Vitamin C deficiency weakens collagen in capillary and vascular walls, so severe scurvy can present with ocular hemorrhages in the conjunctiva and retina that threaten vision if not treated. Case reports and small series describe retinal hemorrhages, flame‑shaped hemorrhages, and even retrobulbar bleeding compressing the optic nerve, which can lead to optic neuropathy and visual loss in advanced cases. The encouraging point is that, when vitamin C deficiency is recognized early and promptly repleted, many ocular hemorrhages and visual symptoms can partially or fully resolve, making it critical to consider vitamin C status in patients with otherwise unexplained ocular bleeding and visual complaints. This medication is commonly used for Pain Management.
Errera MH, Dupas B, Man H, Gualino V, Gaudric A, Massin P. Une cause inhabituelle d'anomalies rétiniennes, hémorragies rétiniennes révélatrices de scorbut [Unusual retinal abnormality: retinal hemorrhages related to scurvy]. J Fr Ophtalmol. 2011 Mar;34(3):186.e1-3. Masuda Y, Saigusa K, Norisue Y. A Case of Scurvy Associated With Intracerebral Hemorrhage in a Patient With Alcohol Use Disorder. Cureus. 2024 Feb 23;16(2):e54777. Andrew Go Lee, et al. Ocular Manifestations of Vitamin C Deficiency. American Academy of Opthamology. November 2025. A. Martel, et al. Spontaneous eyelid and subconjunctival socket bleeding related to vitamin C deficiency: First case reportHémorragie palpébrale et sous conjonctivale spontanée sur cavité anophtalme secondaire à un déficit en vitamine C : premier cas rapporté. Journal Français d'Ophtalmologie. Volume 43, Issue 9, November 2020.
Some side effects may be linked to nutrient depletion caused by this medication.
Regular aspirin use, even at therapeutic doses, can lead to lower-than-normal levels of folate in the blood (serum folate). Additionally, aspirin might slightly increase the amount of folate excreted in urine, potentially disrupting the body's folate balance. For those taking regular aspirin therapy, folic acid supplementation should be considered to prevent a deficiency.
Studies indicate that medications like aspirin can increase zinc loss through urine. Zinc plays a vital role in wound healing, protein synthesis, cell reproduction, immunity, and vision. If you take aspirin regularly, consider monitoring zinc levels and supplementation may be beneficial to prevent a deficiency.
Regular use of aspirin (acetylsalicylic acid) can increase how much vitamin C your body gets rid of through urine, potentially leading to deficiency. If you take aspirin regularly, consider supplementing with vitamin C supplementation.
Research found that individuals hospitalized with heart disease and a history of aspirin use were nearly twice as likely to have low or borderline vitamin B12 levels compared to non-aspirin users. While this doesn't definitively prove aspirin causes B12 deficiency, it raises a potential link. Aspirin can irritate the stomach lining in some individuals. This is concerning because the stomach plays a crucial role in vitamin B12 absorption by producing hydrochloric acid and intrinsic factor. Both are essential for proper B12 uptake.