Vitamin C Deficiency
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
| 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
| 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.