Vitamin C (Ascorbic Acid)

Vitamin C is a water-soluble nutrient essential for life, and is used by the human body for many purposes.

Most animals and plants are able to synthesize their own source of vitamin C, expect for humans, and we require the intake of vitamin C to prevent the occurrence of several deficiency diseases, namely scurvy.

Vitamin C is weak acid, it sources can be found from citrus fruits like lime, lemon and orange.

A lack of vitamin C in the daily diet will lead to scurvy, a deficiency disease.

Scurvy

Scurvy, also known as Barlow's disease in infants, is caused by insufficient intake of vitamin C. This deficiency leads to the formation of livid spots on the skins, spongy gums, and excessive bleeding. The victim will look pale, feel depressed and will be partially immobilized. Scurvy was common among sailors at one time whose ships were on sail longer than perishable fruits and vegetables could store. The problem was solved when the citrus fruit lime was brought on board, which will stay fresh for long periods of time.

Symptoms of Scurvy

• Bleeding gums
• Fatigue
• Bruise-like marks on skin
• Spongy gums
• Cockscrew hairs 

Symptoms will only show after 3 months of deprivation of vitamin C. Scurvy left untreated is fatal. However upon intake of vitamin C the patient can be treated, thus death caused by scurvy is very rare in modern times.