Scurvy is a disease caused by a lack of vitamin C. it is a condition caused by deficiency of ascorbic acid which is nothing but vitamin C. It is characterized by livid spots on the skin, spongy gums and bleeding from almost all mucous membranes. It also causes nausea, extreme weakness, loss of hair and teeth and eventual death. Scurvy is generally a consequence of a lack of fruits and vegetables in the diet. It is treated by supplying foods high in vitamin C as well as with vitamin C supplements. Oranges, lemons and other citrus fruits are the richest source of Vitamin C.
Formerly this disease was very common among sailors due to their erratic diet. More sailors died of this than any other cause. Later on it was brought under control by limes and other foods high in vitamin C which were carried on long sea journeys. Scurvy is also known by other names like Barlow's disease, Moeller's disease and Cheadle's disease. Untreated scurvy is always fatal but as the treatment for this disease is known therefore death by this disease has become very rare and uncommon.
Formerly this disease was very common among sailors due to their erratic diet. More sailors died of this than any other cause. Later on it was brought under control by limes and other foods high in vitamin C which were carried on long sea journeys. Scurvy is also known by other names like Barlow's disease, Moeller's disease and Cheadle's disease. Untreated scurvy is always fatal but as the treatment for this disease is known therefore death by this disease has become very rare and uncommon.
