- Discussion:
- disease that can affect intracellular
biosynthesis of collagen is scurvy, which is caused by Vit C (ascorbic acid) deficiency;
- specific defect appears is an inability of the tissue to hydroxylate proline (inadequate conversion of proline
into hydroxyproline in collagen fibers), & there is also decreased hydroxylation of lysine;
- less collagen will be formed, and the collagen that is formed will be of a poor quality;
- collagen fibrils appear swollen & contain increased amounts of polysaccharides.
- new bone formation is prevented, & the older bone becomes brittle;
- old scars & wounds tend to rupture more easily when intake of this vitamin is inadequate;
- Radiographs:
- metaphyseal radiolucency;
- Treatment:
- vitamin C:
- children 30 mg/day;
- adults: 50 mg/day;
