Scurvy

What is scurvy?

Scurvy is an ancient disease caused by a prolonged deficiency of vitamin C (absorbic acid). Many of us would associate scurvy with sailors from the 16th to 18^th centuries who were prone to developing the condition during long ocean voyages.

Thankfully, scurvy is relatively uncommon now due to the abundant availability of fresh fruit & vegetables.

What is vitamin C?

Vitamin C is a water soluble vitamin found in many types of fresh fruit & vegetable. Humans are unable to synthesise vitamin C and therefore must obtain it from their diet. Citrus fruits most often spring to mind as sources of  vitamin C, but they can be found in other foods too including; kiwi fruit, strawberries, capsicum, broccoli, leafy green vegetables, tomatoes, potatoes & more.

Water soluble vitamins are not stored in the body and are excreted out in our urine on a daily basis. This means that we need a continuous supply of water soluble vitamins. This is in contrast to the fat soluble vitamins which are stored within the liver.

Vitamin C is required for a number of metabolic processes including;

• Assists with iron absorption.

• Assists immune system function.

• Antioxidant. Helps protect cells from damage caused by free radicals.

• Assists the growth and repair of the tissues such as the bones, teeth, muscles etc.

• Aids wound healing.

• It is necessary for the formation of collagen.

• Helps maintain blood vessel structure.

Who gets scurvy?

Thankfully due to year round availability of fresh fruit & vegetables and vitamin supplements, scurvy is relatively uncommon. At risk groups include;

• Anorexics.

• People on severely restricted diets due to food allergies.

• People on extremely restrictive weight loss diets.

• Children and elderly who are either reliant on others to provide an adequate & balanced diet, which isn't met.

• Fussy eaters.

• Alcoholics.

• Anybody who eats an inadequate diet lacking in fruit & vegetables.

Scurvy symptoms:

Early symptoms include;

• Malaise or fatigue.

• Loss of appetite.

• Fever.

• Nausea.

• Diarrhea.

• Joint and muscle pain.

Other symptoms include;

• Anemia.

• Skin hemorrhage.

• Joint pain.

• Dry hair and skin.

Late symptoms;

• Swollen, spongy and bleeding gums which may lead to loose teeth which eventually fall out.

• Bruising.

• Hair that begins to grow in a corkscrew pattern.

• Delayed wound healing.

Scurvy treatment:

Scurvy is treated with an adequate diet containing plenty of fresh fruit and vegetables.

Also see:

Hypokalemia (potassium deficiency)