Scurvy is a condition that results from vitamin C deficiency. Everyone loves a curvy smile, but a scurvy smile? Probably not. Vitamin C is needed for the growth and repair of tissues in all parts of your body.
Vitamin C is used to :-
- Form an important protein called collagen, used to make skin, tendons, ligaments, and blood vessels
- Heal wounds and form scar tissue
- Repair and maintain cartilage, bones, and teeth
- Aid in the absorption of iron
The body is not able to make vitamin C on its own. It does not store vitamin C. It is therefore important to include plenty of vitamin C-containing foods in your daily diet.
Food Sources:
All fruits and vegetables contain some amount of vitamin C. Fruits with the highest content of vitamin C include:
- Citrus fruits and juices, such as orange and grapefruit
- Kiwi fruit
- Mango
- Papaya
- Pineapple
- Strawberries, raspberries, blueberries, and cranberries
- Watermelon
Vegetables with the highest sources of vitamin C include:
- Broccoli, Brussels sprouts, and cauliflower
- Green and red peppers
- Spinach, cabbage, turnip greens, and other leafy greens
- Sweet and white potatoes
- Tomatoes and tomato juice
- Winter squash
Some cereals and other foods and beverages are fortified with vitamin C. Fortified means a vitamin or mineral has been added to the food. Check the product labels to see how much vitamin C is in the product.
The best food sources of vitamin C are uncooked or raw fruits and vegetables. Cooking vitamin C-rich foods or storing them for a long period of time can reduce the vitamin C content. Microwaving and steaming vitamin C-rich foods may reduce cooking losses. Exposure to light can also reduce vitamin C content. Choose orange juice that is sold in a carton instead of a clear bottle.
Too little vitamin C can lead to signs and symptoms of deficiency i.e
- Anemia
- Bleeding gums
- Decreased ability to fight infection
- Decreased wound-healing rate
- Dry and splitting hair
- Easy bruising
- Gingivitis (inflammation of the gums)
- Nosebleeds
- Possible weight gain because of slowed metabolism
- Rough, dry, scaly skin
- Swollen and painful joints
- Weakened tooth enamel
A severe form of vitamin C deficiency is known as scurvy. This mainly affects older, malnourished adults.
Prolonged deficiency of vitamin C may result in scurvy. It is characterised by weakening blood vessels and impair wound healing.
Visible symptoms in the mouth for scurvy include:-
- Gum change from red to violet red
- Bad breath
- Bleeding gums
- Swelling of the periodontal tissues followed by loss of bone and loosening of teeth
Risk Factors for Vitamin C Deficiency
Several factors can contribute to an increased risk of vitamin C deficiency, some of which are listed below.
- Alcohol use disorder
- Infant feeding practices: Consumption of cow’s milk instead of breast milk or fortified formula during infancy can pose a risk for vitamin C deficiency.
- Social isolation and dietary habits
- Limited access to fruits and vegetables:
- Smoking
- Eating disorders
- Type 1 diabetes
- Malabsorptive disorders
- Bariatric surgery
- Iron-overload conditions
- Restrictive or low carbohydrate diets
- Food allergies
- Developmental disabilities and mental illness
- Hemodialysis: Individuals undergoing hemodialysis may experience increased renal losses of vitamin C, potentially leading to its deficiency.
– Dr.Rochelle Sequeira, (Ward 16)