WHAT IS SCURVY
Scurvy is a disease that's caused by a deficiency in vitamin C (also known as ascorbic acid), which is common in developing economies. It doesn't happen suddenly, generally setting in after a couple of months of low vitamin C intake.
The threat of scurvy translates to the importance of vitamin C in the body. Vitamin C is a key antioxidant that plays many important roles, including immune system support, iron absorption, and collagen production.
Although Vitamin C is easy to find in fruits and vegetables, its deficiency is common in developing countries largely due to low income and literacy level. Hence, scurvy does still affect these countries, and is a concern for populations with poor nutrition
The symptoms of scurvy include:
- Weakness, fatigue, or irritability
- Loss of appetite or weight loss
- Muscular pain
- Sunken eyes
- Paleness
- Diarrhea
- Increased heart rate or shortness of breath
- Fever
- Joint pain and poor wound healing
Late symptoms include:
- Swelling in joints or gums
- Reopening of old wounds
- Easy bruising
- Bulging eyes
- Dry, scaly skin
Scurvy symptoms in children can be slightly different and, according to the Pediatric Orthopaedic Society of North America, include:
- Weakness and irritability
- Poor wound healing
- Bone pain
- Loss of appetite
- Swollen, bluish gums
- Reduced bone formation
- Swollen limbs that bruise easily
Vitamin C cannot be made by the body — it has to come from supplements and vitamin C–rich foods — so these symptoms may begin once intake drops and the body's current stores are used up, a process that typically takes several weeks
Causes and Risk Factors of Scurvy
Scurvy is the direct result of vitamin C deficiency. Signs of scurvy can manifest with a vitamin C intake below 150 mg per day.
Risk factors for scurvy include:
- High alcohol intake
- Tobacco use
- Low income
- Being on dialysis
Scurvy affects more men than women, and because vitamin C is found in whole fruits and vegetables, a deficiency is associated with poor nutrition
Vitamin C deficiency is particularly prevalent among smokers, with vitamin C levels among smokers 33 percent lower than those of nonsmokers, research shows
Babies are generally protected from scurvy because they obtain vitamin C from formula or breast milk, but infants who are fed only cow's milk may become deficient
Older children may experience scurvy if they have an unusual diet, perhaps because of anorexia nervosa, autism, or a developmental delay, according to the Pediatric Orthopaedic Society of North America.
Finally, there are some health conditions that put people at a higher risk of developing scurvy, including type 1 diabetes, eating disorders, gastrointestinal issues, iron overload, restrictive diets, and allergies
Duration of Scurvy
Scurvy doesn't last long after vitamin C levels begin to bounce back. Most people will start feeling better within a day or two and will fully recover within a week after the adequate amount of vitamin c is regained in the body. Gum issues and bruising also improve within 24 hours of starting treatment, while joint and muscle-related symptoms may take a few days
Treatment and Medication Options for Scurvy
Scurvy is generally easy to treat by increasing vitamin C levels. In mild cases, scurvy can be treated simply with Vitamin C supplements and vitamin C–rich foods. Supplementation will help facilitate a quicker healing process
Children will need up to 300 mg of vitamin C per day and adults will need 500 to 1,000 mg per day, probably for one month or until adequate vitamin C levels are reached. In the long term, however, the goal should be to address the underlying cause of low vitamin C levels, if smoking, alcohol, poor diet, eating disorders, or a certain health condition are leading to the deficiency
Prevention of Scurvy
To prevent scurvy, make sure you're getting enough vitamin C. This is not difficult to do if you have access to fruits and vegetables. You can also take a supplement if you feel you may be at risk. Vitamin C supplements do not carry any health risks. It is also best to discuss with your primary care provider before taking supplements or any medication long term
Complications of Scurvy
Scurvy can typically be treated easily, but it may lead to long-term issues if it goes untreated. Depending on the severity of disease, scurvy can be very serious and even fatal. Because scurvy can lead to swollen gums, your teeth may fall out. Children may experience anemia, high blood pressure, problems with wound healing, and failure to thrive, according to the Pediatric Orthopaedic Society of North America.
In infants, untreated deficiency can lead to pseudoparalysis, which is a lack of muscle power, and older children may refuse to walk, according to the Pediatric Orthopaedic Society of North America.
Both children and adults may experience anemia, heart attack, or death if the deficiency persists.
