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Case Reports
. 2021 Aug 1;37(8):e483-e484.
doi: 10.1097/PEC.0000000000001695.

Florid Scurvy in an Autistic Child on a Ketogenic Diet

Syed Amir Ahmad  1 , Tariq A Al Thobiti, Manal El Toum, Fahad Al Harbi
Affiliations
Case Reports

Florid Scurvy in an Autistic Child on a Ketogenic Diet

Syed Amir Ahmad et al. Pediatr Emerg Care. .

Abstract

Ketogenic diets used for treating various neurological disorders can have potentially serious adverse effects. Among these is scurvy, a rarely reported, yet potentially fatal adverse effect of the ketogenic diet caused by vitamin C deficiency. We report a case of a 5-year-old patient with autism, who presented with scurvy secondary to the dietary restrictions of a ketogenic diet. Our review of the literature showed a single previously reported case of vitamin C deficiency in a patient on ketogenic diet. We have also reviewed the clinical indications and adverse effects of ketogenic diets with special reference to scurvy. This case emphasizes the importance of vitamin supplements in patients consuming a special diet.

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Conflict of interest statement

Disclosure: The authors declare no conflict of interest.

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