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Guinea Pigs need Vitamin C

Following on from our recent post about the need for an oral source of vitamin C in

guinea pigs, I thought a blog discussing this topic in more detail would be useful.

Vitamin C is also known as ascorbic acid. It is needed for the growth and

repair of several different tissues in the body. It helps to form collagen. This is a

protein that contributes to the formation of skin, mucous membranes, tendons,

ligaments, cartilage and blood vessels. It is also important to help heal wounds and

maintain healthy teeth and bones.


A lack of vitamin C leads to a condition colloquially known as Scurvy.

Symptoms of scurvy can include poor wound healing, a rough coat, painful teeth

and/or bleeding gums (leading to poor appetite), weak painful bones, lethargy and

weight loss. In guinea pigs, in particular, it can also contribute to symptoms of cystitis

(a very common condition in guinea pigs) as it is a component of the mucous

membrane that lines the bladder.


Many animals are able to produce their own vitamin C by converting glucose.

An enzyme known as l-gulonolactone oxidase is needed for this process. Guinea pigs

are among a group of animals that lack this enzyme. This group also includes

capybaras, fruits bats, several reptiles and many primates (including humans). Since

this enzyme is lacking in these species they require a continuous oral source of

vitamin C to remain healthy.


The daily vitamin C requirements of a guinea pig are thought to be 10mg.

However, in times of disease or ill health this can rise to 30mg. Vitamin C is in many

vegetables that may be included in a guinea pigs diet. Vegetables that contain high

levels of vitamin C include bell peppers, parsley, spinach, kale and broccoli. Of

course there are also many fruits that contain vitamin C. Fruits should only be fed as

treats to guinea pigs due to the high sugar content.


Commercially available guinea pig food has added vitamin C. This is usually

in a stable form; however it will still degrade over time. Speed of degradation is

dependent on several factors, including exposure to sunlight, moisture and air.

Opened food bags should be stored in dry, airtight containers, out of direct sunlight to

preserve the vitamin C for as long as possible. The number of guinea pigs you have

will dictate the size of food bag you should purchase as you should aim for the bag to

be changed every 3-6mths depending on conditions. Although a bigger bag may be

cheaper per kg, if you only have a couple of guinea pigs a smaller bag is more

appropriate.


If vitamin C needs to be supplemented over and above these sources this can

be achieved in the form of tablets, or liquid. Use of tablets is preferential as if stored

correctly degradation of vitamin C is slower than in liquid. Liquid drops can be given

directly into the mouth or added to the water. Accurate dosing in the water is more

difficult as it is challenging to analyse how much the individual guinea pig is

consuming or the rate of degradation. Degradation of vitamin C is faster in water, but

is again dependent on factors such as sunlight and temperature. It is wise to change

the water very frequently if vitamin C is supplemented via this route and to offer fresh

water at the same time as the vitamin C can taint the taste and may result in reduced

water consumption.


Excessive supplementation with Vitamin C can also result in health issues.

Guinea pigs can suffer from an ocular condition know as osseous metaplasia or

heterotropic bone formation. It is thought that excessive levels of vitamin C can

contribute to the formation of these boney lesions. Excess vitamin C can also

contribute to gastrointestinal disturbances.


Close up image of guinea pig eye showing Image shows: osseous metaplasia/heterotropic bone formation
Image shows: osseous metaplasia/heterotropic bone formation

In summary it is important to remember that guinea pigs need a continuous

oral source of vitamin C. This can be provided in a variety of ways. The fact that

vitamin C will degrade over time should be considered when assessing if adequate

vitamin C is being provided. Over-supplementation should also be avoided.

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