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ALL / Clinical Sciences
Vitamin C deficiency (scurvy)
Vitamin C deficiency (scurvy)
Vitamin C (ascorbic acid) is found in citrus fruits, tomatoes, potatoes, Brussel sprouts, cauliflower, broccoli, cabbage and spinach. Deficiency (commonly called scurvy) leads to impaired collagen synthesis and disordered connective tissue as ascorbic acid is a cofactor for enzymes used in the production of proline and lysine. It is associated with severe malnutrition as well as drug and alcohol abuse, and those living in poverty with limited access to fruits and vegetables.Symptoms and signs include:
- Follicular hyperkeratosis and perifollicular haemorrhage
- Ecchymosis, easy bruising
- Poor wound healing
- Gingivitis with bleeding and receding gums
- Sjogren's syndrome
- Arthralgia
- Oedema
- Impaired wound healing
- Generalised symptoms such as weakness, malaise, anorexia and depression
+PassMedicine Notes
Vitamin C (ascorbic acid) is found in citrus fruits, tomatoes, potatoes, Brussel sprouts, cauliflower, broccoli, cabbage and spinach. Deficiency (commonly called scurvy) leads to impaired collagen synthesis and disordered connective tissue as ascorbic acid is a cofactor for enzymes used in the production of proline and lysine. It is associated with severe malnutrition as well as drug and alcohol abuse, and those living in poverty with limited access to fruits and vegetables.
Symptoms and signs include:- Follicular hyperkeratosis and perifollicular haemorrhage
- Ecchymosis, easy bruising
- Poor wound healing
- Gingivitis with bleeding and receding gums
- Sjogren's syndrome
- Arthralgia
- Oedema
- Impaired wound healing
- Generalised symptoms such as weakness, malaise, anorexia and depression