Scurvy – Vitamin C Deficiency – Causes, Symptoms, Remedies and Dietary Considerations
Scurvy is also called Vitamin C deficiency disease. It is one of the oldest known deficiency disease. The disease is common among children and teenagers. Humans are unable to synthesize vitamin C – which is necessary for collagen production and iron absorption – and so they must obtain it from external sources (such as citrus fruits).
CAUSES FOR SCURVY
- Lack of Vitamin C or ascorbic acid.
- Inadequate intake of fresh fruits and vegetables.
- Stress which increases the utilization of ascorbic acid.
- People who have spend lot of time away from the main land like sailors.
- Ignorance.
- Difficulty orally ingesting foods.
SYMPTOMS FOR SCURVY
- Loss of appetite.
- Exhaustion.
- General weakness.
- Paleness.
- Sunken eyes.
- Bleeding of gums.
- Fragile capillaries.
- Loosened teeth.
- Petechial hemorrhage of the skin and mucous membranes.
- Eye bleeding.
Diagnosis of Scurvy is done by calculating actual vitamin C levels that can be obtained by using laboratory tests that analyze serum ascorbic acid levels.
REMEDIES FOR SCURVY
- Lime and Lemon are rich sources of vitamin C, the juice of one lime or lemon mixed in a glass of water with a teaspoon of honey should be taken for treating this condition.
- Mango powder or aamchoor is an effective remedy for scurvy.
- Try to eat potato meals at least two-three times in a week. It is very beneficial in such a condition. It contains 17mg of vitamin C in approximately 100 mg of potatoes.
- Indian Gooseberry is the richest source of vitamin C. Dry amla should be powdered with an equal amount of sugar and one tsp thrice a day should be taken daily.
- Boil about 15gms dried leaves of jaundice berry in 500ml of water till it is reduced to one-third. It should be in the doses of 2 to 4ml.
DIETARY AND OTHER CONSIDERATIONS
- After birth, children should be breast fed as mother’s milk is pure and fresh and contains correct proportions of all the necessary nutrients.
- Foods that contain vitamin C are oranges, lemons, blackcurrants, guava, kiwifruit, papaya, tomatoes, strawberries, carrots, bell peppers,broccoli, potatoes, cabbage, spinach, paprika, liver, oysters.
- Sleep in a well ventilated room.
- Undertake outdoor exercises like walking, swimming, cycling.
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