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HON Mother & Child Glossary, Vitamin C Deficiency in Childhood. Vitamin C is required as a redox agent, reducing metal ions in many enzymes and removing free radicals. Vitamin C Deficiency or Scurvy, also known as ascorbic acid deficiency, the rot and scorbutus, leads to impaired collagen synthesis, causing capillary fragility, poor wound healing and bony abnormalities in deficient children. Humans, other primates and guinea pigs are unable to synthesize L-ascorbic acid (vitamin C), so they require it in their diet. The enzyme, L-gluconolactone oxidase, which would usually catalyze the conversion of L-gluconogammalactone to L-ascorbic acid, is defective due to a mutation or inborn error in carbohydrate metabolism. The incidence of scurvy peaks in children 6-12 months of age who are fed a diet deficient in citrus fruits or vegetables.
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