15 Signs You’re Vitamin C Deficient

1. Rough, bumpy skin

Take a closer look at your skin. Do you spot rough and bumpy skin, especially on the back of your upper arms? If the answer is without question, yes, you might have keratosis pilaris, a skin condition that shows up on your body when you’re not getting enough vitamin C.

It happens because vitamin C plays an essential role in collagen production. The protein itself (collagen) acts as a building block for healthy joints, skin, bones, and other connective tissues. That’s why low vitamin C levels could translate to keratosis pilaris.

In general, this skin condition appears after four or five months of inadequate vitamin C intake. Fortunately, the problem is solved with supplements once it is detected.

Note: Typically, keratosis pilaris is caused by a vitamin C deficiency, but there are other potential root causes. Talk to your doctor before rushing to the pharmacy. There might be something else going on in your body.

2. Corkscrew-shaped body hair

Another quite strange sign of being vitamin C deficient is having corkscrew-shaped hair on your body. Now, maybe you’re wondering what’s the connection between vitamin C deficiency and body hair…

Apart from acting as a building block for bones, joints, and skin, collagen, the protein resulting from adequate amounts of vitamin C, is also responsible for promoting healthy hair. When you’re not getting the recommended daily intake, you may spot corkscrew-shaped hair on your body.

Unfortunately, the same vitamin C deficiency also causes damage to the hair; therefore, you might not see this vitamin C deficiency sign since the damaged hair will most likely fall out.

However, if you’re lucky enough to spot it, taking the recommended amounts of vitamin C will restore the health of your hair within one or two months.