What is a common early sign of Vitamin C deficiency?

Bleeding gums is a common early sign of Vitamin C deficiency, which is also known as scurvy. Vitamin C, or ascorbic acid, plays a crucial role in the synthesis of collagen, an important protein that helps maintain the integrity of various tissues in the body, including the gums. When there is a deficiency in vitamin C, the collagen produced is weaker, leading to weakened blood vessels and an increase in bleeding, which is often observed in the gums as they become inflamed and prone to bleeding during normal brushing or flossing.

While other signs of Vitamin C deficiency can include issues like night blindness, dermatitis, or diarrhea, these are not typically the earliest manifestations. Night blindness is more related to Vitamin A deficiency, dermatitis may arise from various causes not strictly limited to vitamin deficiencies, and diarrhea is a non-specific symptom that can be linked to many other health issues. Thus, bleeding gums stands out as a classic and recognizable early indicator of Vitamin C deficiency.