The effect of acute illness on leucocyte and plasma ascorbic acid levels

Abstract

1. Serial estimations of plasma (PAA) and leucocyte (LAA) ascorbic acid concentrations were made in geriatric patients in a stable phase of their illness, and compared with a similar (‘unstable’) group suffering from acute illness.2. In the ‘unstable’ group, though PAA levels were unchanged, LAA levels were reduced.3. In the ‘follow-up’ period of 7-8 d there was much greater variation in both PAA and LAA levels in the ‘unstable’ group.4. Acute illness was often accompanied by an increase and then a decrease in LAA levels. Recovery was associated with an increase in LAA levels.