Scurvy: Causes, Symptoms, Diagnosis, Treatment, and Prevention
Scurvy is a rare but serious condition that occurs when the body doesn't get enough vitamin C, or ascorbic acid. Collagen is a protein that supports the skin, bones, blood vessels, and other tissues. Vitamin C also helps the body fight infections, heal wounds, and absorb iron. Vitamin C is an essential nutrient that is necessary for the body to function properly.
When left untreated, scurvy can cause symptoms such as fatigue, bleeding gums, bruising, joint pain, and poor wound healing. If left untreated, it may lead to anemia, infection, organ failure, and even death.
Causes of Scurvy
Scurvy is caused by a lack of vitamin C in the diet. The body cannot make or store vitamin C, so it needs to get it from food sources. Vitamin C is found in many fruits and vegetables, especially citrus fruits, berries, peppers, broccoli, and spinach.
Scurvy is most common in developing countries where malnutrition is widespread, but it can also occur in developed countries in certain situations. Some of the risk factors for scurvy include:
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Following a restrictive diet that is low in fruits and vegetables, such as due to food allergies, eating disorders, or poverty.
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Having a medical condition that affects the digestion or absorption of nutrients, such as Crohn’s disease, ulcerative colitis, or gastric bypass surgery.
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Having a chronic illness that causes loss of appetite, vomiting, diarrhea, or increased metabolic demand, such as cancer, HIV, or tuberculosis.
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Smoking, drinking alcohol, or using drugs, which can interfere with the body’s use of vitamin C.
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Being elderly, isolated, or mentally ill, which can limit access to or intake of nutritious foods.
Symptoms of Scurvy
The symptoms of scurvy usually develop gradually over a period of months, depending on the severity of the vitamin C deficiency. The symptoms may vary from person to person, but some of the common signs and symptoms include:
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Weakness, fatigue, or irritability
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Loss of appetite or weight loss
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Muscle or joint pain or stiffness
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Bleeding or bruising easily, especially from the gums, nose, or skin
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Swollen, red, or bleeding gums, or loose teeth
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Dry, scaly, or discolored skin, or hair loss
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Slow or poor wound healing, or reopening of old wounds
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Anemia, or low red blood cell count, which can cause pale skin, shortness of breath, or fast heart rate
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Fever, or increased susceptibility to infections
In children, scurvy can also affect the growth and development of bones and teeth, causing pain, swelling, deformity, or delayed healing of fractures.
Diagnosis of Scurvy
Several tests can be used to diagnose scurvy, including a physical examination, a medical history, blood tests for vitamin C levels, and X-rays to detect any damage to the bones or internal organs.
Treatment of Scurvy
It is simple and effective to treat scurvy: increase your vitamin C intake. You can do this by eating more fruits and vegetables, or by taking vitamin C supplements. Vitamin C intake is recommended for adults at 75 mg per day for women and 90 mg per day for men, but scurvy may require higher doses.
In most cases, the symptoms of scurvy will improve within a few days or weeks of starting vitamin C therapy, and the condition can be cured within a few months. However, some of the damage caused by the disease, such as bone loss or scarring, may not be reversible.
Prevention of Scurvy
Scurvy can be prevented by eating a balanced and varied diet that includes enough fruits and vegetables that provide vitamin C. Some of the best sources of vitamin C are:
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Citrus fruits, such as oranges, grapefruits, lemons, and limes
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Berries, such as strawberries, blueberries, raspberries, and cranberries
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Peppers, such as bell peppers, chili peppers, and jalapeños
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Broccoli, cauliflower, Brussels sprouts, and cabbage
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Spinach, kale, and other leafy greens
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Potatoes, sweet potatoes, and tomatoes
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Kiwi, pineapple, mango, and papaya
Additionally, some foods and beverages are fortified with vitamin C, including cereals, juices, and milk. Vitamin C supplements are available in various forms, including tablets, capsules, chewables, and liquids. Vitamin C supplements, however, should not be taken in place of a healthy diet, and excessive intake can result in diarrhea, nausea, or kidney stones.
It is possible to prevent and treat scurvy by getting enough vitamin C from foods and supplements. Vitamin C is not only important for preventing scurvy, but also for supporting overall health and wellness.
