Scurvy is a disorder caused by a deficiency of ascorbic acid (vitamin C) , which alters the production of collagen, thus affecting the composition of vital tissues. It is related to poor nutrition as well as excessive use of substances such as alcohol.

In this article we will see what scurvy is and why vitamin C deficiency can cause serious problems in our bodies. Then we will see what the main symptoms and risk factors are; and finally their prevention and treatment.

What is scurvy?

Scurvy is a nutritional disorder caused by vitamin C deficiency. As such, it is characterized by a difficulty in synthesizing tissue, especially collagen. Externally, it manifests itself in the skin (with spots), mucous membranes, teeth and gums. Internally it manifests itself as an impoverishment of the blood , and sometimes produces ulcerations and haemorrhages.

This is because Vitamin C, chemically called ascorbic acid, is an organic compound with antioxidant properties, that is, it prevents the death of cells and cellular tissues . In many species of animals and plants (which have the enzymes necessary to synthesize it) this acid is produced within the body itself.

However, because we humans lack these enzymes (we have 3 of the 4 needed), we must externally consume vitamin C, and thus, compensate for the nutritional properties that allow the synthesis and functioning of our tissues.

Importance of Vitamin C

In addition to being an antioxidant and improving the absorption of iron in the intestinal tract, ascorbic acid plays a very important role in the hydroxylation of collagen , an indispensable step in the configuration of connective tissues. For example, skin, gums, mucous membranes and bones contain a high percentage of collagen.

But not only that, ascorbic acid also participates in the synthesis of neurotransmitters and hormones such as dopamine (essential for motor function), norepinephrine and adrenaline (the latter important for physiological functions and for the activity of the circulatory system).

Despite not having a fixed concentration site, ascorbic acid is usually contained in the adrenal glands, blood cells and the pituitary gland. It also has an approximate life span of 30 minutes once absorbed in the intestinal tract.

Brief history

Scurvy is one of the most studied and described disorders since the early history of medicine. In fact, in the 15th and 16th centuries it was a very common disease among seafarers .

In 1747, the surgeon of the British naval force, James Lind, conducted the first experiment on vitamin C deficiency with sailors. He found that an intake of vitamin C compensated for the first symptoms of scurvy .

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Main symptoms

Scurvy usually has an asymptomatic stage of development, so the first symptoms are visible months after vitamin C reserves have been depleted. This is true for fat as well as for muscle and other tissues. It usually manifests itself from the first 8 to 12 weeks of having had an insufficient intake of ascorbic acid .

The first symptoms are usually fatigue, pain, and stiffness of the joints and lower extremities. Later there is swelling and bleeding of the gums, and later the teeth may begin to loosen.

Other symptoms, which indicate a high degree of scurvy are bleeding under the skin and deep tissues, slow healing, anemia and significant mood swings. Finally, if left untreated, it can lead to death (usually as a result of infection from unhealed wounds, or as a result of bleeding).

Causes and risk factors

Among the main risk factors for scurvy are low socioeconomic levels, alcohol and other drug abuse, and chronic psychiatric disorders that have resulted in low nutrition or excessive drug use .

Although research on the relationship between substance abuse is recent, the hypothesis is that the prolonged presence of psychotropic substances (including alcohol) accelerates the metabolization and breakdown of ascorbic acid. In other words, even if vitamin C is consumed, it does not remain in the body.

Other risk factors related to food intake and the inability to absorb some vitamins are crash diets, anorexia, Crohn’s disease, hemodialysis, celiac disease, and numerous food allergies.

Prevention and treatment

As we saw before, we humans do not have the capacity to synthesize vitamin C, so we need to obtain it from external resources, such as citrus fruits (grapes, limes, lemons, oranges) and vegetables (red pepper, potatoes, spinach, broccoli). The latter keep the ascorbic acid especially if they are not cooked, as it is easily lost at high temperatures.

Recommended daily doses of vitamin C are between 75 and 90 mg per day, so one of the most widely used treatments is the prescription of food supplements high in vitamin C. Depending on the symptoms developed the dose and time of taking these supplements varies, as well as the accompaniment of this type of treatment with others.

Bibliographic references:

  • Agriello, M.F., Buonsante, M.E., Abeldaño, F., Neglia, A., Zylberman, M. and Pellerano, G. (2010). Scurvy: an entity that still exists in modern medicine. Ibero-Latin American Skin Medicine, 38(2): 76-80.
  • Léger, D. (2008). Scurvy. Reemergence of nutritional deficiencies. Canada Family Physician, 54(10): 1403-1406.
  • Scurvy (2018). Encyclopaedia Britannica. Retrieved October 18, 2018. Available at https://www.britannica.com/science/scurvy.