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Vitamin C Deficiency and Gluten Sensitivity

Vitamin C Found To Reduce Inflammation Caused by Gluten

A new research study has identified that vitamin C reduces inflammatory damage induced by gluten. The authors of the study state the following:
Ascorbate decreases the mucosal inflammatory response to gluten…
Research Resource: Allergol Immunopathol (Madr). 2012 Jan-Feb;40(1):3-8. Epub 2011 Mar 21.

Gluten Induced Damage Can Cause Vitamin C Deficiency

This is just one more reason to make sure that you are checking your vitamin and mineral levels twice per year. So many of us are cross contaminated with gluten on a regular basis, and every bit of help from nutrition is worth investigating. It is a well established fact that gluten can contribute to vitamin and mineral deficiencies. Most doctors measure for iron and vitamin D levels as part of their standard laboratory follow up in patients with celiac disease. Unfortunately, only looking at iron and vitamin D is not comprehensive enough because nutritional deficiencies can reduce a patients ability to heal and respond to a gluten free diet. Vitamin C is a potent immune modulator, helps with antioxidant function, helps the brain make dopamine, helps the adrenal glands make epinephrine, norepinephrine, and cortisol, helps the skin and cardiovascular system maintain their elasticity and integrity… Some of the most common symptoms of vitamin C deficiency are bleeding gums, and easy bruising. Below, I have listed additional information about vitamin C (ascorbate) for your benefit. You should be aware however, that many forms of vitamin C are derived form corn. As corn can be a problem, make sure to check your brand. I use this brand of corn free vitamin C with my patients.

Benefits of Vitamin C

  • Improved blood vessel and cardiovascular integrity
  • Enhances hormone healthy and reduces hormone unhealthy actions
  • Enhances proper neurotransmitter functions
  • Promotes immune system health
  • Enhances nitrous oxide (NO) functions (potent chemical that regulates antioxidant status and blood pressure)
  • Enhances and repairs detoxification functions
  • Enhances ATP energy compound production
  • Enhances healthy bone formation
  • Enhances and rebuilds glutathione (a potent antioxidant system and liver detoxifier) functions
  • Promotes iron balance [uptake and release]
  • Reduces bioaccumulation of toxins
  • Improves gastric transit time
  • Protects DNA from oxidative damage
  • Reduces toxic minerals in body
  • Enhances natural anti-cancer surveillance
  • Direct tumor cytolytic (killing) effects

Signs & Symptoms of Vitamin C Deficiency:

  • Dry and splitting hair
  • Inflammation of the gums (gingivitis)
  • Rough, dry, scaly skin (hyperkeratosis)
  • Easy bruising and slow healing
  • Infertility
  • Histamine elevations (leads to increased environmental allergies)
  • Easy bruising
  • Spontaneous nosebleeds
  • Weakened enamel of the teeth
  • Swollen and painful joints
  • Gallstone formation
  • Anemia
  • Increased susceptibility to infection
  • Weight gain (due to metabolic slowing)
  • Weight loss

Drugs/Medications that deplete or interfere with Vitamin C:

  • Aspirin and other NSAIDS
  • Birth control pills (oral contraceptives and hormone replacement)
  • Cyclosporine
  • Corticosteroids and glucocorticoids
  • Furosemide (Lasix), and other diuretics such as caffeine
  • Heparin and coumadin (blood thinners)

Food Sources for Vitamin C:

High: Acercola cherries, broccoli, brussel sprouts, collards, guava, rose hips, black currant Moderate: Cabbage, spinach, citrus fruits, strawberries, cauliflower, chives, green peppers (jalapenos), red peppers, watermelon, tomatoes, kiwi, mango, cranberries, potatoes, winter squash, raspberries, blueberries, pineapple  

16 Responses

  1. My fiancee was bedridden in his 30’s from his MS, for three years he has gone organic and gluten free, No MS Med’s and he is on the mend..if I hadn’t seen it with my own eyes and lived through it with him I wouldn’t believe the impact diet and supplements has on this disease!!

  2. The most physically apparent symptom of autoimmune disorder I had was rosacea and occular rosacea that could not be attributed to any viral or bacterial source. I’ve read so many websites and publications about rosacea and how there is currently no known cause or cure. However, mine completely cleared up after I stopped eating gluten. I find it profoundly disturbing that sites like rosacea.org among others have no problem directing you to yet another 40 dollar bottle of cream that will not work and in some cases will enflame the skin even more but I have yet to find any mention of gluten. Rosacea is an autoimmune disease. And I don’t have it anymore; and thank God.

    1. I had the same experience. I had rosacea on my face and it slowly cleared up after I eliminated gluten from my diet. I had also had chronic yeast infections. They also went away. It’s funny though, doctors won’t acknowledge the correlation. It is quite evident to me.

  3. That seems my case too. I started a gluten-free diet 2 weeks ago and my face impressingly improved. I suffer from papulopustular rosacea and I used to have 5 to 8 papules or pustules around my face. Since I started the gluten-free diet the amount of papules and pustules has decreased a lot to a number of 1 or 2. I think it will continue to improve in the coming days.

    1. Same here. I started a gluten free diet and my rosacea (with acne) disappeared. And now, from time to time I eat a bit of gluten (when I dine out) and I get the redness and my skin looks not healthy for 4-5 days. I also happens when I drink more than a glass of red wine.

  4. Thank you for all the information on gluten and processed foods….these poisons must be eliminated from our food supply or the price will be very high…

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