Tag: Scorbutus

Despite being largely a historical disease associated with sailors, some studies estimate that vitamin C deficiency, which causes scurvy, still affects a small percentage of the population in developed countries. Today, the question of what is scurvy called now is met with an answer that is both old and new.

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.

Historically known as the scourge of sailors, over 7% of the U.S. population today still has some form of vitamin C deficiency. Understanding what is the modern term for scurvy is crucial for recognizing the disease in contemporary contexts and ensuring it is properly diagnosed and treated. The modern medical term for scurvy is severe vitamin C deficiency, also known as ascorbic acid deficiency.

Once a devastating and common disease among sailors, scurvy today manifests from severe nutritional deficits, affecting those with limited access to fresh fruits and vegetables. This condition is caused by a serious vitamin C deficiency, but **what is another name for scurvy**? The condition is also medically referred to as scorbutus, or more simply, ascorbic acid deficiency.

While famously associated with sailors in the Age of Sail, scurvy is still a concern today, affecting an estimated 7.1% of the U.S. population with some level of vitamin C deficiency. So, what is scurvy called today? The answer is both simple and complex, as the traditional name remains, but more precise medical terminology is often used.