I cannot provide specific symptoms of vitamin C deficiency in horses because the provided search results do not contain that information. However, I can offer some general information about vitamin C.
Vitamin C, also known as ascorbic acid, is a water-soluble, carbohydrate-like substance involved in animal metabolism. While most animals can produce vitamin C, some, like humans and other primates, need it in their diet to prevent scurvy.
Why is Vitamin C Important?
Vitamin C is crucial for synthesizing collagen, a protein vital for connective tissue formation and wound healing. It also functions as an antioxidant, protecting against damage from free radicals, and helps stimulate the immune system.
What Happens if You Don’t Get Enough Vitamin C?
A deficiency in vitamin C can lead to scurvy, a disease characterized by:
- Soreness and stiffness in the joints and lower extremities
- Rigidity
- Swollen and bloody gums
- Hemorrhages in the body’s tissues
How Can You Get Enough Vitamin C?
Citrus fruits and fresh vegetables are excellent dietary sources of vitamin C. However, vitamin C is easily destroyed by oxygen, especially in neutral or alkaline solutions, or at high temperatures, making it difficult to preserve in foods.
People Also Ask
What is ascorbic acid?
Ascorbic acid is another name for vitamin C, a water-soluble substance essential for various metabolic processes in animals. It acts as an antioxidant and is crucial for collagen synthesis, supporting connective tissue and wound healing.
Why do humans need vitamin C in their diet?
Humans, along with other primates, cannot synthesize vitamin C internally, making it a necessary dietary component. Adequate vitamin C intake prevents scurvy, a disease characterized by joint pain, swollen gums, and hemorrhages.
How much vitamin C do adults need?
Adults need relatively large amounts of vitamin C; for instance, an adult man needs about 70 mg per day. Since vitamin C is easily destroyed, consuming fresh, vitamin-C-rich foods is essential.
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