Scurvy or Vitamin C deficiency: How to prevent and treat it

Scurvy is one of those diseases that many people might overlook, but in reality, it results from a severe deficiency of Vitamin C, which affects the entire body, especially the gums, skin, and joints. In the past, scurvy was widespread among sailors who spent months at sea without fresh fruits and vegetables. However, it still exists today among people with poor vitamin intake. If detected early, it can be easily and quickly treated with a healthy diet and supplements. But if left untreated, it can lead to serious complications. In Daleeli Medical, this article will discuss the symptoms, causes, and treatment of scurvy in detail, including medications, herbal remedies, and even exercises that can aid recovery.

 

What are the symptoms of scurvy?
The symptoms of scurvy include bleeding gums, extreme fatigue, joint pain, easy bruising on the skin, and tooth loss.

What is the connection between bleeding gums and scurvy?
Bleeding gums are one of the most common symptoms of scurvy and indicate a severe deficiency of vitamin C in the body.

How can I know if I have scurvy?
You may notice symptoms such as swollen and bleeding gums, persistent fatigue, joint pain, easy bruising, and tooth loss.

What should I do if I suspect I have scurvy?
If you experience symptoms like bleeding gums and extreme fatigue, you should see a doctor for diagnosis and appropriate treatment.

What is the best treatment for scurvy?
The best treatment is increasing your vitamin C intake, either through supplements or foods rich in vitamin C, such as oranges, strawberries, bell peppers, and leafy greens. Symptoms usually start improving within a few days.

How much vitamin C do I need daily to treat scurvy?
Taking 100–200 mg of vitamin C daily is usually sufficient to treat scurvy. In severe cases, a doctor may recommend higher doses initially until symptoms improve.

Does scurvy last for a long time?
No, scurvy is not a permanent condition. Once you start consuming enough vitamin C, symptoms begin to improve within days or weeks. With a healthy diet, complete recovery is guaranteed.

What is scurvy?
Scurvy occurs due to a severe deficiency of vitamin C, often caused by a lack of fruits and vegetables in the diet. If left untreated, it can lead to bleeding gums, tooth loss, and bruising on the skin. The primary solution for treating scurvy is increasing vitamin C intake, either through food or supplements.

 

Causes of Scurvy
Scurvy develops when the body does not get enough vitamin C for about three months. The main causes include:

• Poor nutrition and lack of fresh fruits and vegetables
• Strict diets or eating disorders
• Digestive issues that affect vitamin absorption
• Alcohol addiction, which hinders nutrient absorption
• Severe psychological conditions that impact appetite and eating habits

Additionally, vitamin C is sensitive to heat, so excessive cooking can reduce its benefits, affecting its availability in food.

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Scurvy Symptoms in Adults
Vitamin C is crucial for the body as it helps produce collagen and aids in iron absorption. Without enough collagen, tissues start to break down, affecting overall health. This vitamin is also essential for producing energy-related hormones like dopamine, norepinephrine, epinephrine, and carnitine.

After 8 to 12 weeks of vitamin C deficiency, symptoms may appear, including:

• Loss of appetite
• Weight loss
• Fatigue and lethargy
• Irritability and sluggishness

If the deficiency continues for 1 to 3 months, more severe symptoms can develop, such as:

• Anemia
• Bone pain and swelling
• Small red spots under the skin due to internal bleeding
• Brittle hair
• Slow wound healing
• Shortness of breath
• Mood changes and depression
• Gum problems and tooth loss

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Scurvy in Infants
Children with autism spectrum disorder are more prone to scurvy. In infants, the symptoms can be slightly different and may include:

• Fever
• Diarrhea
• Irritability and restlessness
• Loss of appetite

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Scurvy Symptoms in Children
Children suffering from scurvy may show symptoms such as:

• Excessive irritability
• Pain when moving
• Anemia

 

Daily Vitamin C Requirements
The daily requirement for vitamin C varies based on age, gender, and health conditions. The recommended intake is as follows:

Age	Men	Women	During Pregnancy	During Lactation
0-6 months	40 mg	40 mg	-	-
7-12 months	50 mg	50 mg	-	-
1-3 years	15 mg	15 mg	-	-
4-8 years	25 mg	25 mg	-	-
9-13 years	45 mg	45 mg	-	-
14-18 years	75 mg	65 mg	-	-
19+ years	90 mg	75 mg	85 mg	120 mg

To maintain good health and prevent scurvy, make sure to consume foods rich in vitamin C, such as oranges, strawberries, bell peppers, and broccoli.

How Is Scurvy Diagnosed?
The diagnosis of scurvy is based on medical history, physical examination, and blood tests. Treatment focuses on consuming foods and supplements rich in vitamin C.

What Happens During Diagnosis?

• The doctor asks about your medical history and dietary habits.
• A physical examination is conducted to check for visible symptoms.
• If scurvy is suspected, a blood test may be ordered to measure vitamin C levels.

How Is Scurvy Confirmed?

• If the ascorbic acid level in the blood is below 11 micromoles per liter, this strongly indicates a vitamin C deficiency.
• In some cases, imaging tests may reveal bone abnormalities or delayed growth in children.

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The Role of Vitamin C in the Body

Vitamin C is not just an ordinary vitamin; it plays a crucial role in many essential body functions, including:

1. Collagen Production

Collagen is the protein that provides strength to the skin, bones, blood vessels, and cartilage. Vitamin C is essential for collagen synthesis and maintaining healthy tissues.

2. Immune System Boost

Vitamin C enhances immunity by stimulating the production of white blood cells that fight infections. It also helps maintain the skin as a natural barrier against diseases.

3. Iron Absorption

Vitamin C improves the absorption of iron from plant-based foods, which is particularly important for vegetarians to prevent iron deficiency.

4. Protection Against Free Radicals

Vitamin C is a powerful antioxidant that protects cells from damage caused by free radicals, reducing the risk of chronic diseases such as heart disease and cancer.

For these reasons, maintaining adequate vitamin C levels through a healthy diet or supplements when necessary is essential for overall health!

 

Severe Complications of Scurvy & Risk Factors

Severe Complications of Scurvy

If scurvy remains untreated for a long time, it can lead to very serious complications, including:

• Severe jaundice: Yellowing of the skin and eyes.
• Swelling and generalized body pain.
• Hemolysis: A type of anemia where red blood cells break down rapidly.
• Fever.
• Tooth loss.
• Internal bleeding.
• Neuropathy: Tingling and pain in the hands and feet.
• Seizures.
• Delirium.
• Coma.
• Death (in extremely severe and untreated cases).

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What Increases the Risk of Developing Scurvy?

The main cause of scurvy is a deficiency of vitamin C, which must be obtained from food since the human body cannot produce it. Several factors can increase the risk of developing scurvy, including:

• Poor diet: A lack of fresh fruits and vegetables due to low income, famine, or unhealthy eating habits.
• Eating disorders or psychological conditions that affect food intake, such as anorexia.
• Strict diets: People following extreme diets, having food allergies, or experiencing difficulty chewing or swallowing.
• Aging: Nutrient absorption decreases with age.
• Substance abuse: Excessive alcohol consumption or drug use can impair vitamin absorption.
• Digestive disorders: Conditions like Crohn’s disease, ulcerative colitis, smoking, and chemotherapy reduce the body's ability to absorb vitamin C.
• Improper or delayed weaning of infants: This can lead to vitamin C deficiency in babies.

 

How to Prevent Scurvy?

Preventing scurvy is simple—make sure you consume enough vitamin C by:

• Eating fresh fruits and vegetables such as oranges, lemons, strawberries, bell peppers, and broccoli.
• Choosing vitamin C-fortified foods if natural sources are unavailable.
• Managing health conditions that affect vitamin absorption with the help of a doctor.

Maintaining a balanced diet is the best way to prevent scurvy and avoid its serious complications.

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Treatment of Scurvy

The treatment for scurvy focuses on replenishing vitamin C levels through diet, supplements, or natural remedies. The earlier the treatment starts, the faster the symptoms improve.

1. Medications and Supplements

The primary treatment for scurvy is consuming sufficient doses of vitamin C, either through food or supplements.

Vitamin C Supplements:

• The recommended dose for treating scurvy ranges from 100 to 500 mg per day, with higher doses in severe cases.
• Most patients start to feel better within 48 hours, and symptoms typically disappear within 2 to 3 weeks.
• In severe cases, doctors may recommend higher temporary doses or even vitamin C injections if oral absorption is poor.

Additional Medications:

• Iron supplements: Since vitamin C helps the body absorb iron, these may be needed if anemia is present alongside scurvy.
• Pain relievers: Such as paracetamol or ibuprofen to reduce joint pain and swelling.
• Antibiotics: If gum infections or skin wounds develop due to slow healing.

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2. Foods Rich in Vitamin C

A proper diet is the best way to restore vitamin C levels, so treatment should include a variety of fresh fruits and vegetables, such as:

Vegetables:

• Red and green bell peppers
• Broccoli
• Spinach
• Cabbage
• Tomatoes

Fruits:

• Oranges, tangerines, and lemons
• Strawberries and berries
• Kiwi
• Guava (one of the richest sources of vitamin C)
• Papaya and pineapple

 

3. Herbal Remedies

Some herbs are rich in vitamin C and can help with treatment, but they should not replace a healthy diet or supplements.

Herbs and Natural Drinks Rich in Vitamin C:

• Hibiscus: High in vitamin C and helps improve blood circulation.
• Parsley: Rich in vitamin C and can be added to meals or consumed as a tea.
• Ginger with Lemon: A powerful drink for boosting immunity and replenishing vitamin C levels.
• Guava Leaves: Rich in vitamin C and help strengthen the immune system.

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4. The Role of Exercise in Treatment

Light exercises help improve blood circulation, reduce swelling, and enhance bone and joint health.

• Daily walking for 20-30 minutes improves overall health.
• Stretching and yoga help relieve joint pain and improve flexibility.
• Strength exercises are beneficial for those experiencing muscle weakness due to vitamin deficiencies.

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Summary of Treatment

✔ Take vitamin C supplements in adequate doses.
✔ Increase fresh fruits and vegetables in your diet.
✔ Drink natural beverages rich in vitamin C.
✔ Engage in light exercises to improve blood circulation and overall health.
✔ Consult a doctor if you have severe symptoms like bleeding or tooth loss.

With proper treatment, symptoms improve within a few days, and full recovery occurs within a few weeks.

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Which Doctor Treats Scurvy?

Scurvy is treated by different specialists depending on the symptoms:

• Internal Medicine Specialist (General Physician): Diagnoses the condition and prescribes treatment, especially in severe cases involving anemia or bleeding.
• Clinical Nutritionist: Helps adjust the diet and compensate for vitamin deficiencies.
• Dentist: If scurvy causes gum bleeding or tooth loss, a dental specialist will provide the necessary care.

In severe cases, the patient may be referred to a Hematologist (Blood Specialist) if there are complications like severe anemia or internal bleeding.