Sections View Full Chapter Figures Tables Videos Annotate Full Chapter Figures Tables Videos Supplementary Content + Download Section PDF Listen ++ For further information, see CMDT Part 29-16: Vitamin C (Ascorbic Acid) Deficiency + Key Features Download Section PDF Listen +++ ++ Most commonly due to dietary inadequacy among patients of lower socioeconomic status, elderly, and patients with chronic alcoholism Persons who smoke cigarettes are also at risk as well as persons who have chronic illnesses such as cancer and chronic kidney disease + Clinical Findings Download Section PDF Listen +++ ++ Early: nonspecific malaise and weakness Late: scurvy Initial characteristics of scurvy Perifollicular hemorrhages Perifollicular hyperkeratotic papules Petechiae and purpura Splinter hemorrhages Bleeding gums Hemarthroses Subperiosteal hemorrhages Characteristics of late scurvy Edema Oliguria Neuropathy Intracerebral hemorrhage Death Anemia is common Wound healing is impaired + Diagnosis Download Section PDF Listen +++ ++ Characteristic skin lesions Atraumatic hemarthrosis Plasma ascorbic acid levels low, typically < 0.1 mg/dL + Treatment Download Section PDF Listen +++ ++ Ascorbic acid (vitamin C), 300–1000 mg orally once daily Supplemental vitamin C has no benefit on cardiovascular disease or cancer outcomes