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Vitamin "C"
Scurvy
(N.Lat. scorbutus) is a
deficiency disease that results from lack of
vitamin C,
which is required for correct
collagen
synthesis in humans. The scientific name of vitamin C, ascorbic
acid, is derived from the Latin name of scurvy, scorbutus. Scurvy leads to
the formation of liver spots on the skin, spongy gums, and bleeding from all
mucous membranes. The spots are most abundant on the thighs and legs,
and a person with the ailment looks pale, feels depressed, and is partially
immobilized.
Scurvy was at one
time common among
sailors and others who were on ships, whose
ships were out to sea longer than perishable
fruits and
vegetables could be stored and by
soldiers who were similarly separated from these foods for extended
periods. It was described by
Hippocrates (c. 460 BC–c. 380 BC). Its cause and cure has been known in
many native cultures since prehistory. Untreated scurvy is always fatal.
However, since all that is required for a full recovery is the resumption of
normal vitamin C intake, death from scurvy is rare in modern times. British
sailors were given limes to combat scurvy on long ocean voyages;
hence, they were called "lymies".
Robert Falcon
Scott made two expeditions to the Antarctic in the early 20th century, the
prevailing medical theory, at the time, was that scurvy was caused by
"tainted" canned food. It was not until 1932 that the connection between
vitamin C and scurvy was established. Scurvy or sub-clinical scurvy is
caused by the lack of Vitamin C. In modern western society, scurvy is rarely
present in adults, although infants and elderly people are affected.
Vitamin C is destroyed by the process of “pasteurization”, so
babies fed with ordinary bottled milk sometimes suffer from scurvy if they
are not provided with adequate vitamin supplements. Virtually all
commercially available baby formulas contain added vitamin C for this
reason, however “heat” and “storage” destroys vitamin C. Human
breast milk contains sufficient vitamin C, if the mother has an adequate
intake to prevent scurvy on her own.
Scurvy is one of
the accompanying diseases of malnutrition (other such micronutrient
deficiencies are beriberi or pellagra) and thus is still widespread in areas
of the world depending on external food aid. Scurvy can be
prevented by a diet that includes limes, oranges, and lemons, or the juices
of these fruits. Other good sources of Vitamin C are fruits such as guava,
papaya, tomatoes or strawberries. It can also be found in some vegetables,
such as bell peppers, broccoli, potatoes, cabbage, spinach, and even
pickles.
The statements enclosed
herein have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. The products
mentioned on this site are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any
disease. Information and statements made are for educational purposes and are
not intended to replace the advice of your family doctor.
