Vitamin C, also known as ascorbic acid, is a vitamin found in many fruits and vegetables which plays a vital role in the formation of collagen.
A deficiency of vitamin C causes scurvy, features of which include:
- Bruising
- Fatigue
- Gingival hyperplasia
- Bleeding
- Anaemia
- Bone pain
- Myalgia
- Corkscrew hairs
Reasons for deficiency include
- Poor diet
- Alcoholism
- Food faddism
- Psychiatric illness
- Haemodialysis (as vitamin C is not reabsorbed by the kidneys)
Treatment is to increase vitamin C intake.
Small print gem: clinical manifestations of scurvy can be seen within 8 to 12 weeks of inadequate intake.
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