Scurvy is usually considered a historical disease, conjuring up images of sailors on long sea voyages affected by a scarcity of fresh fruit and veggies.
Nevertheless, doctors in developed countries have recently reported treating scurvy, including Australian doctors. reported their results Today within the Journal BMJ Case Reports.
What is scurvy?
Scurvy is a disease brought on by a severe deficiency of vitamin C (ascorbic acid), which is important for the production of collagen. This protein helps maintain the health of the skin, blood vessels, bones and connective tissue.
Without enough vitamin C, the body cannot properly repair tissues, heal wounds, or fight infection. This can result in a variety Symptoms including:
- Fatigue and weakness
- Swollen, bleeding gums or loose teeth
- Pain and tenderness in joints and muscles
- Easily bruised
- Dry, rough or discolored skin (red or purple spots as a consequence of bleeding under the skin)
- Cuts and wounds take longer to heal.
- Anemia (lack of red blood cells, resulting in more fatigue and weakness)
- Increased susceptibility to infection.
It has historically influenced sailors.
It was scurvy. common From the fifteenth to 18th centuries, when sailors and other explorers lived on rations or went long periods without fresh food. You can have heard of a few of these milestones within the history of the disease:
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In 1497-1499Staff of Vasco da Gama Severely affected by scurvy During their expedition to India, a big a part of the crew died of it.
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From the sixteenth to the 18th centuryScurvy was rampant amongst European sailors and explorers, affecting notable figures reminiscent of Ferdinand Magellan and Sir Francis Drake. It was considered the best danger to the health of sailors during long voyages.
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In 1747British Naval Surgeon James Lund He is believed to have conducted one in all the primary clinical trials, showing that citrus fruits could prevent and treat scurvy. However, it took many years for his findings to be widely implemented.
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In 1795officially adopted by the British Royal Navy The practice of providing sailors with lemon or lime juicedramatically reducing the variety of scurvy cases.
Evidence of re-emergence of scurvy
In a brand new case report, doctors in Western Australia Reported Treating a middle-aged man with the condition. In a separate case report, physicians in Canada Reported Treatment of a 65-year-old woman.
Rebecca Catt/Pixels
Both patients presented with leg weakness and skin weakness, yet doctors didn't initially consider scurvy. It was based on The basis Because our modern weight-reduction plan is wealthy in vitamin C, it mustn't be deficient.
On each occasions, treatment with high doses of vitamin C (1,000mg per day for no less than seven days) resulted in improvement of symptoms and eventual full recovery.
The authors of each case reports are concerned that scurvy, if left untreated, can result in inflammation of the blood vessels (vasculitis) and possibly Causes fatal bleeding.
Last yr, a significant hospital in New South Wales commissioned a Chart reviewwhere patient records are reviewed to reply research questions.
Vitamin C deficiency was found to be common. More than 50% of patients whose vitamin C levels were tested were either mildly deficient (29.9%) or markedly deficient (24.5%). Reduction was more common in patients from rural and low socioeconomic areas.
Now a physician. Emphasized Consider vitamin C deficiency and scurvy as possible diagnoses and enlist the assistance of a nutritionist.
Why can scurvy re-emerge?
Eating and consuming nutritious foods with enough vitamin C is unlucky. There is still a problem For some people. Factors that increase the chance of vitamin C deficiency include:
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Poor weight-reduction plan. People with limited food – as a consequence of poverty, food insecurity or food selections – Can't get enough Vitamin C. This includes individuals who rely heavily on processed, nutrient-poor foods relatively than fresh produce
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Food deserts. In areas where access to fresh, inexpensive fruit and veggies is restricted (sometimes called food deserts), people Unintentional vitamin C deficiency. Access to fresh food is lacking in parts of developing countries like India. Identified as a threat. for scurvy
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The cost of living crisis. With more people Not able to pay for fresh producePeople who limit their intake of fruit and veggies may develop dietary deficiencies, including scurvy
Pixels/Jack Sparrow
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Weight loss methods and medicines. Weight-loss surgery or weight-loss medications may limit dietary intake. leading to malnutritionas in A case report of scurvy From Denmark
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Mental illness and eating disorders. Conditions reminiscent of depression and anorexia nervosa can result in severely restricted food intake, which increases the chance of scurvy, reminiscent of in Case report From 2020 in Canada
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Separation. Older adults, especially those that live alone or in nursing homes, can have difficulty Prepare a balanced weight-reduction plan with enough vitamin C
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Certain medical conditions. People with digestive disorders, digestive problems, or restricted medical diets (as a consequence of severe allergies or intolerances) can develop scurvy in the event that they Inability to absorb or use enough vitamin C..
How much vitamin C do we want?
Australian Dietary Guidelines Make a recommendation Adults devour 45 mg of vitamin C per day (more if pregnant or breastfeeding). That's in regards to the amount present in half an orange or half a cup of strawberries.
When there's more vitamin C. Usage Excess amounts are excreted through urine.
Symptoms of scurvy may appear after a month of taking lower than 10 milligrams of vitamin C per day.
Eating foods wealthy in vitamin C – reminiscent of oranges, strawberries, kiwi fruit, plums, pineapples, mangoes, capsicum, broccoli and Brussels sprouts – can relieve symptoms inside a number of weeks.
Vitamin C can be available as a complement if there are the reason why intake through food will be compromised. Typically, supplements contain 1,000mg per pill, and Recommended upper limit The really helpful day by day intake of vitamin C is 2,000 mg.