Tag: Historical disease

Historically, vitamin deficiency diseases plagued sailors and soldiers on long voyages, but they still occur today in various at-risk populations. Scurvy, an ancient disease first described around 1550 BC, is a prime example of a condition caused by the inadequate intake of a specific vitamin, specifically vitamin C. While often considered a relic of the past, modern cases still surface in malnourished individuals worldwide.

Historically, scurvy was a feared disease that killed millions of sailors on long voyages due to a complete lack of fresh fruits and vegetables. While severe cases of this nutritional disorder are now rare in developed nations, understanding what is another word for scurvy sheds light on its root cause: vitamin C deficiency.