What Is Scurvy? A Deep Dive into the Vitamin C Deficiency Disease
By Dr. Shubham Pandey +2 more
Medically reviewed by Dr. Shubham Pandey
Last updated: Apr 17, 2024Click to rate this article!
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By Dr. Shubham Pandey +2 more
Medically reviewed by Dr. Shubham Pandey
Last updated: Apr 17, 2024Table of Contents
Scurvy holds a special place in history books. It’s known for causing havoc among sailors and pirates long ago. This notorious yet avoidable disease occurs due to a lack of vitamin C (ascorbic acid) in the body. Thanks to better access to fresh fruits and veggies, it has become less common these days. However, scurvy can still happen under certain conditions. In this blog, we’ll take a good look at scurvy—its causes, signs, and how to deal with it. Let’s see how stashing up on vitamin C can help meet your daily nutrition needs.
Scurvy is a condition that arises due to the deficiency of vitamin C in the body. This crucial nutrient does a lot for our bodies like it helps in making collagen (the most abundant protein in our body that is present in almost all tissues), warding off illnesses, and supporting our immune system. Signs of scurvy may show up after a few months of a constantly low vitamin C intake/absorption. Possible signs include tiring easily, gum swelling, bleeding without reason, and severe issues if not treated.
The main cause of scurvy is not enough vitamin C in your diet. But, your body not being able to absorb this key nutrient effectively can also lead to the disease in certain cases.
Our bodies can’t make vitamin C. We rely on outside sources like fruits, veggies, and fortified foods for this vital nutrient. Failing to get enough vitamin C-rich foods in your diet is the top cause of scurvy.
In some cases, people may eat enough vitamin C, but their bodies may have a tough time taking in the nutrients. This might be due to issues in the gut or metabolism. Not being able to absorb vitamin C can lead to scurvy.
Vitamin C does a lot for our bodies, helping us stay healthy and well. Let’s explore a few key functions of this nutrient and discuss the recommended intake levels for good health.
Vitamin C is a real multitasker. Lack of it can show up in many ways. Three prime roles of vitamin C consist of collagen synthesis, antioxidant defense, and backing up our immune system.
Collagen is a key protein that lends support to the structure of several tissues in the body like the blood vessels, bones, and skin. Vitamin C plays a big part in the production of collagen, ensuring these tissues stay strong and integral.
Vitamin C is an antioxidant, meaning it keeps cells safe from harm by free radicals. Free radicle-induced damage has been linked with diseases like heart disease, cancer, and age-related illnesses. Vitamin C is proposed to keep free radicals in check, support overall health, and help keep cells working well.
Vitamin C can give a boost to our immune system. It aids in the making of white blood cells and aids their germ-fighting property. Plus, vitamin C boosts how well our bodies absorb iron, which is a must-have for strong immunity.
Here’s what vitamin C does for us:
| Vital Functions of Vitamin C | Effects on the Body |
| Collagen Synthesis | Provides structure and support to connective tissues like blood vessels, bones, and skin |
| Antioxidant Properties | Protects cells from the harmful effects of free radicals, reducing illness risk |
| Immune System Support & Iron Absorption | Boosts immune system function, aiding in the production and function of white blood cells |
Did you know?
Scurvy due to a deficiency of vitamin C has long been associated and known to coexist with Rickets which happens due to a deficiency of vitamin D, Rickets affects scurvy by inhibiting bone mineralization and thus affects bone growth in children.
Dr. Ashish Bajaj, M.B.B.S., M.D.
Taking in the right amount of vitamin C every day ensures you’re getting all its benefits and keeping scurvy at bay. Your body needs more vitamin C in certain situations as you run the danger of a deficiency if you don’t obtain enough. These include pregnancy, breastfeeding, recent surgery, an overactive thyroid gland, or a history of using tobacco.
The table below outlines the suggested daily intake of vitamin C for different ages, genders, and conditions.
| Population Group | Recommended Daily Intake of Vitamin C |
| Children | 15-25 mg/day (depending on age) |
| Adult Men | 90 mg/day |
| Adult Women | 75 mg/day |
| Pregnant & Breastfeeding | 85-120 mg/day (depending on whether pregnant or breastfeeding) |
| Smokers | Additional 35 mg/day compared with nonsmokers |
| Individuals with Digestive Disorders or Undergoing Dialysis | Consult a healthcare provider |
Vitamin C deficiency manifests symptomatically after 8 to 12 weeks of inadequate intake and presents as irritability and anorexia. After these initial symptoms, dermatologic findings include poor wound healing, gingival swelling due to poor formation of collagen which requires vitamin C.
Dr. M.G. Kartheeka, MBBS, MD
While the main risk factor for scurvy is not getting enough vitamin C, certain lifestyle choices and health conditions might make the deficiency worse and heighten the chance of developing scurvy.
Following strict diets, such as trend diets, or those that vastly limit vitamin C-rich fruits and veggies can lead to scurvy. Also, a meat-only diet that cuts out plant-based foods could put people at high risk for vitamin C deficiency and, as a result, scurvy.
Certain health conditions could lead to a higher risk of developing scurvy, for instance, chronic alcoholism, gastrointestinal disorders, or problems that hinder the body’s nutrient absorption.
If caught early and managed quickly, scurvy may not cause much harm. The progression of scurvy can be assessed as early signs and symptoms, symptoms after 1 to 3 months, and the potential complications if it’s not taken care of. Before the harsh symptoms of scurvy set in, there are a few early warning signs. These include feeling weak, unexplained tiredness, decreased appetite, and being irritable. Spotting and dealing with these early signs may help reduce the risk of occurrence of scurvy.
If scurvy kicks in, you may observe several symptoms after about 1 to 3 months. These may include anemia (lack of hemoglobin required for oxygen transport in the blood), gum issues, spontaneous bleeding, easy bruising of skin, joint pain, and slow wound healing. Identifying and treating these symptoms on time can stop scurvy from getting worse and avoid further issues.
If scurvy is left untreated for a prolonged period, it can lead to some serious problems. This can affect both adults and infants. Let’s look at how untreated scurvy can be harmful.
Long-term vitamin C deficiency may lead to dental issues, such as swollen, bleeding gums that may appear boggy and purplish in color, gum sores, and even loosening of teeth.
Prolonged scurvy can lead to excessive breakdown of red blood cells causing anemia. When this occurs, excess of bilirubin pigment is generated causing jaundice.
Spontaneous bleeding can occur within the body, like in the joints or the muscles, or rarely in the body cavities.
Untreated scurvy can lead to neuropathy (numbness or pain due to nerve damage)usually in the hands and lower limbs. In severe cases, it may also cause convulsions, loss of orientation, and coma.
Untreated scurvy can even become life-threatening. Thus, looking after your vitamin C levels can help keep your health in check and avoid these problems.
Babies with scurvy may face extra symptoms, such as feeling uneasy, having trouble calming down, and bone growth and development issues. Making sure that breastfeeding parents get enough Vitamin C, along with good baby nutrition and care, may help keep scurvy away from this vulnerable group.
If you feel you might have one or more of the above-mentioned signs and symptoms of scurvy, you must immediately contact a healthcare professional for accurate diagnosis and prompt treatment of your condition.
This table offers a snapshot of how scurvy progresses:
| Scurvy Symptoms Progression | Examples of Indicators and Complications |
| Early Warning Signs | Weakness, exhaustion, reduced appetite, irritability |
| Symptoms after 1 to 3 Months | Anemia, gum disease, spontaneous bleeding, easy bruising, joint pain |
| Severe Complications (Untreated) | Dental problems, and developmental issues in infants |
To diagnose scurvy right, you must consult a healthcare professional. He/ She will evaluate your diet history, perform a thorough physical exam, and advise a blood test. Checking for any underlying gut conditions or nailing down the root cause of the deficiency is key to dealing with the problem and not letting it return.
A blood test to measure vitamin C levels can confirm if it’s scurvy. If your reading is below 11 µmol/L that means there’s a deficiency, and a level between 11 and 23 µmol/L suggests some risk of deficiency.
Checking a person’s past diet for potential vitamin C deficiency and doing a physical check-up for signs of scurvy is key to correctly diagnosing the condition.
Digging into underlying causes, like gut disorders or malabsorption issues, can help plan the right action to manage scurvy and to make sure that the deficiency doesn’t occur again.
After a scurvy diagnosis is confirmed, tracking down underlying causes is core to coming up with a plan that works and helps avoid the disease. Exploring aspects like diet imbalances, gut troubles, or lifestyle choices can guide healthcare providers in tailoring patient care plans.
Addressing a vitamin C deficiency through supplements, dietary changes, and treatments for underlying health conditions are central to handling and avoiding scurvy.
For light cases of scurvy, dealing with the shortage through vitamin C supplements can be a suitable treatment option. However, self-medication should always be avoided and a doctor must always be consulted for proper management. Doctors can guide on the right dose and duration of supplements based on personal needs and how bad the shortage is.
Adding more vitamin C-rich foods, like fruits and vegetables, to one’s diet is the most lasting method to keep future bouts of scurvy at bay. Having a range of these nutrient-rich foods provides a natural source of vitamin C and uplifts overall health.
Citrus fruits such as oranges and lemons have a high amount of vitamin C. But other fruits, like strawberries, kiwi, and papaya, may also give plenty of this key nutrient.
Vitamin C can also be found in a large amount of veggies like bell peppers, broccoli, spinach, and tomatoes. Adding such foods to meals on a regular basis helps achieve a steady and enough intake of vitamin C.
The key to fighting scurvy is to manage any hidden conditions that add to vitamin C deficiency. Working closely with doctors to set up a plan for dealing with gut problems or treating chronic alcoholism can go a long way in controlling scurvy and upholding overall health.
People with gut disorders or malabsorption issues may need to manage their conditions specifically and avoid vitamin C deficiency-related issues like scurvy. Teaming up with doctors to come up with a plan suited to you can ensure effective and lasting results.
If long-term drinking is adding to scurvy, looking for support and treatment resources can help not only handle the vitamin shortage but also enhance overall health results and quality of life.
Here are some ways to handle and avoid scurvy:
| Treatment and Prevention Strategies for Scurvy | Key Components or Actions |
| Vitamin C Supplementation | Taking additional vitamin C supplements under a healthcare provider’s guidance |
| Dietary Changes | Incorporating vitamin C-rich fruits and vegetables into daily meals |
| Addressing Underlying Medical Conditions | Treating gastrointestinal problems, chronic alcoholism |
Once vitamin C deficiency is tackled, the outlook for persons with scurvy is mostly good, and recovery is likely quick. But when scurvy has been pushed to the side for too long, complications could spring up.
For most people diagnosed with scurvy, recovery usually starts within a day or two of beginning treatment, and full recovery is likely possible within a week. However, some symptoms might not go away as fast and should be watched by healthcare providers.
In severe cases where scurvy has not been treated, issues could come up, like major dental damage due to swollen and bleeding gums, internal bleeding, severe anemia and jaundice, and neurological issues. Moreover, untreated scurvy in babies could lead to issues related to bone growth and formation.
It’s rare, but taking too many vitamin C supplements could lead to kidney stones in those who tend to develop them. It’s important to check with a doctor before starting long-term supplementation.
Not treating scurvy might lead to permanent damage to various body parts and organs in severe cases. Catching scurvy early and treating it is vital to avoid such issues and ensure a quick recovery.
Making sure your daily food intake meets all essential vitamins and minerals is key to preserving overall health and cutting down the risk of deficiencies like scurvy. A balanced diet rich in various nutrient-rich foods helps ensure that you’re getting all your body needs. Incorporating a mix of foods and focusing on getting enough essential vitamins and minerals can help keep a balanced and healthy diet.
Make sure your diet includes a wide range of food types, such as fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean proteins, and healthy fats. This assortment makes for a steady supply of key nutrients and cuts down the risk of shortages.
Knowledge of the basic vitamins and minerals needed for proper bodily functions and aiming to include them in your daily meals either through natural food sources or supplements if needed, can help in reducing the risk of their deficiencies.
Also Read: Tyramine Rich Foods: Understanding the Impact on Your Health
As an old disease mainly caused by vitamin C shortage, scurvy serves as a strong reminder of how important a balanced and varied diet is for overall health. Even though scurvy is rare in developed nations today, understanding the role of vitamin C in our bodies and what happens when we’re short of it is essential. By eating a wide variety of vitamin C-rich foods every day and dealing with any hidden issues that may block nutrient take-up, you can shield your health and cut down the risk of scurvy and its related health complications. Always consult your doctor if you suspect vitamin C deficiency for proper diagnosis and management of your condition.
Some common symptoms of scurvy include gum inflammation and bleeding, fatigue, and joint pain.
Scurvy is rare in developed countries due to our better access to fresh fruits and vegetables. However, it can still occur where malnutrition is common or due to strict diets.
Scurvy is still referred to as scurvy, but it can also be called severe vitamin C deficiency.
Scurvy mainly springs up from a lack of vitamin C in the body. This can be due to poor intake owing to bad eating habits or hindered absorption of the nutrient due to underlying health problems.
There aren’t any specific foods to avoid if you have scurvy. Instead, aim to include more vitamin C-rich fruits and vegetables in your diet to tackle the deficiency.
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