Vitamin C in Human Health: Getting the Balance Just Right

Dr. Kumar’s Take:

This comprehensive review highlights that vitamin C is essential for human health because we cannot make it ourselves. The best approach is to get vitamin C from a balanced diet and thoughful supplementation during times of stress. People who eat plenty of fruits and vegetables will get enough vitamin C from food, but certain groups—like smokers or those with poor diets—should pay extra attention to their intake.

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Vitamin C Deficiency: Clinical Features, Risk Factors, and Modern Lessons from Scurvy

Dr. Kumar’s Take:

Vitamin C deficiency, or scurvy, isn’t just history, it’s a real health concern, even in developed countries. This StatPearls review covers the causes, warning signs, and best ways to both treat and prevent this condition. The bottom line: eating enough fruits and vegetables is key, but anyone with a restricted diet or health issues affecting absorption should consider monitoring and possibly supplementing vitamin C.

Key Takeaways:

✔ Scurvy is caused by a lack of vitamin C and can show up in just a few months of poor intake.
✔ Classic signs include fatigue, corkscrew hairs, bleeding gums, and easy bruising.
✔ Certain groups, like those with limited diets, alcohol use, or digestive issues, are at higher risk.
✔ Vitamin C is found in many fruits and vegetables; supplements are effective if diet alone isn’t enough.
✔ Symptoms can improve quickly with proper vitamin C treatment, often within days to weeks.

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