Vitamin C Deficiency (Scurvy; Ascorbic Acid Deficiency) By Larry E Johnson, MD, PhD, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences Reviewed / Revised Nov 2022 View Patient Education Etiology Pathophysiology Symptoms and Signs Diagnosis Treatment Prevention Key Points In countries with low rates of food insecurity, vitamin C deficiency can occur as part of general undernutrition, but severe deficiency (causing scurvy) is uncommon.