Presentation
This is because inflammation results in increased oxidative stress (pro-oxidation), and such increased oxidative stress cannot exist where enough vitamin C (antioxidant) is present at the same time. [abundanceandhealth.co.uk]
Abstract On the basis of experimental data previously reported 1, 2 the concept was presented that rheumatic fever may be the result of the combined influence of vitamin C deficiency and infection. [annals.org]
Thus in guinea pigs which have been depleted of vitamin C the ground substance and fibroblasts are present as in health but fibrils or collagen are not formed. [jamanetwork.com]
History and Physical Vitamin C deficiency manifests symptomatically after 8 to 12 weeks of inadequate intake and presents as irritability and anorexia. [ncbi.nlm.nih.gov]
Entire Body System
- Inflammation
And where there is focal scurvy, there is focal inflammation… Inflammation tents not to exist where there is no vitamin C deficiency. [abundanceandhealth.co.uk]
The lack of vitamin C can lead to joint inflammation. Shutterstock This is one of the most common initial signs of a vitamin C deficiency, according to Michels. Vitamin C is an antioxidant that fights inflammation. [insider.com]
The following conditions can significantly increase the body’s requirements for vitamin C and the risk of vitamin C deficiency: Pregnancy Breastfeeding Disorders that cause a high fever or inflammation Surgery Burns Smoking, which increases the vitamin [msdmanuals.com]
- Fever
Abstract On the basis of experimental data previously reported 1, 2 the concept was presented that rheumatic fever may be the result of the combined influence of vitamin C deficiency and infection. [annals.org]
The following conditions can significantly increase the body’s requirements for vitamin C and the risk of vitamin C deficiency: Pregnancy Breastfeeding Disorders that cause a high fever or inflammation Surgery Burns Smoking, which increases the vitamin [msdmanuals.com]
- Internal Bleeding
Symptoms include fatigue, depression, and connective tissue defects (eg, gingivitis, petechiae, rash, internal bleeding, impaired wound healing). In infants and children, bone growth may be impaired. Diagnosis is usually clinical. [msdmanuals.com]
Cardiovascular
- Heart Disease
Recent studies have been compelling in establishing the link between root canal-treated teeth and coronary heart disease. [abundanceandhealth.co.uk]
Jaw & Teeth
- Bleeding Gums
Symptoms of scurvy include bleeding gums, pinpoint hemorrhages, and corkscrew hairs as shown in the figure and link below. [med.libretexts.org]
Bleeding gums, conjunctival hemorrhages, most petechiae, and ecchymoses are nonspecific. [msdmanuals.com]
Fatigue, bleeding gums, and tooth decay are all signs of a vitamin C deficiency. Adult men need 90 mg of vitamin C per day and adult women need 75 mg of vitamin C per day. [insider.com]
Though it is rare, symptoms of scurvy develop after several months of being vitamin C deficient and include bruising, bleeding gums, fatigue, rash, muscle weakness, and coiled hair, she said. Visit INSIDER's homepage for more. [businessinsider.com]
Neurologic
- Irritability
People feel tired, weak, and irritable. Severe deficiency, called scurvy, causes bruising, gum and dental problems, dry hair and skin, and anemia. The diagnosis is based on symptoms and sometimes blood tests. [msdmanuals.com]
You can experience fatigue and irritability Getting tired is one of the earliest signs of vitamin C deficiency David Prado Perucha/Shutterstock "Lack of vitamin C will give you a case of fatigue and can even cause an irritable mood," said registered dietitian [businessinsider.com]
Treatment
This disease was first reported in 1550 BC when people accurately described the diagnosis and treatment using onions and vegetables. [ncbi.nlm.nih.gov]
Treatment and prevention with vitamin C Treatment of scurvy is simply with vitamin C supplements taken orally. The adult dosage is 800–1000 mg/day for at least one week, then 400 mg/day until complete recovery. [dermnetnz.org]
Treatment consists of oral vitamin C. Vitamin C plays a role in collagen, carnitine, hormone, and amino acid formation. It is essential for bone and blood vessel health and wound healing and facilitates recovery from burns. [msdmanuals.com]
Prognosis
Prognosis Improvement of constitutional symptoms often occurs within 24 hours, with spontaneous bleeding improving over days to weeks. Corkscrew hairs take up to a month to resolve, and complete resolution is usually seen by three months. [ncbi.nlm.nih.gov]
Etiology
[…] the British Royal Navy determined the consumption of lemons and oranges led to remission of the disease, and in 1927, the structure of ascorbic factor was published, with the synthesis of ascorbic acid named vitamin C not long after. [1] [2] [3] [4] Etiology [ncbi.nlm.nih.gov]
Epidemiology
Total body storage of vitamin C is 1500 mg, and clinical features of deficiency occur after that level is reduced to less than 350 mg. [5] [6] [7] [8] Epidemiology Vitamin C deficiency is defined as a serum concentration of less than 11.4 umol/L, and [ncbi.nlm.nih.gov]
Pathophysiology
Pathophysiology Scurvy as a clinical manifestation of severe vitamin C deficiency is caused by ascorbic acids role in collagen synthesis. [ncbi.nlm.nih.gov]
Prevention
It was known that citrus fruits could cure or prevent scurvy, but it was believed this was due to their acidity. [med.libretexts.org]
Prevention of scurvy is easily achieved by take the recommended daily intake (RDI) of vitamin C. This is between 30-60 mg/day. [dermnetnz.org]
Preventative heart health A heart attack patient is NOT just unlucky. [abundanceandhealth.co.uk]
Vitamin C deficiency can be prevented by consuming the recommended amounts of fresh fruits and vegetables or by taking the recommended amount of vitamin C in daily supplements. Smokers require more. [msdmanuals.com]