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| Biochemisty of Deficiency |
3. Skin
Regeneration of the skin relies on collagen production. Any impairment of
collagen through deficiency can affect the skin's integrity, reducing resistance to
infection, and potential re-opening of healed wounds after delayed wound repair. Hair loss
due to poor skin condition may also be a feature. Metabolism of the aromatic amino acids,
particularly phenylalanine and tyrosine is also disturbed in deficiency. Tyrosine is
converted to dopa, a precursor of melanin under the influence of tyrosine hydroxylase. The
activity of his enzyme depends upon vitamin C, and hence a deficiency can affect
pigmentation of the skin.
4. Blood Vessels
The integrity of vascular walls depends on collagen. If compromised blood may leak into
the surrounding areas and manifest as haemorrhages in subcutaneous tissues, skeletal
muscles, around joints especially the stifle (equivalent of human knee joint) and the
intestine. Bleeding gums are also common. |
