Some behavioral effects of ascorbic acid deficiency

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Abstract
In a study of experimental human scurvy, detailed observations were made on the effects on behavior of deprivation of ascorbic acid. During deprivation, changes were found to occur in measures of personality and psychomotor performance, and in certain physical fitness tasks. Scores in the “neurotic triad” of the Minnesota Multiphasic Personality Inventory (the Hypochondriasis, Depression, and Hysteria scales) became elevated as deficiency of ascorbic acid progressed. The personality changes preceded decrements in psychomotor performance that were associated with the reduced arousal or motivational level present during scurvy. Impaired performance in measures of physical fitness occurred in those tasks that involved use of the legs and was due to scorbutic arthropathy or neuropathy, or both.