Why is Vitamin C important in elderly healthcare?
In light of the recent pandemic, the role of vitamin C has emerged as a hero. More than ever, we have been made aware of the importance of immunity, macro/micronutrients, and nutrition's role in our health. Corona may have taught us the importance of Vitamin C, but what does it really do? What are the effects of its deficiency on our wellness? What are the signs of it’s deficiency? Let's find out!
Vitamin C is an essential nutrient for humans. Vitamin C deficiency and its symptoms are mainly caused by inadequate nutritional intake. Fruits and vegetables such as grapefruits, oranges, limes, lemons, spinach, broccoli, red peppers, and tomatoes naturally contain vitamin C. In addition, Vitamin C is heat-sensitive, so the nutritional value of raw foods is lost in preparation (boiling or cooking). Our body stores 1500mg of Vitamin C. Clinical symptoms appear when this level is dropped to 350mg or less.
Vitamin C is an essential nutrient for humans. Vitamin C deficiency and its symptoms are mainly caused by inadequate nutritional intake. Fruits and vegetables such as grapefruits, oranges, limes, lemons, spinach, broccoli, red peppers, and tomatoes naturally contain vitamin C. In addition, Vitamin C is heat-sensitive, so the nutritional value of raw foods is lost in preparation (boiling or cooking). Our body stores 1500mg of Vitamin C. Clinical symptoms appear when this level is dropped to 350mg or less.
These are some risk factors that result in Vitamin C deficiency
- Alcoholism
- Babies that are only fed cow's milk
- Diet poor in fruits and vegetables
- Smoking
- Individuals with eating disorders
- Individuals with Type 1 diabetes
- Individuals with disorders of the GI tract like inflammatory bowel disease.
- Individuals with iron overload, which leads to wasting of vitamin C by the kidneys
- Individuals with restrictive diets, food allergies
Here are the 8 most common signs and symptoms of vitamin C deficiency.
While severe vitamin C deficiency symptoms can take months to develop, there are some subtle signs to watch out for.
Vitamin C also helps the body to better absorb iron. This means lower risk of becoming anemic or developing many other health issues. As seniors age, vitamin deficiencies can occur for many reasons, such as skipped meals, medications interfering with the absorption of vitamins or certain health issues and their immune system begins to weaken. When this happens, it increases the risk of developing health conditions such as colds, the flu, and pneumonia. For seniors struggling to maintain healthy eating habits, NEODOCS Elderly care kit focuses on various parameters and wellness. This includes assessing Vitamin C levels,using urine dipstick and the Neodocs phone app. If you are going to be caring for your elderly loved one, it is important to make sure they are getting the vitamins they need. Also,it’s time to upgrade to Neodocs Smart Reports. Get better understanding of any blood reports along with dietary and other lifestyle recommendations to aid you to monitor health from just a Whatsapp number in your smart phone.Simply Whatsapp any blood report to +917400281971 and do away with googling your health concerns!
