Kelly.oconnor: Created

2025-05-07T21:36:48Z

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== What Does It Mean? ==
Vitamin C Deficiency occurs when the body lacks adequate levels of vitamin C (ascorbic acid), a water-soluble vitamin essential for collagen synthesis, antioxidant protection, and immune function. Low levels of vitamin C can impair wound healing, weaken immune responses, and lead to anemia due to decreased iron absorption.

== How Did We Get There? ==

=== Root Causes: ===

* Poor Dietary Intake – Low consumption of fruits and vegetables.
* Malabsorption Disorders – Conditions such as Crohn’s disease or celiac disease impair nutrient absorption.
* Chronic Illness & Oxidative Stress – Increased demand for vitamin C in conditions such as infections, smoking, and chronic inflammation.
* Iron Deficiency – Vitamin C enhances iron absorption; deficiency can worsen anemia.
* Excessive Alcohol Consumption – Reduces vitamin C levels and impairs utilization.

=== Signs & Symptoms: ===

* Fatigue and weakness
* Easy bruising and slow wound healing
* Bleeding gums and gingivitis
* Dry, rough skin
* Joint and muscle pain
* Frequent infections due to weakened immunity

== Lab Test Findings ==
{| class="wikitable"
|'''Lab Test Name'''
|'''Expected Change'''
|'''Optimal Range'''
|-
|Albumin
|Decreased
|4.50-5.00 g/dL
|-
|Hematocrit
|Decreased
|40.00-48.00 %
|-
|Hemoglobin (Female)
|Decreased
|13.50-14.50 g/dL
|-
|Iron, Total
|Decreased
|85.00-130.00 ug/dL
|-
|Mean Corpuscular Hemoglobin (MCH)
|Decreased
|28.00-31.90 pg
|-
|Mean Corpuscular Hemoglobin Concentration (MCHC)
|Decreased
|32.00-35.00 g/dL
|-
|Mean Corpuscular Volume (MCV)
|Decreased or Normal
|82.00-89.00 fL
|-
|RBC (Male)
|Decreased or Normal
|4.20-4.90 million/µL
|-
|Vitamin C (Ascorbic Acid)
|Decreased
|1.30-4.00 mg/dL
|-
|
|
|
|}

== How Do We Treat It? ==

=== Functional Medicine Approach: ===
Correcting vitamin C deficiency involves increasing dietary intake, improving absorption, and targeted supplementation.

=== Supplement Protocol ===
{| class="wikitable"
|'''Supplement'''
|'''Function'''
|'''Dosage & Frequency'''
|-
|Vita Buffered C Powder
|Provides potent antioxidant protection and supports collagen synthesis
|½ scoop of powder with food, daily
|}

=== Additional Lifestyle Interventions: ===

* Increase Vitamin C-Rich Foods: Citrus fruits, bell peppers, strawberries, and leafy greens.
* Improve Gut Health: Optimize absorption with probiotics and digestive enzymes.
* Support Iron Absorption: Pair vitamin C intake with iron-rich foods to enhance bioavailability.
* Reduce Oxidative Stress: Lifestyle changes such as quitting smoking and reducing alcohol intake.

Vitamin C Deficiency - Revision history

Kelly.oconnor: Created