ABSTRACT
Ascorbic acid deficiency causes a disturbance of folic acid metabolism, which causes a megaloblastic type of anemia when folic acid supplies are borderline. The work of A. D. Welch and of G.J. Gabuzda demonstrated that one of the functions of ascorbic acid in man is to aid in the conversion of folic to folinic acid. R.W. Vilter advanced an interesting hypothesis to explain the relationships between ascorbic acid, folic acid, and vitamin B12 in the synthesis of nucleic acids and in the treatment of megaloblastic anemias. In view of the normal plasma ascorbate levels, J. V. Lloyd suggested that there may be a defect in the ascorbic acid storage mechanism of the platelets in megaloblastic anemia. There can be a disturbance of ascorbic acid metabolism due to many causes besides the pregnancy itself which involves the active transfer of ascorbic acid to the fetus.
