| ascorbic acid | <biochemistry> A requisite in the diet of man and guinea pigs. May act as a reducing agent in enzymic reactions, particularly those catalysed by hydroxylases. Synonym: Vitamin C. (18 Nov 1997) |
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| ascorbic acid deficiency | A condition due to a dietary deficiency of ascorbic acid (vitamin c), characterised by malaise, lethargy, and weakness. As the disease progresses, joints, muscles, and subcutaneous tissues may become the sites of haemorrhage. Ascorbic acid deficiency frequently develops into scurvy in young children fed unsupplemented cow's milk exclusively during their first year. It develops also commonly in chronic alcoholism. (cecil textbook of medicine, 19th ed, p1177) (12 Dec 1998) |