Scurvy

Scurvy is a disease caused by prolonged vitamin C deficiency. It impairs collagen maintenance, leading to fragile blood vessels, poor wound healing, and other symptoms.

Vitamin C: Vitamin C is an essential nutrient that humans use in collagen synthesis and other biochemical reactions. Its prolonged absence causes scurvy and undermines collagen maintenance.
Gingival bleeding: Gingival bleeding is bleeding from the tissues surrounding the teeth. Damaged connective tissue can make the gums swollen and prone to bleeding.
James Lind: James Lind was a Scottish naval surgeon who tested treatments for scurvy in a 1747 shipboard trial. His comparison of treatments provided early evidence that citrus fruit prevented scurvy.
Ascorbic acid: Ascorbic acid is the chemical name for vitamin C, a water-soluble nutrient and antioxidant. Replacing it treats the underlying deficiency responsible for scurvy.
Vitamin C megadose: A vitamin C megadose is an intake far above ordinary dietary requirements. Scurvy prevention requires adequate intake, not megadosing.
Collagen: Collagen is a structural protein that provides strength and support to connective tissues. Impaired collagen maintenance produces scurvy’s fragile vessels and poor wound healing.
Perifollicular hemorrhage: Perifollicular hemorrhage is bleeding around hair follicles, often appearing as small skin spots. It is a characteristic skin finding in scurvy.
Lind's scurvy trial: Lind's scurvy trial was a 1747 comparison of treatments among sailors aboard HMS Salisbury. The trial identified oranges and lemons as an effective treatment.
Vitamin C deficiency: Vitamin C deficiency is an inadequate supply of ascorbic acid for the body's needs. Scurvy is the severe clinical disease caused by prolonged deficiency.
Vitamin K deficiency: Vitamin K deficiency is a shortage of vitamin K that impairs blood clotting. It can cause bleeding like scurvy, but through defective coagulation rather than collagen.

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