ScurvyDef. - when the body looses the ability to synthesize and make

Vitamin C (also known as Ascorbic Acid), due to the lack of it, causing

the body to depend on other sources to meet the Vitamin C requirements.

Scientific DefinitionThe Vitamin C

deficiency called scurvy causes issues with the

formation of collagen, a major part of

connective tissue. Without collagen, the skin looses its thick

protection, its structure and support, and creates a more

permeable layer.

http://dermnetnz.org/systemic/scurvy.html

Signs of ScurvyScurvy can begin with symptoms of appetite loss, not

gaining weight and fever, but as time passes it can become more serious with the following:

• Skin problems- large bruises around hair follicles that break off easily

• Oral problems- gum swelling, bleeding, and teeth loss• Musculoskeletal problems – bleeding in the joints

causing pain • Eye problems- dryness, irritation, sensitivity to light,

and visual blurring• Anemia – reduced number of red blood cells• Heart and lung problems- shortness of breath, low

blood pressure, and chest pain

History

In the 1750's, the Scottish physician, Dr. James Lind,

experimented on six patients who had scurvy.

Each was given a different acidic drink like, vinegar,

seawater, sulfuric acid solution, apple cider, garlic and mustard seed, or two oranges and a lemon. He found that the men who

ate the citrus fruit healed quickly, while the ones who

drank the cider were slower, and the others

didn’t get better at all. Due to his observations, limes became a requirement on British ships giving British

sailors the nickname of “Limeys”.http://www.bookdrum.com/books/longitude/9780802715296/bookma

rks.html

CausesAs claimed in both

definitions, Scurvy is caused by a lack of

Vitamin C in one’s diet.

Treatment

•Oranges •Lemons

•Blackcurrants

•Guava •Kiwi •Papaya •Tomatoes•Strawberrie

s• Carrots

•Bell peppers •Broccoli •Potatoes •Cabbage•Spinach •Paprika •Liver •Oysters

Scurvy is treated with Vitamin C supplements and

the following foods containing Vitamin C:

http://images.businessweek.com/ss/07/12/1206_biotech_brunch/image/papaya.jpg

Worst Case Scenario

Without treatment, the effects Scurvy has on the respiratory system can lead to

death.

Facts About ScurvyPeople that most commonly get scurvy are:

–Alcoholics –Elderly –Men who live alone–Children –People on odd diets or food fads –People who fear food, try to starve themselves to death, and/or have eating disorders

http://www.oprah.com/food/Eating-Exotic-Foods-Food-Fear-Factor

Facts About ScurvyMay 2nd is Scurvy Day. 

http://atomicbearpress.com/2008/06/09/captain-scurvy

/

Citations• http://www.todayifoundout.com/index.php/2010/12

/the-effects-of-scurvy/• http://dermnetnz.org/systemic/scurvy.html• http://emedicine.medscape.com/article/125350-ov

erview• http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/155758

.php• http://www.nhs.uk/Conditions/Scurvy/Pages/Treat

ment.aspx• "Scurvy." Magill's Medical Guide, 4th Rev. ed..

2008. eLibrary. Web. 07 Oct. 2013.Presentation by:Tessa Loewen

1st hr.