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Scurvy

Definition

Scurvy is a condition caused by an insufficient amount of vitamin C for a prolonged period of time. The condition causes weakness, anemia , and gingivitis . Scurvy is very rare in the United States and occurs most commonly in malnourished older adults and chronic alcoholics.

Gingivitis

Causes

Scurvy is typically caused by a diet lacking in fruits and vegetables or foods fortified with vitamin C.

Risk Factors

A risk factor is something that increases your chance of getting a disease or condition.

The following factors increase your chance of developing scurvy:

A poor diet, with little or no fruits and vegetables
Little or no vitamin C in the diet
Anorexia nervosa
Alcoholism
Poor dental hygiene
Gastrointestinal diseases (eg, malabsorption , inflammatory bowel disease , dyspepsia , Whipple's disease )
Chemotherapy
A fad diet
Self-imposed restrictive diets for weight loss or due to food allergies

Symptoms

Symptoms include:

Weakness
Paleness
Sunken eyes
Tender gums and/or tooth loss
Muscular pain
Reopening of old wounds or sores
Internal bleeding
Loss of appetite
Bruising easily
Weight loss; inability to gain weight
Diarrhea
Increased heart rate
Fever
Irritability
Aching and swelling in joints
Shortness of breath
Fatigue

Diagnosis

Scurvy can be diagnosed during a physical exam, based on an analysis of symptoms and diet. Your doctor may order a blood test to measure the level of vitamin C in the blood. To diagnose scurvy in infants and children, an x-ray may be done.

Treatment

The treatment for scurvy is simple and effective. To eliminate symptoms and make a full recovery, increase vitamin C intake to recommended levels. You can increase vitamin C levels by:

Eating a diet rich in citrus fruits, other fruits, and vegetables
Taking vitamin C supplements

Prevention

To help reduce your chances of getting scurvy, take the following steps:

Eat a healthy, balanced diet rich in fruits and vegetables.
Get a sufficient amount of vitamin C, through diet and/or supplements.

RESOURCES:

American Academy of Family Physicians

http://familydoctor.org/

Nutrition.gov

http://www.nutrition.org/

CANADIAN RESOURCES:

Dietitians of Canada

http://www.dietitians.ca/

Health Canada

http://www.hc-sc.gc.ca/index-eng.php/

References:

Clemetson A. Shaken baby or scurvy? General Vaccine Issues. Vaccine Risk Awareness Network website. Available at: http://www.vran.org/vaccines/sbs/sbs-clemetson.htm. Accessed . Accessed April 15, 2007.

Weinstein M, Babyn P, Zlotkin S. An orange a day keeps the doctor away: scurvy in the year 2000. Pediatrics . 2001;108:e55. Pediatrics website. Available at: http://pediatrics.aappublications.org/cgi/content/full/108/3/e55. Accessed . Accessed April 15, 2007.

Last Reviewed October 2012