Scurvy - in Other Animals

In Other Animals

Most plant and animal species synthesize vitamin C. Notable mammalian group exceptions include most or all of the order Chiroptera (bats), and one of the two major primate suborders, the "Anthropoidea" (Haplorrhini) (tarsiers, monkeys and apes, including human beings). The Strepsirrhini (non-tarsier prosimians) can make their own vitamin C (these include lemurs, lorises, pottos, and galagos). Ascorbic acid is also not synthesized by at least two species of Caviidae, the capybara and the guinea pig. There are known species of birds and fish that do not synthesize their own Vitamin C. All species that do not synthesize ascorbate require it in the diet. Deficiency causes scurvy in humans, and somewhat similar symptoms in other animals.