What is scurvy?
A significant deficiency of vitamin C (ascorbic acid) in the diet Vitamin C deficiency In medical terms scurvyThis mainly occurs due to a diet low in vitamin C. However, this is not very common as most people get their required amount of this nutrient from their diet. scurvy This is even more pronounced in areas where malnutrition is widespread.
Who does scurvy affect?
scurvy It can cause vitamin C deficiency in older people, children, and babies who do not get enough vitamin C in their diet. People at risk of developing vitamin C deficiency include:
- People who don’t have access to fresh fruits and vegetables
- People who can barely eat because of treatment such as chemotherapy or an eating disorder such as anorexia
- Regular smoking reduces the amount of vitamin C your body absorbs from food.
- People who are dependent on drugs or alcohol that affect their eating habits.
- People who follow an unhealthy diet while pregnant or breastfeeding.
- People with food allergies and restricted diets.
- People with health conditions such as inflammatory bowel disease or type 1 diabetes
What are the symptoms of scurvy?
Vitamin C is an essential nutrient that serves many different purposes in the body, and a deficiency of this nutrient can lead to a wide range of symptoms. Symptoms of scurvy Start small and after about four weeks, you may notice small changes in your mood and body. Vitamin C deficiency However, if the deficiency continues for more than three months, symptoms can start to become more severe. Symptoms of scurvy Things to be aware of
The first warning signs
- Sudden, unexplained fatigue
- Weaknesses
- Irritation
- My leg hurts
- Loss of appetite
Symptoms of scurvy appear after 1 to 3 months
If you continue to eat a diet deficient in vitamin C for 1 to 3 months, you may experience the following symptoms:
- Anemia is a condition in which there is not enough hemoglobin or red blood cells in the blood.
- Gingivitis causes the gums to become soft, red, and prone to bleeding.
- The hair follicles may have bruise-like bumps, often around the shins, where the hair in the middle looks like a corkscrew and may break off easily.
- Large reddish-blue or black bruises appear on the feet and legs.
- Tooth decay, loose teeth, and in some cases, tooth loss
- shortness of breath
- Joint pain and swelling
- Dry eyes, irritation, bleeding in the whites of the eyes or optic nerve
- Weakened immune system and wound healing, and even reopening of healed wounds
- Photosensitivity
- Blurred vision
- Gastrointestinal bleeding
- headache
- Mood swings such as irritability and depression
- Bleeding in or under the skin
- Scurvy rash, which appears as small red or blue spots on the skin
- Rough, scaly skin
- Chest pain
- Swelling of the legs
Symptoms of scurvy in infants include:
- anemia
- Not gaining weight
- Loss of appetite
- Pain when moving
- Irritation
What causes scurvy?
Vitamin C deficiency for more than three months Causes of scurvy This may be due to an unhealthy diet that lacks fresh fruits and vegetables. Cooking foods high in vitamin C can also destroy the food’s nutritional value.
In some cases, your body may need more vitamin C and be at risk for a deficiency. These conditions include:
- pregnancy
- Breastfeeding
- Illnesses that can cause high fever
- Chronic diarrhea
- Burns
- Tobacco use
- Recent surgery
- hyperthyroidism
If you are undergoing chemotherapy and radiation therapy, or if you are undergoing dialysis and have kidney failure, Causes of scurvy.
How is scurvy diagnosed?
What your doctor can offer you Diagnosis of scurvy Your doctor will make a diagnosis based on the symptoms you’re experiencing and will also perform a physical exam to evaluate you based on your specific risk factors.
What tests are done to diagnose scurvy?
A blood test may be ordered to measure the level of vitamin C in your blood. You may also need to undergo a test called a dermatoscopy, in which a small sample of skin or hair from the affected area is taken and examined under a microscope to look for spiral hairs or a scurvy rash.
How is scurvy treated?
You must receive Treating scurvy Getting enough vitamin C is one of the easiest ways to avoid further complications that can result from long-term vitamin C deficiency. Treating scurvyAim for a nutritious diet that provides at least twice your daily requirement of Vitamin C. Adding fresh fruits and vegetables to each meal will also help improve your blood sugar levels. Symptoms of scurvy.
Doctors prescribe Scurvy medicine This may include taking vitamin C supplements until you feel better. Children may be prescribed supplements of up to 300 mg per day, while adults may require 500-1000 mg.
How soon will I feel better after treatment?
Most people Treating scurvy Patients reported feeling better about 48 hours after starting treatment. scurvy Within two weeks, Symptoms of scurvy It may take a little longer to recover. scurvy You may need to undergo further treatment or be referred to a specialist for a second opinion.
How can scurvy be prevented?
If you get the recommended daily intake of vitamin C from your diet, Scurvy preventionThe best sources of natural vitamin C are fresh fruits and vegetables, such as:
- Citrus Fruits
- tomato
- broccoli
- potato
- green pepper
- strawberry
If you think you can’t get the necessary amount of vitamin C from your diet, talk to your doctor about incorporating a vitamin C supplement into your routine.
How much Vitamin C do I need?
The amount of vitamin C you need per day depends on a number of factors, including age. Here’s how much vitamin C you need per day by age:
Up to 6 months of age: 40 mg
Infants 7 to 12 months: 50 mg
Children 1 to 3 years: 15 mg
Children 4 to 8 years: 25 mg
Children 9–13 years: 45 mg
Teenagers (male): 75 mg
Teenagers (female): 65 mg
Male adults aged 19 years and older: 90 mg
Women aged 19 years or older: 75 mg
Pregnant teenage women: 80 mg
Pregnant adults: 85 mg
Breastfeeding teenagers: 115 mg
Breastfeeding adults: 120 mg
Smokers should take at least 35 mg more than the amounts listed above for their age and gender.
What would happen if you got scurvy?
scurvy teeth Vitamin C deficiency With prompt treatment, it is easily cured. Symptoms will begin to improve within 24-48 hours of starting treatment, but some conditions may take longer to heal. Dental problems and corkscrew hair may take weeks or months to improve. In the case of periodontal disease, the damage may be permanent.
Conclusion
scurvy This is a disease caused by an extreme deficiency of vitamin C. Low intake of vitamin C can cause this condition, but usually scurvy The condition will not improve unless the symptoms go untreated for more than a month. To avoid this condition, you should include plenty of fresh fruits and vegetables in your diet. Citrus foods such as oranges and grapefruit are the best sources of Vitamin C. Tracking your nutritional value with regular blood tests can also help you stay healthy. Metropolis Labs offers premium at-home sample collection services for blood tests so you can stay healthy from the comfort of your own home.
