The vitamin C deficiency pictures below are a reminder of how important this essential nutrient is to our body. The symptoms of vitamin C deficiency, also known as scurvy, normally begin several months after a person stops getting a sufficient amount of vitamin C in their diet. The Recommended Daily Allowance (RDA) for vitamin C is around 90 mg for an adult male, just enough to prevent scurvy. Many notable nutritionists agree this is not enough to provide significant health benefits.

It is also important to note that the need for vitamin C increases during times of particular stress including fever, inflammation, diarrhea, dehydration, smoking, hyperthyroidism, iron deficiency, surgery, burns, and protein deficiency. Therefore the recommended daily allowance must be increased to compensate for these instances.

Some of the initial symptoms of scurvy may include:

• Bleeding and swollen gums
• Severe joint pain
• Shortness of breath
• Redness and swelling in joints
• Easily bruised skin
• Hair begins to dry and split