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[Vitamin C deficiency]
1Service de médecine interne, hôpital Jean-Verdier, Assistance publique-Hôpitaux de Paris faculté de médecine, UPRES EA-3409, université Paris-Nord, avenue du 14-juillet, 93143 Bondy cedex, France. olivier.fain@jvr.ap-hop-paris.fr
La Revue De Medecine Interne
|December 8, 2004
Summary
Hypovitaminosis C, or vitamin C deficiency, is common in at-risk groups and can lead to scurvy. Early detection and treatment with ascorbic acid are crucial to prevent severe health complications.
Area of Science:
- Nutritional Biochemistry
- Human Physiology
- Public Health
Context:
- Hypovitaminosis C is frequently observed in specific populations, including elderly individuals, those living alone, the homeless, and individuals with psychiatric conditions or restrictive diets.
- This deficiency is often underestimated in the general population, despite its prevalence.
Purpose:
- To describe the clinical manifestations, diagnostic criteria, and treatment of scurvy, a condition resulting from prolonged ascorbic acid deficiency.
- To highlight the long-term health risks associated with chronic vitamin C depletion and the implications for dietary recommendations.
Summary:
- Scurvy, caused by insufficient ascorbic acid intake (typically from a lack of fresh fruits and vegetables), manifests after approximately 3 months.
- Clinical symptoms include weakness, myalgia, arthralgia, vascular purpura, hemorrhagic syndrome, and oral issues like gingivorragia and tooth loss.
- Biological markers are nonspecific, but low serum ascorbic acid levels (<2.5 mg/l), interpreted alongside acute phase responses, aid diagnosis. Leucocyte ascorbic acid levels are more indicative of body stores but are not routinely available.
- Treatment involves daily administration of 1 gram of vitamin C for 15 days.
Impact:
- Vitamin C depletion, indicated by serum ascorbic acid levels between 2-5 mg/l, is linked to increased long-term risks of cardiovascular disease, cancer, and cataracts.
- The updated recommended dietary allowance for vitamin C (110 mg/day for adults) aims to mitigate these chronic health risks.