Scurvy

Scurvy is malady caused by a deficit of Vitamin C requirements in the diet. Humans lack the natural ability to produce ascorbic acid in the body. The body is solely dependent on diet and supplements for the daily requirement of Vitamin C. So without the proper amounts of Vitamin C scurvy can develop especially in cases like poverty, alcoholism, lack of teeth or malnutrition. Scurvy is very rare in the United States. Ascorbic acid is important and is required for normal collagen synthesis whereas collagen is a component of the connective tissues which forms the skin and mucous membrane. Scurvy History: Scurvy is an ancient disease first recorded as early as the 13th Century by Hippocrates. Scurvy received much attention during the 17th Century when numerous sailors suffered from and succumbed to the disease. Finding the cure for scurvy was one of the first documented clinical studies in medicine and was carried out by James Lind in 1747. Lind proved that citrus such as lemons cured scurvy. Fast Facts:

1. From the Latin word 'scorbutus'
2. Symptoms: Lassitude, joint pain, bleeding gums, swollen extremities, slow healing of wounds
3. Can be fatal if left untreated
4. Involves bones in infantile scurvy
5. Can effect any race, age or sex
6. Serum ascorbic acid level: used to make a diagnosis of scurvy
7. Normal serum ascorbic levels: 0.20 to 1.9 mg/dL
8. At present, rare in developed countries
9. May occur in the elderly and alcoholics
10. May 2nd: International Scurvy Awareness Day
11. Treatment: 500 mg of supplemental Vitamin C daily and Vitamin C rich food

Disclaimer: The content in this page is not a substitute for professional medical advice. If you think you have Scurvy, please consult your doctor.

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