Understanding Scurvy: What disease does lack of vitamin C cause?

October 11, 2025 •

4 min read

While rare in developed nations, severe vitamin C deficiency, lasting for months, leads to the disease known as scurvy. It is a preventable condition caused by a diet lacking fresh fruits and vegetables. Knowing the signs and symptoms is vital for early diagnosis and treatment.

Quick Summary

A severe deficiency of vitamin C results in the disease scurvy, which impairs collagen synthesis throughout the body. Manifestations include fatigue, weakness, joint pain, easy bruising, bleeding gums, and poor wound healing. Identifying risk factors and eating a vitamin-rich diet are essential for prevention.

Key Points

The Main Culprit: A severe lack of vitamin C causes the disease scurvy, characterized by a breakdown of connective tissues due to impaired collagen synthesis.
Initial Symptoms are Vague: Early signs of vitamin C deficiency often include non-specific symptoms like fatigue, weakness, and irritability before more severe issues appear.
Classic Manifestations: Key indicators of scurvy include easy bruising, bleeding gums, poor wound healing, joint pain, and distinctive 'corkscrew' hair.
Collagen Failure is the Mechanism: The underlying pathophysiology of scurvy is the body's inability to produce stable collagen without sufficient vitamin C, which affects skin, gums, bones, and blood vessels.
Prevention is Key: The most effective prevention is a diet rich in fresh fruits and vegetables, as the human body cannot produce or store vitamin C in large amounts.
Treatment is Effective: Once diagnosed, scurvy is easily treated with vitamin C supplementation, with symptoms often improving dramatically within days.

Disclaimer

Information provided in this article is for general knowledge and should not be taken as medical advice. Always consult with a healthcare provider before making any decisions about your health or treatment.

Scurvy: The Classic Disease of Vitamin C Deficiency

The disease caused by a severe, prolonged deficiency of vitamin C (ascorbic acid) is called scurvy. Although historically associated with sailors on long sea voyages without fresh produce, scurvy is still relevant today and can affect anyone with a chronically poor diet. The condition is a direct consequence of the body's inability to synthesize collagen, a crucial protein for connective tissue health, without a sufficient supply of vitamin C.

The Physiological Role of Vitamin C and Effects of Deficiency

Vitamin C is a water-soluble vitamin with several essential functions. Its most critical role is acting as a cofactor for enzymes involved in collagen synthesis. Collagen provides structure and support for skin, bones, cartilage, teeth, and blood vessels. When vitamin C levels drop below a critical threshold for several weeks, the body's collagen production falters, leading to the systemic breakdown of these tissues.

Beyond its role in collagen, vitamin C is a powerful antioxidant, protecting cells from damage caused by free radicals. It also enhances the absorption of non-heme iron from plant-based foods. The deficiency's effects are widespread, impacting everything from physical stamina to psychological well-being.

Common Signs and Symptoms of Scurvy

Symptoms of scurvy often develop gradually after several months of inadequate vitamin C intake. Early indicators can be vague and non-specific, making diagnosis challenging initially. As the deficiency progresses, more distinct symptoms emerge.

Fatigue and Weakness: One of the earliest and most common signs is persistent fatigue, weakness, and irritability.
Joint and Muscle Pain: Many people experience vague muscle and joint aches. In advanced cases, bleeding into the joints can cause severe pain and swelling.
Easy Bruising and Skin Issues: Capillary fragility leads to easy bruising and small red or blue spots (petechiae) under the skin, especially on the legs and feet. The skin may become dry, rough, and scaly.
Dental and Gum Problems: Gums can become swollen, purple, and spongy. They may bleed easily, and teeth can loosen or even fall out due to the weakening of connective tissue.
Poor Wound Healing: Due to impaired collagen synthesis, wounds heal slowly or may even reopen after healing.
Hair Changes: Body hair may become dry, brittle, and coiled, resembling a corkscrew.
Anemia: Scurvy can lead to anemia through poor iron absorption and increased blood loss from bleeding.
Psychological Effects: Studies have linked vitamin C deficiency to mood changes, depression, and cognitive impairment.

At-Risk Populations for Vitamin C Deficiency

While severe deficiency is uncommon in most industrialized nations, several groups remain vulnerable. These include:

Elderly individuals with limited diets, such as a "tea-and-toast" diet, or those living alone who have difficulty accessing or preparing a variety of fresh foods.
Individuals with alcohol use disorder, whose diets are often lacking in essential nutrients.
Smokers, who have increased vitamin C requirements due to greater oxidative stress.
Infants fed on evaporated or boiled milk, which can lack sufficient vitamin C if not fortified. Breast milk and modern formulas are typically adequate sources.
People with malabsorption disorders (e.g., Crohn's or celiac disease) or those who have undergone bariatric surgery.
Individuals with very restricted diets, whether due to eating disorders, food fads, or specific medical conditions.

Comparison: Preventing vs. Treating Vitamin C Deficiency

Proper nutrition and supplementation play different roles depending on the severity of the deficiency. Prevention focuses on maintaining adequate intake, while treatment addresses existing clinical symptoms.


Aspect	Prevention	Treatment
Primary Strategy	Maintain a balanced diet rich in fruits and vegetables.	Administer vitamin C supplements, followed by dietary changes.
Intake Goal	Aim to meet general daily requirements through diet.	Focus on rapidly replenishing body stores to resolve symptoms.
Food Sources	Citrus fruits, red/green peppers, strawberries, broccoli, potatoes, leafy greens.	Emphasis on fresh, raw fruits and vegetables to maximize intake.
Supplementation	Not typically necessary for those with a healthy diet.	Oral or intravenous supplements may be used to rapidly replenish body stores.
Symptom Status	Asymptomatic. Focus is on long-term health.	Actively addressing symptoms like fatigue, pain, and bleeding.
Duration	Lifelong dietary habit.	Intensive phase lasts days to weeks, with ongoing dietary maintenance.

How to Prevent Vitamin C Deficiency

The most effective way to prevent scurvy and other deficiency-related health problems is to ensure a consistent intake of vitamin C-rich foods. Since the body doesn't store large amounts of this vitamin, it needs to be replenished regularly.

Here are some practical tips:

Include a variety of fruits and vegetables in your daily meals.
Opt for fresh and raw foods whenever possible, as heat and prolonged storage can destroy vitamin C.
Consider nutrient-rich options like red and green peppers, kiwi, strawberries, broccoli, and cantaloupe.
Choose fortified foods if your diet is limited. Some cereals and juices have added vitamin C.
Be mindful of cooking methods. Steaming or microwaving can minimize nutrient loss compared to boiling.
Address risk factors. For smokers, older adults, or those with malabsorption, dietary management and potentially supplementation require extra attention.

Conclusion

While most people in developed nations consume enough vitamin C to avoid severe deficiency, awareness of scurvy and its causes remains crucial. The disease is a stark reminder of the body's dependence on a balanced diet for fundamental processes like collagen synthesis. Recognizing the early signs, understanding the risk factors, and prioritizing a nutrition-rich diet are the best defenses. For anyone concerned about their intake, increasing consumption of fresh fruits and vegetables is the most direct and effective action. Treatment for established scurvy is straightforward and highly effective with proper vitamin C supplementation, followed by sustainable dietary changes. For more detailed information on vitamin C requirements and food sources, consult resources like the NIH Office of Dietary Supplements fact sheets.

Frequently Asked Questions

Scurvy is a disease resulting from a severe, long-term deficiency of vitamin C (ascorbic acid). It is characterized by the weakening of connective tissues due to impaired collagen synthesis.

Early symptoms are often non-specific and can include fatigue, weakness, general malaise, and irritability. Muscle and joint aches are also common initial complaints.

Symptoms of scurvy typically develop after several months (e.g., 3 months) of consistently low vitamin C intake. It takes time for the body's limited stores to be depleted to a critical level.

Yes, a deficiency significantly impacts dental health. Gums can become swollen, purple, and bleed easily, and teeth may become loose or fall out due to weakened collagen in supporting tissues.

Yes, vitamin C is water-soluble and easily destroyed by heat and prolonged storage. Cooking methods like steaming or microwaving are preferred over boiling to minimize loss.

Excellent food sources include citrus fruits, bell peppers, strawberries, broccoli, kiwis, cantaloupe, and potatoes.

Scurvy is treated by providing vitamin C supplements, often in high doses initially, followed by regular dietary intake of vitamin C-rich foods. Symptoms typically begin to improve within 24 to 48 hours.

Yes, vitamin C deficiency can contribute to anemia in several ways, including impaired iron absorption from the diet and blood loss from bleeding associated with scurvy.

Severe vitamin C deficiency leading to scurvy is rare in most developed countries with widespread access to food. However, deficiency can still occur in specific at-risk populations, such as the elderly, alcoholics, and those with very restrictive diets.