Scurvy, at its core, is a disease arising from a prolonged deficiency of vitamin C in your diet. While scurvy is considered rare today due to the widespread availability of vitamin C in food, understanding what it is, its causes, and symptoms remains crucial for maintaining good health. This condition, also known as ascorbic acid deficiency, can lead to a range of health issues if left untreated.
What Causes Scurvy? The Root of Vitamin C Deficiency
The primary cause of scurvy is a diet lacking sufficient vitamin C over an extended period. Vitamin C, a vital nutrient, is predominantly found in fruits and vegetables. It plays a critical role in collagen production, a protein essential for the structure of skin, blood vessels, tendons, ligaments, and bones. When vitamin C levels are low, the body cannot produce collagen effectively, leading to the symptoms associated with scurvy.
While generally, individuals consuming even a moderately varied diet are not typically at risk of scurvy, certain factors can increase vulnerability. These include:
- Limited Fruit and Vegetable Intake: Diets devoid of fresh fruits and vegetables for prolonged periods significantly elevate the risk of vitamin C deficiency and subsequently, scurvy.
- Severely Restricted Food Intake: Conditions or treatments that drastically reduce overall food consumption can lead to scurvy. Examples include cancer treatments like chemotherapy, which can induce severe nausea and appetite loss, or eating disorders such as anorexia nervosa.
- Smoking: Smoking impairs the body’s ability to absorb vitamin C from food, increasing the likelihood of deficiency even with a seemingly adequate diet.
- Chronic Alcohol or Drug Dependence: Long-term substance dependency often results in poor dietary habits, contributing to vitamin C deficiency.
- Pregnancy and Breastfeeding with Poor Diet: During pregnancy and breastfeeding, the body’s demand for vitamin C increases. An inadequate diet during these periods can deplete vitamin C levels, raising the risk of scurvy.
- Age Extremes and Dietary Challenges: Infants, young children, and older adults who face challenges in maintaining a balanced and healthy diet are also more susceptible to developing scurvy.
Recognizing Scurvy: Key Symptoms to Watch For
The symptoms of scurvy can manifest in various ways, often starting subtly and progressing over time. Early signs and symptoms of scurvy may include:
- Persistent Fatigue and Weakness: Feeling constantly tired and lacking energy is a common early indicator.
- Irritability and Mood Changes: Increased irritability, sadness, and general mood disturbances can occur.
- Joint, Muscle, and Leg Pain: Aches and pains in joints, muscles, or specifically in the legs are frequently reported.
- Gum Problems: Swollen and bleeding gums are a hallmark symptom, and in advanced cases, teeth may become loose or even fall out.
- Skin Manifestations: The appearance of small red or blue spots on the skin, particularly on the legs and feet, is characteristic. These spots might be less noticeable on darker skin tones. Easy bruising of the skin is also a common sign.
When to Seek Medical Advice for Potential Scurvy
It’s important to be aware of when to seek medical attention if you suspect scurvy, especially if you or your child are in a high-risk category.
Seek Non-Urgent Medical Advice from a General Practitioner (GP) if:
You or your child are at risk of scurvy and experience symptoms such as:
- Persistent fatigue and weakness.
- Ongoing irritability and sadness.
- Joint, muscle, or leg pain.
- Wounds that are slow to heal or reopen.
Seek Urgent Medical Advice – Schedule an Urgent GP Appointment or Contact NHS 111 Now if:
You or your child are at risk of scurvy and exhibit more concerning symptoms, including:
- Skin that bruises easily.
- Swollen, bleeding gums, possibly with loose teeth.
- Swelling in joints or legs.
- Elevated temperature (fever) or chills.
- Yellowing of the whites of the eyes or skin (jaundice), which may be less obvious on brown or black skin.
You can contact 111 by phone or utilize the 111 online service for guidance.
Immediate Action Required – Call 999 or Go to the Accident & Emergency (A&E) Department if:
You or your child experience any of the following severe symptoms, which could indicate a medical emergency:
- A rash that doesn’t fade when pressed with a glass (this may appear as red or blue spots in scurvy).
- Sudden, severe headache, unlike any previous headache, potentially described as feeling like a hard blow to the head.
- Stiff neck.
- Sensitivity to light.
- Blurred or double vision.
- Stroke-like symptoms, such as slurred speech or weakness on one side of the body.
- Loss of consciousness or uncontrolled shaking (convulsions).
- Severe chest pain or breathing difficulties.
- Confusion or drowsiness.
In children, additional emergency signs to watch for include limpness, floppiness, unresponsiveness, head tilting or dropping, and difficulty focusing.
Find your nearest A&E
Important Note: Do not drive yourself to A&E in an emergency. Arrange for someone to drive you, or call 999 for an ambulance. Bring any medications you are currently taking with you.
Treating Scurvy: Restoring Vitamin C Levels
Prompt treatment of scurvy is crucial to prevent serious complications and potentially life-threatening situations. Fortunately, scurvy treatment is typically straightforward and effective.
Mild cases of scurvy are often easily managed by increasing vitamin C intake through dietary changes. Consuming fresh fruits and vegetables rich in vitamin C is highly recommended.
A GP may also prescribe vitamin C supplements, also known as ascorbic acid, to rapidly replenish vitamin C levels in the body. Most individuals undergoing scurvy treatment experience noticeable improvement within days and achieve a full recovery.
Depending on the underlying cause of scurvy, a GP might refer you to a specialist for further evaluation, treatment, support, or dietary advice.
Preventing Vitamin C Deficiency: A Dietary Approach
Prevention is always better than cure, and preventing vitamin C deficiency and scurvy is readily achievable through dietary habits.
Fruits and vegetables are the best natural sources of vitamin C. Adopting a healthy, balanced diet that incorporates a variety of fruits and vegetables is the most effective way to ensure adequate vitamin C intake and prevent deficiency.
It’s advisable to consult with a GP or midwife before starting any supplements or making significant dietary changes, particularly during pregnancy or breastfeeding, to ensure the approach is safe and appropriate for your individual needs.
Page last reviewed: 27 September 2023
Next review due: 27 September 2026
