Deficiency of Vitamin C and Scurvy

Vitamin C (ascorbic acid) is essential for collagen formation and helps to maintain skin and connective tissues, bone, and blood vessels. It is essential for wound healing and helps with the recovery from burns. It also facilitates the absorption of iron. It is a water soluble vitamin essential in the human diet and is found in a wide variety of fruit and veggies. It is also found in fresh milk, fish and livers and kidneys. Vitamin C is an antioxidant, a severe deficiency of vitamin C results in scurvy, which is characterized by haemorrhages and abnormal bone formation.

A deficiency of vitamin C can cause scurvy within three months. People with vitamin C deficiency may also have other vitamin deficiencies. Scurvy is rare today however in the days of Christopher Columbus thousands of sailors died of scurvy. They were at sea for many months and without fruit that could have prevented it. Those that are at risk are the elderly and alcoholics.  Pregnant and lactating women need more vitamin C as well as people with aids or cancer.

Early symptoms are lethargy and shortness of breath. Skin changes include easy bruising, poor wound healing, gum disease and loosening of teeth, emotional changes, including irritability.In later stages, jaundice, odema, heart failure and sudden death may occur. Gums can bleed and become swollen. There may be tenderness of bones and bleeding into muscles and joints. Adults should take 1000 mg daily for one month or until fully recovered. A change of diet should include food high in vitamin C. Vitamin C supplementation is a simple and effective treatment. If untreated scurvy can be fatal.