Scurvy in the Aged

Vitamin C Supplementation of Old People with Low Blood Levels

“…The chief cause is probably a reduced dietary intake [Milne et al, 1971], together with an independent effect of ageing on plasma levels [Burr et al, 1974b]. It has been suggested that the prevalence of low levels indicates a widespread vitamin C deficiency and that old people would benefit from receiving vitamin supplements [Franklin, 1963;Read et al, 1965;M ilne et al, 1971;Taylor, 1973], A controlled trial of vitamin C was therefore undertaken in old people with low blood levels, identified by population screening, and their mor tality, morbidity and mental function was observed.…”

Vitamin C Levels in Old People and the Response to Ascorbic Acid and to the Juice of the Acerola (Malpighia punicifolia L.)

“…In recent years there has been much discussion concerning the nutrition of the elderly, particularly those living on their own with small and often inadequate incomes. Franklin (1963) suggested that the past severe winter might hav.e produced an increase in the number of elderly patients suffering from scurvy. In the following survey of vitamin C status in the elderly, although a classical case of scurvy was not seen, a considerable proportion of the old people were found to have low levels of vitamin C in the plasma and leucocytes (including platelets).…”