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Ascorbic acid deficiency in malignant diseases: a clinical and biochemical study.
British Journal of Cancer
|August 1, 1974
Summary
Patients with cancer often have low vitamin C (ascorbic acid) levels, increasing their risk of scurvy. Inadequate dietary intake is the primary cause of this depletion in patients with malignant disease.
Area of Science:
- Nutritional Biochemistry
- Oncology
- Clinical Medicine
Background:
- Vitamin C deficiency is a concern in patients with malignant diseases.
- Subclinical scurvy can present with physical signs and altered physiological parameters.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess the vitamin C status in patients with malignant disease.
- To investigate the relationship between vitamin C levels, physical signs, and dietary intake.
Main Methods:
- Leukocyte vitamin C levels were measured in 50 patients with malignant disease.
- Physical examination for signs of scurvy was conducted.
- Dietary intake of ascorbic acid was assessed.
Main Results:
- 46 out of 50 patients exhibited low leukocyte vitamin C levels (< 18 μg/10^8 WBC).
- 30 patients had very low levels (< 12.5 μg/10^8 WBC).
- Decreased capillary fragility correlated with the lowest vitamin C levels, and inadequate dietary intake was identified as the main cause.
Conclusions:
- Vitamin C depletion is prevalent in patients with malignant disease.
- Low vitamin C levels are associated with subclinical scurvy and impaired capillary fragility.
- Dietary interventions are crucial for managing vitamin C status in these patients.