From the Guidelines
Scurvy is a disease caused by severe vitamin C deficiency, characterized by early nonspecific symptoms such as fatigue, and more specific, severe symptoms including petechiae and corkscrew hairs, which can be prevented and treated with adequate vitamin C intake. According to the study published in the Annual Review of Nutrition 1, a diet deficient only in vitamin C will lead to early nonspecific symptoms of scurvy such as fatigue in approximately 4 weeks and to more specific, severe symptoms starting between 8 and 12 weeks. Some key points to consider about scurvy include:
- It develops when a person lacks adequate vitamin C (ascorbic acid) in their diet for an extended period
- Symptoms begin with fatigue, malaise, and inflammation of the gums, then progress to include poor wound healing, easy bruising, hair and tooth loss, joint pain, and the reopening of previously healed wounds
- In advanced cases, scurvy can cause jaundice, fever, neuropathy, and eventually death
- Treatment involves vitamin C supplementation, and fresh fruits and vegetables, especially citrus fruits, bell peppers, and leafy greens, should be incorporated into the diet
- Vitamin C is essential because humans cannot synthesize it naturally, yet it's required for collagen formation, iron absorption, and immune function As recommended by the ESPEN micronutrient guideline published in Clinical Nutrition 1, plasma vitamin C concentrations may be measured in all patients with clinical suspicion of scurvy or chronic low intake, and a clinical trial of vitamin C of about 1 g/day for at least one week, should not be delayed in the presence of clinical symptoms.
From the FDA Drug Label
The FDA drug label does not answer the question.
From the Research
Definition of Scurvy
- Scurvy is a disease caused by vitamin C deficiency, which can lead to serious health complications and even be fatal 2, 3, 4.
- It is a rare entity in developed countries, but its diagnosis may often be delayed, resulting in unnecessary investigations and/or potentially severe complications 3.
Symptoms and Clinical Features
- The clinical features of scurvy can include easy bruising, Raynaud's syndrome, bleeding, and bruising 2, 3.
- Other symptoms may include fatigue, diffuse purpuric rash, and scattered ecchymosis 4.
- Scurvy can also cause hemolysis, which can lead to severe anemia 4.
Risk Factors and Populations
- Scurvy can affect anyone with a vitamin C deficiency, but it is more common in certain populations, such as alcoholics and malnourished individuals 4.
- Other at-risk populations include those with iron overload, neurologic conditions, and history of chemotherapy 5.
- Scurvy can also occur in children with underlying medical conditions, such as sickle cell anemia or thalassemia 5.
Diagnosis and Treatment
- Diagnosis of scurvy is typically made through a combination of clinical evaluation, laboratory tests, and imaging studies 3, 5.
- Treatment of scurvy usually involves vitamin C supplementation, which can be given orally or intravenously 3, 4.
- In some cases, treatment may also involve addressing underlying conditions, such as iron deficiency or folic acid deficiency 6.