The anaemia of scurvy

The haematologic findings in five patients with scurvy are presented. Four had hypercellular bone marrows which, although predominantly macronormoplastic, showed some megaloblastic change. Complete clinical and haematologic remission was effected by the administration of ascorbic acid alone in five of the six episodes of scurvy. Evidence of the effect of ascorbic acid deficiency on folate metabolism is presented. It is suggested that this is the primary mechanism whereby anaemia develops in scurvy.