Definition

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

	Gingivitis
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Causes

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

Risk Factors

A risk factor is something that increases your chance of getting a disease or condition.

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 (eg, 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
• Internal bleeding
• 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.

RESOURCES:

American Academy of Family Physicians
http://familydoctor.org/

US National Library of Medicine
http://www.nlm.nih.gov/

CANADIAN RESOURCES:

BC Health Guide
http://www.bchealthguide.org/

Dietitians of Canada
http://www.dietitians.ca/

References:

Clemetson A. Shaken baby or scurvy? General Vaccine Issues. Vaccine Risk Awareness Network website. Available at: http://www.vran.org/vaccines/sbs/sbs-clemetson.htm. Accessed April 15, 2007.

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/cgi/content/full/108/3/e55. Accessed April 15, 2007.

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