Tag: Symptoms of scurvy

Cases of scurvy are on the rise in some developed nations, with one recent analysis finding a significant increase in the pediatric inpatient population between 2016 and 2020. This surprising statistic raises questions about personal risk in the modern era.

According to the National Institutes of Health, vitamin C deficiency still affects a small percentage of the population, leading to the question: Which of the following diseases results from a vitamin C deficiency?. The correct answer is scurvy, a historical disease now rare in developed countries but still a risk for certain populations.

An estimated two million sailors tragically lost their lives to scurvy during the Age of Exploration, a prime example of the severe health consequences when a population suffers from a chronic dietary lack of vitamin C. While largely a historical footnote in developed nations, scurvy remains a relevant, preventable nutritional disorder today.

Historically, scurvy killed more sailors than warfare on long sea voyages. This devastating condition, known as the vitamin C deficiency disease, is now rare in developed nations but still affects vulnerable populations worldwide.

Historically known as the scourge of sailors, scurvy is a condition caused by a severe deficiency of ascorbic acid, also known as vitamin C. It has been documented for centuries, claiming the lives of millions of seafarers during the Age of Exploration due to a lack of fresh fruits and vegetables. Today, while rare in developed nations, it can still affect vulnerable populations.

According to the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) 2017–2018, the estimated overall prevalence of vitamin C deficiency in the US is about 5.9%. The most severe outcome of this deficiency is a disease known as scurvy, a condition historically linked to sailors but still relevant today.

While most associate scurvy with ancient sailors and explorers, vitamin C deficiency still occurs today, even in developed countries. This nutritional disease can affect modern individuals due to poor dietary habits, restricted diets, and certain medical conditions.

According to the National Institutes of Health, vitamin C deficiency still affects a small percentage of people in developed countries, leading to significant health issues. A prolonged deficiency of vitamin C may result in the debilitating disease known as scurvy, which affects connective tissue, bone health, and overall immunity.

Severe vitamin C deficiency, known as scurvy, typically occurs when plasma vitamin C concentrations fall below 11 micromoles per liter (µmol/L) or 0.2 milligrams per deciliter (mg/dL). This article explores exactly what vitamin C level is scurvy and the critical signs that accompany this nutritional disorder.

Symptoms of severe vitamin C deficiency, known as scurvy, typically begin to manifest within one to three months of inadequate intake. The progression is gradual, starting with non-specific signs and advancing to more severe health complications if left unaddressed.