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Related Experiment Video

Updated: Jul 5, 2026

A Rapid and Specific Microplate Assay for the Determination of Intra- and Extracellular Ascorbate in Cultured Cells

A Rapid and Specific Microplate Assay for the Determination of Intra- and Extracellular Ascorbate in Cultured Cells

Published on: April 11, 2014

Scurvy is still present in developed countries.

Bertha Velandia¹, Robert M Centor, Vicky McConnell

¹Department of Family Practice, University of Alabama, Huntsville, AL, USA.

Journal of General Internal Medicine

|May 7, 2008

Summary

Scurvy, a vitamin C deficiency, can occur in developed nations. This case highlights the importance of considering scurvy in adults with poor diets presenting with ecchymoses.

Area of Science:

Internal Medicine
Nutritional Science

Background:

Scurvy (vitamin C deficiency) remains a concern in developed countries despite fortified foods.
Prevalence of vitamin C deficiency was 10-14% in US adults in 1994 (NHANES).

Observation:

A 57-year-old male presented with leg ecchymoses, swelling, and dyspnea.
Symptoms were unresponsive to narcotic analgesics.
Differential diagnosis included scurvy after dietary history; trauma, coagulopathies, neoplasia, and vasculitides were excluded.

Findings:

Diagnosis of scurvy was confirmed by skin biopsy and low vitamin C levels.
The patient also had a concurrent zinc deficiency.

Implications:

Scurvy should be considered in the differential diagnosis for ecchymoses, especially in at-risk populations.

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Single adults and the elderly with poor diets are identified as at-risk groups for scurvy.