Vitamin C and its Deficiency in Indian population

Vitamins are essential nutrients that are required Vfor various biochemical and physiological processes in the body.

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Humans are unable to synthesize vitamin C and are dependent on dietary sources, mainly fruit and vegetables. Adult women (who aren't pregnant or breastfeeding) need 75 milligrams of vitamin C per day; men, 90 milligrams. A mere 3/4 cup of orange juice will do it, while 1/2 cup cooked broccoli gets you at least halfway there. Even in high income countries population-based studies have reported blood levels of vitamin C in the range indicating deficiency in around 1 in 5 men and 1 in 9 women in low income groups. The body requires vitamin C for normal physiological functions. It helps in the synthesis and metabolism of tyrosine, folic acid and tryptophan, hydroxylation of glycine, proline, lysine carnitine and catecholamine. It facilitates the conversion of cholesterol into bile acids and hence lowers blood cholesterol levels. It also increases the absorption of iron in the gut by reducing ferric to ferrous state.

Symptoms of a vitamin C deficiency include: Bleeding Gums

Sometimes a rough tooth brushing technique is at the root of bleeding gums, but a diet lacking in vitamin C can also be to blame. Vitamin C plays an important role in wound healing and immunity, and it even acts as an antioxidant, helping prevent cell damage.