9-Year-Old Autistic Boy Develops Scurvy Due to Severe Vitamin C Deficiency

A 9-year-old boy named Nadav, diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder, developed scurvy after years of not eating fruits and vegetables. His condition worsened over several weeks, starting with limping and progressing to complete inability to walk, requiring wheelchair use. His parents initially attributed the limp to minor injuries but became alarmed when he also developed gum bleeding and severe leg pain.

After multiple medical tests, an MRI led to his admission to Schneider Children's Medical Center in Israel, where doctors suspected scurvy caused by a severe vitamin C deficiency. Dr. Ido Navon from Schneider explained that children on the autism spectrum often have selective eating habits, which can lead to nutritional deficiencies like scurvy. The diagnosis is primarily clinical, as vitamin C blood tests require special handling.

Nadav immediately began vitamin C treatment intravenously and then orally, showing significant improvement within days. After about a month, he regained most of his mobility, with only a slight limp remaining. Dr. Navon warned that prolonged vitamin C deficiency can cause bone damage, bleeding gums, and even tooth loss if diagnosis is delayed.

Nadav's parents are now gradually expanding his diet to include more fruits and vegetables, emphasizing the importance of vitamin C. They report some success in encouraging him to eat bell peppers and other vitamin C-rich foods. This case highlights the risks of restrictive diets in children with sensory or developmental challenges and the need for early nutritional assessment.