Simultaneous Scurvy and Wernicke's Encephalopathy in a Patient with an Ascorbate-Responsive Dyskinesia

摘要

The eradication of malnutrition, including such micro-nutrient deficiencies as scurvy and beriberi, starting in developed nations and spreading throughout the world, was a major project of the 20th century. Much was accomplished both in illuminating the role of micronutrients and in improving their availability.1 Yet much work remains to be done. Micronutrient deficiencies remain widely prevalent among developed Western countries. One study estimated that 20% of adults living in developed Western nations are deficient in vitamin C, and 10% in zinc.2 Among special populations, the rates of deficiencies can be much higher. For example, Thornalley and colleagues found that over 70% of type 1 and type 2 diabetics have thiamine deficiencies.