The Tongue Can Determine a Vitamin C Deficiency

Summary

This video discusses how to identify a major vitamin C deficiency, particularly subclinical scurvy, through the signs on the tongue, such as glossitis and micro hemorrhages. It explains how vitamin C supports collagen and connective tissue, and without it, bruising and red spots can appear. Deficiency symptoms also include fatigue, bleeding gums, bone pain, and bruising, with diabetics being more susceptible. The video highlights foods rich in vitamin C, such as raw citrus, peppers, sauerkraut, leafy greens, and parsley, and emphasizes the importance of proper vitamin C intake for overall health.

Takeaways

• 😀 Vitamin C deficiency can be identified by examining the tongue, a condition known as scorbutic tongue, which shows signs like inflammation, redness, and micro-hemorrhages.
• 😀 Glossitis (inflammation of the tongue) can cause redness and red blotches, indicating a potential vitamin C deficiency.
• 😀 Vitamin C plays a crucial role in collagen production and connective tissue health, making it essential for the strength of the vascular system.
• 😀 A lack of vitamin C can lead to bruising, bleeding, and red spots, especially in areas like the tongue and lower legs.
• 😀 The deficiency of vitamin C progresses gradually, and symptoms can appear after around a month without vitamin C intake.
• 😀 Conditions like high blood sugar or diabetes can block vitamin C absorption because the body prioritizes sugar over vitamin C due to their similar chemical structure.
• 😀 Symptoms of vitamin C deficiency include fatigue, lethargy, sore muscles, bleeding gums, bone pain, and loose teeth.
• 😀 Red and purple spots on the skin, particularly in the lower legs, can indicate vitamin C deficiency, especially in individuals with diabetes.
• 😀 Vitamin C is essential for strengthening collagen, tendons, ligaments, and overall connective tissue health.
• 😀 Foods high in vitamin C include citrus fruits (raw), peppers (red and green), sauerkraut, leafy greens, Brussels sprouts, broccoli, parsley, and cabbage.
• 😀 Sauerkraut is particularly rich in vitamin C, offering up to 700 milligrams per cup, far exceeding the recommended daily allowance (RDA) of 90 milligrams.

Q & A

What is scorbutic tongue and how is it related to vitamin C deficiency?

Scorbutic tongue is a condition caused by vitamin C deficiency, characterized by glossitis (inflammation of the tongue). It results in a shiny, sometimes red tongue with red blotches due to micro-hemorrhaging in blood vessels.

How does vitamin C affect the body's connective tissue?

Vitamin C is essential for collagen production, which is a key component of connective tissue. Without enough vitamin C, the connective tissue, including the vascular system, weakens, leading to bruising, bleeding, and other related symptoms.

What are some other signs of vitamin C deficiency besides scorbutic tongue?

Other symptoms include fatigue, weakness, sore arms or legs, bleeding gums, loose teeth, bone pain, and the appearance of red or purple spots, particularly on the lower legs.

How long does it typically take for a vitamin C deficiency to show symptoms?

It usually takes about a month of not consuming vitamin C for symptoms of deficiency to appear.

What can interfere with the absorption of vitamin C, even if it's being consumed?

High sugar intake or high blood sugar levels (such as in diabetes) can block the absorption of vitamin C, as the chemistry of sugar and vitamin C is very similar. Sugar can outcompete vitamin C for absorption.

How does sugar affect vitamin C absorption in the body?

When you consume sugar and vitamin C together, the sugar can enter the bloodstream while the vitamin C is blocked from being absorbed due to their similar chemical structures.

What are the first symptoms of vitamin C deficiency that people may notice?

The first symptoms are usually fatigue, weakness, and lethargy. These can be accompanied by sore limbs or bleeding gums when brushing teeth.

Which foods are good sources of vitamin C?

Good sources of vitamin C include citrus fruits (like lemons), peppers (both red and green), sauerkraut, leafy greens, Brussels sprouts, broccoli, parsley, and cabbage.

Why is sauerkraut particularly beneficial for vitamin C intake?

Sauerkraut is particularly rich in vitamin C, with some varieties containing up to 700 milligrams per cup, which is significantly higher than the recommended daily allowance (RDA) of about 90 milligrams.

What is the impact of vitamin D deficiency, and how does it relate to vitamin C deficiency?

Vitamin D deficiency can also cause similar symptoms to vitamin C deficiency, like bone pain. Both vitamins are involved in the maintenance of connective tissues, so deficiencies in either can lead to weakened structures in the body.