What Is Hypovitaminosis?

Vitamin C deficiency is also called scurvy, so vitamin C is called ascorbic acid. In fresh vegetables and fruits, the content of vitamin C is large, but it is easily destroyed after storage and heating. Before the last century, vitamin C was not recognized, so vitamin C deficiency often occurred among mariners, the main reason being the lack of fresh vegetables and fruits in food. This disease is more common in infants and young children, but also in older children or adults. ^[1]

More common in infants and toddlers from 6 months to 2 years old. When taking enough vitamin C during pregnancy, the vitamin C stored in the baby 2 to 3 months after birth can be used for physiological needs. If the pregnant woman suffers from this disease, the newborn is born Then symptoms appear. ^[3]

1. The nursing mother's diet lacks vitamin C for a long time, and the baby is fed artificially with cow's milk or simple cereals for a long time. Babies who are not rich in vitamin C and supplementary foods are susceptible to the disease. ^[3]

This disease can coexist with rickets malnutrition. When rickets occur, these two diseases will appear on X-rays. It is easy to confuse children with scurvy, and often reduce infections such as otitis rickets and pneumonia. ^[3]

Mild oral vitamin C, 10mg ~ 150mg each time, 3 times a day. Severe intravenous injection of 500mg once a day, after the symptoms are reduced to oral. At the same time should provide vitamin C-rich fruits or vegetables, such as orange juice, tomato juice and so on. Patients with skeletal lesions should fix the affected limb. The effect of vitamin C in this disease is obvious. The symptoms will improve after 24 to 48 hours. The symptoms will disappear after one week. The bone structure will return to normal after one year. Generally, no deformities remain after healing. If combined with anemia, increase the vitamin C dose and supplement iron or folic acid as appropriate. ^[3]

Pregnant women and nursing mothers should eat more foods rich in vitamin C, such as fresh fruits and vegetables. Breastfeeding is recommended. Foods rich in vitamin C should be added 2 to 3 months after birth. ^[3]