What Causes Scurvy?

A person who is significantly deficient in vitamin C has a condition called scurvy. Left untreated, scurvy can lead to many debilitating ailments and disorders, including anemia, ulcers on the gums resulting in tooth damage and loss, pain in the legs, and swelling. Scurvy was a prominent ailment in various parts of history, typically due to famine. Sailors would also contract scurvy after embarking on long voyages since it was difficult to obtain fresh fruits and vegetables. In the present day, scurvy continues to be a problem in developing countries as well as among specific socioeconomic populations within the developed world. It is essential to know the underlying causes and engage in preventative measures to combat scurvy.

Restrictive Diets

Restrictive diets, also known as allergy diets, are those which eliminate certain foods from one's diet to determine which are causing an allergic reaction or unwanted symptoms. This type of dieting may be necessary for one's health, but it's important to use caution when engaging in a restrictive diet and make sure the body is still consuming the recommended daily value of vitamin C. Of course, many also engage in restrictive diets in order to lose weight, which is the wrong approach for lasting change.

A typical, healthy diet can provide the necessary daily amount of vitamin c the body needs to prevent scurvy, simply through the consumption of fruits and vegetables. Restricting certain foods increases the risk for scurvy. It is recommended a vitamin C supplement is taken if needed to reduce the risk of a deficiency developing.

Advanced Age

Individuals of advanced age are also susceptible to scurvy. Researchers believe a breakdown in the diet may be the cause of the increased risk in elderly patients because as the human body ages, certain functions begin to decline. In some cases, the body can no longer digest certain foods and in others tooth decay and loss may make it difficult to consume foods that require chewing. Memory problems may result in forgetting to eat as well. It is important for the diet of elderly patients to include the recommended daily amount of vitamin C, and if it is not possible to consume through food, a supplement should be added. If a senior is consuming enough vitamin C through food and is still found to be deficient, they should speak with their physician to inquire about engaging in testing to see if their body is having difficulty absorbing the vitamin C.

Excessive Alcohol Or Drug Use

Excessive alcohol or drug use also heightens the risk for scurvy. When used excessively, alcohol and certain drugs prevent the absorption of vitamin C. Studies also show individuals who abuse drugs and alcohol tend to have unbalanced diets, and the increased risk of scurvy is not limited to those individuals actively engaging in alcohol or drug abuse. Those in the process of stopping or detoxing from drugs or alcohol also have an increased risk as well. Individuals who contract scurvy from alcohol or drug abuse tend to have increased leg pain and swelling and difficulty walking. Complications from alcohol or drug abuse may make it very difficult for an addict to maintain a healthy regimen of vitamin C consumption, but it is nonetheless imperative, and should definitely be considered for those attempting to cease alcohol or drug abuse.

Diet Lacking Fruits And Vegetables

As is clear, a diet lacking fruits and vegetables is the primary cause for scurvy contraction. For the average person, consuming the recommended daily amount of fruits and vegetables will be enough to get enough vitamin C needed to prevent scurvy. Fruits such as oranges, lemons, blackberries, and papaya are excellent sources of vitamin C. Vegetables such as tomatoes, carrots, broccoli, and spinach also give an extra boost. The United States Department of Agriculture recommends adults consume five to thirteen servings of fruits and vegetables per day. Following the guidelines recommended and maintaining a healthy, well-rounded diet will help to prevent not only vitamin C deficiency but also a deficiency of other important vitamins and minerals.

Other Illnesses

Although scurvy is its own illness, there are certain other illnesses that if left untreated can accompany scurvy. Individuals with pellagra are deficient in vitamin b-3 and typically have symptoms of diarrhea, dementia, and dermatitis. Beriberi is another illness caused by vitamin deficiency (vitamin B1). Depending on the type, beriberi can affect the heart and circulatory system (wet beriberi) leading to heart failure or the nerves and muscles (dry beriberi) leading to paralysis. The reason pellagra and beriberi can accompany scurvy is due to the fact all three are typically the result of a diet lacking in fresh fruits and vegetables.