Scurvy

 

Scurvy is an illness caused by a deficiency in vitamin C. Weakness, fatigue, and painful arms and legs are early signs of deficiency. Reduced red blood cells, gum problems, hair changes, and skin bleeding may occur if left untreated. Scurvy can cause poor wound healing, personality changes, and death from infection or bleeding as it progresses.

During the Age of Sail, it was estimated that 50% of sailors would succumb to scurvy during a long voyage. In 1753, James Lind, a Scottish surgeon in the Royal Navy, is widely credited for establishing that scurvy may be successfully cured with citrus fruit. Nonetheless, it took health reformers like Gilbert Blane until 1795 to persuade the Royal Navy to administer lemon juice to its men on a regular basis.  

Before symptoms appear, it takes at least a month of eating little or no vitamin C. Scurvy is especially common in those with mental illnesses, strange eating habits, drunkenness, and elderly people who live alone in modern times. Intestinal mal-absorption and dialysis are two further risk factors. Humans and a few other species do not manufacture vitamin C on their own. Vitamin C is necessary for the formation of collagen's building blocks. Physical signs, X-rays, and improvement following treatment are commonly used to make a diagnosis.

When compared to other dietary deficits, scurvy is a rare occurrence. It is more common in developing countries and is linked to malnutrition. According to reports, refugee rates range from 5% to 45 percent. Scurvy has been documented from the time of ancient Egypt. It was a stumbling block to long-distance marine transport, which killed a large number of people.