Vitamin C is a water-soluble vitamin that your body can neither produce nor store. It keeps the required amount and flushes out the excess. Therefore, you need to incorporate it into your daily routine. You must try your best to consume it through natural fruits like oranges, kiwis, strawberries, and vegetables like lemons, spinach, broccoli, kale, and bell peppers. But if you fail to meet its demands, take a supplement of vitamin C.
Kids who are aged between 1 to 3 years need 15mg of vitamin C per day. Kids aged between 4 to 8 need 25mg of vitamin C daily. Make sure your child meets the required amount of vitamin C. Otherwise, its deficiency can lead to scurvy, a condition in which bleeding of gum occurs with fatigue, rashes, and bruising. Moreover, many other bodily functions are also affected like the synthesis of collagen, prevention of infections, maintenance, and repair of bones, teeth, and cartilage.
Vitamin C deficiency shows many signs and symptoms. If your child has it, you may notice the following symptoms.
Rough skin
The skin of your child may become rough and bumpy. It happens because vitamin C plays a role in the synthesis of collagen- a protein present in connective tissues. Its deficiency can lead to a condition called keratosis pilaris. It is a condition in which bumps and chicken-like appearance occur on your skin. However, it can also occur due to other health conditions. If your child has the same complaint, take them to the skin specialist for evaluation and diagnosis.
Bright red spots
The hair follicles on your skin contain several tiny blood vessels that are responsible for blood and nutrient supply. If your child has a vitamin C deficiency, those tiny blood vessels may become fragile and weak, resulting in its breakage. Due to this, bright red spots appear over their skin. This condition is known as a perifollicular hemorrhage, and it is a documented sign of vitamin C deficiency. Taking vitamin C supplements can help in getting rid of it within two weeks.
Bleeding gums
To know about vitamin C deficiency in children, you must check their gums. Bleeding from gums can be an indicator of it. Since vitamin C plays a role in wound healing, and gums are sensitive to it, they start to bleed.
Nosebleeds
Frequent nosebleeds in children is a common sign of vitamin C deficiency. It occurs because the blood vessels inside your nose become fragile and breakable due to its deficiency. However, it can be a sign of some other blood diseases. Therefore, it is essential to rule out the root cause.
Wounds that do not heal
Vitamin C plays an essential role in healing wounds. If your children’s wound takes a longer time to heal, it may be possible that they are having vitamin C deficiency.
Recurrent infection
Vitamin C also plays a role in building the immune system. Therefore, if your child suffers from recurrent infections like cold and flu, it can be an indication of vitamin C deficiency.
Iron deficiency
Vitamin C plays an essential role in the absorption of iron. Even if your child is eating iron rich foods and has a deficiency of vitamin C, it may not help. To prevent iron deficiency and anemia, you must ensure that your child intakes an adequate quantity of vitamin C and folic acid too.
Fatigue
Vitamin C helps in keeping you energized and active. If your child becomes fatigued, cranky, or frustrated easily, it can be a sign of vitamin C deficiency.
Conclusion
Vitamin C is a water-soluble vitamin. Since your body can not store it, you need to consume it daily. To keep your children active and healthy, you must ensure that they get an adequate amount of vitamin C daily. Moreover, if you notice any of the above-mentioned symptoms in your child, take them to the healthcare professional soon.