Scurvy

Scurvy is a condition caused by a vitamin C (ascorbic acid) deficiency in the diet.

A lack of vitamin C interferes with collagen synthesis (formation of the body's tissues). If the body cannot produce collagen, tissue deteriorates, causing a wide range of symptoms including gum disease, anaemia, muscle pain and joint pain.

Vitamin C is found in citrus fruits, green vegetables, sweet potatoes, and fresh milk. It is an essential vitamin that is needed by the body to perform important functions including:

• healing wounds,
• absorbing iron, and
• maintaining healthy bones, teeth, and tissue.

Scurvy was a common problem for sailors on long voyages during the eighteenth century because their diet lacked fresh fruit and vegetables.

Risk groups for vitamin C deficiency

Today, scurvy is much less common because we have more fruit and vegetables in our diet. However, vitamin C deficiency can still be a problem for certain groups of people including:

• elderly people who do not eat vegetables,
• infants (typically 6-12 months of age) who have a diet that does not contain citrus fruits or vegetables, and
• adults who have poor diets that lack vitamin C.

Glossary

Deficiency

If you have a deficiency, it means you are lacking in a particular substance needed by the body.