Topics included : Dietary sources, Deficiency, signs & symptoms, Dietary modifications, Treatment.

1. VITAMIN - C
Harini Ayyannagari

2. Agenda
Introduction
Dietary Sources
Deficiency
Signs & Symptoms
Dietary Modifications
Treatment

3. Introduction
Vitamin C which is also known as Ascorbic acid is a water-soluble vitamin
that is necessary for normal growth and development. It is an antioxidant
that helps maintain the connective tissue protein collagen, protects
against infection, and helps iron absorption . It is essential in the body to
form collagen in bones, cartilage, muscle, and blood vessels and aids in
the absorption of iron.

4. Dietary Sources
RICH MODERATE POOR
Citrus Fruits
(oranges, kiwi, lemon,
grapefruit)
Bell peppers ,
Tomatoes
Strawberries
Cruciferous Vegetables
Milk
Green Olives
Dates , Dried
Apricots
Apple Juice
Brussels
sprouts
Papayas
Chilli Peppers

5. Deficiency
Scurvy
Barlow’s Disease
Hemorrhagic tendency
Petechial Haemorrhages
Ecchymoses
Internal Bleeding

6. Signs & Symptoms
 Scurvy :
Sore gums, Loose teeth, Swollen joints & brittle bones, Fragile blood
vessels, Increased Capillary fragility, Impaired wound healing, Anaemia
& growth retardation , decreased Immunocompetence.

7.  Hemorrhagic tendency :
In ascorbic acid deficiency, collagen is abnormal & the intracellular cement
substance is brittle , so capillaries are fragile, leading to the tendency to bleed
even under minor pressure.
 Petechial haemorrhages :
Occurs due to rupture of capillaries, resulting from lack of intracellular substances.
 Ecchymoses :
Or even hematoma occurs in severe conditions.
It is discoloration of skin resulting from bleeding underneath, typically caused by
bruising.
 Internal Bleeding :
In severe cases, haemorrhage may occur in the conjunctiva & retina.

8. Dietary Modifications

9. Recommended Amounts
The Recommended Dietary Allowance for adults 19 years and older is :
• 90 mg daily for men and
• 75 mg for women.
For pregnancy and lactation :
• The amount increases to 85 mg and 120 mg daily, respectively.
Smoking can deplete vitamin C levels in the body :
• So an additional 35 mg beyond the RDA is suggested for smokers.
The intestines have a limited ability to absorb vitamin C. Studies have shown that
absorption of vitamin C decreases to less than 50% when taking amounts greater than 1000
mg.
Clinical doses are 500mg/day

10. • Vitamin C improves the absorption of non heme iron, the type of iron found
in plant foods such as leafy greens. Drinking a small glass of 100% fruit juice
or including a vitamin-C-rich food with meals can help boost iron absorption.
• Vitamin C can be destroyed by heat and light. High-heat cooking
temperatures or prolonged cook times can break down the vitamin. Because
it is water-soluble, the vitamin can also seep into cooking liquid and be lost if
the liquids are not eaten. Quick heating methods or using as little water as
possible when cooking, such as stir-frying or blanching, can preserve the
vitamin. Foods at peak ripeness eaten raw contain the most vitamin C.

11. Treatment

12. Treatment
• Vitamin C supplements
• A nutritious diet with increased consumption of fresh fruits and vegetables
• For scurvy, high doses of vitamin C supplements
• Scurvy is treated with high doses of daily vitamin C supplements, followed by a
nutritious diet that supplies 1 to 2 times the daily recommended amount of
vitamin-C.
The diet should include increased consumption of fresh fruits and vegetables.