Post mortem tissue levels of ascorbic acid in a scurvy case

Ascorbic acid (Vitamin C) deficiency varies in degree from a mild condition scarcely recognizable, to a profound state resulting in death. In human beings, the latter condition is rarely seen except under extreme stress. One such case involving an infant is described. The analytical procedure used to determine the levels of Vitamin C in autopsy samples utilized a sensitive amino-bonded reverse-phase high-performance liquid chromatographic (HPLC) technique. Several control cases were compared to determine average normal levels.