Human Nutrition 3(3+0)

Lesson 31 : Vitamin C

Infantile scurvy

Infants with ascorbic acid (vit. C) deficiency:

• Infants become anorexic and listless for a few days before other signs develop.
• The infant lies with legs drawn up on the abdomen. It cries when touched, especially when its legs or arms are moved or lifted.
• Tender swellings may be felt at the end of the long bones due to haemorrhages under the periosteum of the shaft.
• The sternum may sink slightly inward.
• Purpura occurs in the skin.
• If teeth are erupted, the gums are swollen with blue-red lesions.
• Dyspnoea, cyanosis, convulsions and death follow if treatment with ascorbic acid is delayed.