acids
• Vitamin C plays a role in reduction of blood cholesterol level
• Vitamin C plays an important role in the reaction of the body to stress

Deficiency Of Vitamin C

• Vitamin C deficiency causes a disease called scurvy
• The capillaries are fragile and there is a tendency to haemorrhage
• The haemorrhage may be subcutaneous, subperiosteal or internal
• Wound healing is deficient due to decreased formation of collagen
• Poor teeth formation

Functions of Vitamin C in the Body: Importance for Skin and Immunity

• Gums are swollen, spongy and bleed on slightest pressure
• In severe infection there may be secondary infection, loosening and falling of teeth
• Mineralization of the bone is poor and the bones are weak and easily fractured
• Bones and joints are extremely painful

Scurvy Explained: Symptoms and How to Prevent Vitamin C Deficiency

• Hypochromic microcytic anemia
• Elderly bachelors and widowers, who prepare their own food, are particularly prone to the development of vitamin C deficiency.This is called bachelor scurvy.