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Congestive cardiomyopathy and haemochromatosis--rapid progression possibly accelerated by excessive ingestion of
Australian and New Zealand Journal of Medicine
|April 1, 1982
Insights
High-dose ascorbic acid (vitamin C) ingestion may contribute to rapidly fatal cardiomyopathy and heart failure. This case highlights potential risks associated with excessive vitamin C supplementation.
Area of Science:
- Cardiology
- Nutritional Science
- Pathology
Background:
- Cardiomyopathy is a significant cause of heart failure.
- Idiopathic hemochromatosis is a genetic disorder of iron metabolism.
- Ascorbic acid (vitamin C) is an essential nutrient with antioxidant properties.
Abstract:
We describe rapidly fatal cardiomyopathy in a young man. He had for twelve months ingested large amounts of ascorbic acid and was admitted with severe heart failure having been symptomatic for two months. He died after eight days. Idiopathic haemochromatosis was diagnosed at autopsy. The clinical and laboratory features are discussed and the possible implications of ascorbic acid ingestion are explored.