Criteria
Hodges stages of vitamin C status[1][69]
Optimal diet
Full saturation of the vitamin C body pool
Asymptomatic
Plasma ascorbate levels normal.
Suboptimal diet
Incomplete saturation of the vitamin C body pool
Asymptomatic
Plasma ascorbate levels normal.
Deficient diet, brief period
Vitamin C-deficient diet for a period of time
Asymptomatic
Plasma ascorbate levels approach lower range of normal.
Deficient diet, prolonged period
Vitamin C-deficient diet for a period of time
Signs and symptoms of scurvy appearing once the body pool of vitamin C <300 mg
Whole blood ascorbate levels typically <0.3 mg/100 mL.
Scurvy classification[1][2]
Latent scurvy: manifestations include lassitude, dyspnea, dry skin, weakness, and irritability; dull aching muscle or joint pains in the legs and feet; and weight loss.
Manifest scurvy: manifestations include follicular hyperkeratosis; hemorrhagic manifestations, including gingival bleeding, perifollicular hemorrhages, large nodular or blackened ecchymoses, hemopericardium, hemorrhagic pleural effusion, and hemorrhagic stroke; swollen joints; and peripheral edema with or without entrapment neuropathies.
Use of this content is subject to our disclaimer