Scurvy (Vitamin C Deficiency)

Vitamin C is essential to our health, and a severe lack of vitamin C can lead to serious issues, like scurvy.

Scurvy (vitamin C deficiency)

Scurvy occurs when there is a severe vitamin C deficiency. Vitamin C is an antioxidant, which means that it protects the cells from the damage that’s caused by free radicals (byproducts resulting from normal cell activity). Vitamin C is also responsible for the growth, development, and healing of skin, bones, and connective tissue; it helps maintain the teeth and gums; it boosts the absorption of iron; and it aids in healing burns and wounds.

Causes of scurvy (vitamin C deficiency)

• Scurvy occurs when there is a severe lack of vitamin C in the diet for at least 3 months. Good sources of vitamin C are sweet peppers, citrus fruits, tomatoes, potatoes, broccoli, and strawberries.
• Cooking ruins a part of the vitamin C in food.
• There are certain conditions that require consuming more vitamin C, such as pregnancy, breastfeeding, hyperthyroidism, chronic diarrhea, burns, illnesses that cause high fevers, and tobacco use.

Symptoms of scurvy (vitamin C deficiency)

General weakness, extreme tiredness, irritability, and joint pain are the first observed symptoms.

When not managed, lack of vitamin C leads to scurvy, which causes:

• Swollen and bleeding gums.
• Loosened teeth.
• Anemia.
• Bleeding under the skin and bruising easily.
• Scaly and rough skin.
• Dry and brittle hair.
• Swollen legs.
• Previous wounds might reopen, and new wounds might not heal.
• In babies and children: pain when moving, loss of appetite, failure to gain weight, irritability, and anemia.

Diagnosis of scurvy (vitamin C deficiency)

• Physical exam.
• Asking about the symptoms.

Treatment of scurvy (vitamin C deficiency)

• Consuming more vitamin C-containing food
• Vitamin C supplements.