VITAMIN C

VITAMIN C
Other name: Ascorbic acid. 
Sources: Citrus food and green vegetables. Daily requirement: 20–30 mg.


Functions:- 
• Essential for collagen synthesis of bone cartilage and dentine 
• Acts as antioxidant 
• Helps in iron absorption 
• Required for adrenal gland function.
De?ciency:- 
Scurvy: Gingival hypertrophy (Fig. 32) and around hair follicles and capillaries. Irritability and painful limb swelling causing “pseudoparalysis” .

Investigations:- 
• Response to supplements 
• Plasma white cell ascorbic acid level 
• Bone X-ray: Calcification of sub-periosteal hematoma with ground glass appearance of metaphyses and dense rim, ‘smoke-ring’ appearance of cortical bone around epiphyses
Treatment:- 
Ascorbic acid 500 mg per day for a week, and investigate dietary sources.