Definition

Scurvy is a condition caused by an insufficient amount of vitamin C for a prolonged period of time. The condition causes weakness, impaired wound healing, anemia, and gingivitis. Scurvy is rare in the United States and occurs most commonly in malnourished older adults and chronic alcoholics.

Causes

Scurvy is typically caused by a diet lacking in fruits and vegetables or foods fortified with vitamin C.

Risk Factors

The following factors increase your chance of developing scurvy:

• A poor diet, with little or no fruits and vegetables
• Little or no vitamin C in the diet
• Anorexia nervosa
• Alcoholism
• Poor dental hygiene
• Gastrointestinal diseases (such as malabsorption, inflammatory bowel disease, dyspepsia, Whipple’s disease)
• Chemotherapy
• A fad diet
• Self-imposed restrictive diets for weight loss or due to food allergies

Symptoms

Symptoms include:

• Weakness
• Paleness
• Sunken eyes
• Tender gums and/or tooth loss
• Muscular pain
• Reopening of old wounds or sores
• Loss of appetite
• Bruising easily
• Weight loss; inability to gain weight
• Diarrhea
• Increased heart rate
• Fever
• Irritability
• Aching and swelling in joints
• Shortness of breath
• Fatigue

Diagnosis

Scurvy can be diagnosed during a physical exam, based on an analysis of symptoms and diet. Your doctor may order a blood test to measure the level of vitamin C in the blood. To diagnose scurvy in infants and children, an x-ray may be done.

Treatment

The treatment for scurvy is simple and effective. To eliminate symptoms and make a full recovery, increase vitamin C intake to recommended levels. You can increase vitamin C levels by:

• Eating a diet rich in citrus fruits, other fruits, and vegetables
• Taking vitamin C supplements

Prevention

To help reduce your chances of getting scurvy, take the following steps:

• Eat a healthy, balanced diet rich in fruits and vegetables.
• Get a sufficient amount of vitamin C, through diet and/or supplements.

American Society for Nutrition http://www.nutrition.org

Health Canada http://www.hc-sc.gc.ca

Weinstein M, Babyn P, Zlotkin S. An orange a day keeps the doctor away: scurvy in the year 2000. Pediatrics. 2001;108:e55. Pediatrics website. Available at:
http://pediatrics.aappublications.org/content/108/3/e55.full.html
Accessed December 22, 2014.