VITAMIN C DEFICIENCY

General Information

DEFINITION--Illness caused by an inadequate intake of vitamin C. Vitamin C is essential for the body to manufacture collagen, connective tissue that helps form healthy bones, teeth and capillaries, and it promotes wound healing.

BODY PARTS INVOLVED--Bones; teeth; gums; capillaries.

SEX OR AGE MOST AFFECTED--Both sexes; all ages.

SIGNS & SYMPTOMS

Infants and children:

• Tender swollen legs. The child prefers to lie with legs partly bent, and cries if moved.
• Bleeding and bruising under the skin.
• Anemia.
• Tender ribs (sometimes).
• Bleeding gums (if teeth are present).
• Fever.

Adults:

• Swollen bleeding gums.
• Loss of teeth.
• Rough skin.
• Bleeding or bruising under the skin or into joints.
• Weakness and fatigue.
• Mental changes, including hallucinations and bizarre behavior.

Children and adults:

• Increased susceptibility to infection.

CAUSES--Diet that is lacking in adequate vitamin C.

RISK INCREASES WITH

• Improper diet, including following fad diets that don't include fruits and vegetables.
• Loss of vitamin C from foods by overcooking or improper or prolonged storage.
• Maintaining an infant on formula without vitamin supplements.
• Hyperthyroidism.
• Pregnancy.

HOW TO PREVENT--Eat a diet rich in vitamin C-containing foods. These include citrus fruits, tomatoes and green vegetables, such as green peppers, broccoli and cabbage. 4 to 6 ounces of orange juice a day provides the minimum daily requirement of vitamin C.

What To Expect

DIAGNOSTIC MEASURES--

• Your own observation of symptoms.
• Medical history and physical exam by a doctor.
• Laboratory blood studies, such as: blood counts for anemia; tests for blood levels of vitamin C; and bleeding and clotting tests.
• X-rays of bones.

APPROPRIATE HEALTH CARE

• Self-care after diagnosis.
• Doctor's treatment.

POSSIBLE COMPLICATIONS--Fractures or dislocations, especially in children with tender legs or ribs.

PROBABLE OUTCOME--Curable with vitamin C (ascorbic acid) supplements and a balanced diet that contains foods high in vitamin C. All symptoms and effects, except tooth loss, are reversible. Without treatment, vitamin C deficiency can be fatal.

How To Treat

GENERAL MEASURES----No specific instructions except those listed under other headings.

MEDICATION--Your doctor will prescribe vitamin C tablets. Don't take more than the prescribed amount. Excessive doses of vitamin C can contribute to kidney-stone formation. If massive doses are suddenly decreased, vitamin C deficiency can result.

ACTIVITY--Handle infants and children carefully to avoid bone or joint injury until the deficiency is corrected.

DIET--

• Eat a well-balanced diet that includes foods rich in vitamin C (see How to Prevent).
• Take prenatal vitamin supplements if you are pregnant.
• Provide your infant with vitamin supplements or vitamin-fortified formula.

Call Your Doctor If

• You have symptoms of vitamin C deficiency.
• Symptoms don't improve in 3 weeks, despite treatment.