Scurvy is a disease caused by a severe deficiency of vitamin C (ascorbic acid), which is essential for the production of collagen. This protein helps maintain the health of skin, blood vessels, bones and connective tissue.
Without enough vitamin C, the body cannot properly repair tissues, heal wounds, or fight infections. This can lead to a range of symptoms including:
- fatigue and weakness
- swollen, bleeding gums or loose teeth
- joint and muscle pain and tenderness
- bruising easily
- dry, rough or discoloured skin (reddish or purple spots due to bleeding under the skin)
- cuts and sores take longer to heal
- anaemia (a shortage of red blood cells, leading to further fatigue and weakness)
- increased susceptibility to infections.
The inability of some people to source nutritious foods with sufficient vitamin C is fueling a re-emergence of scurvy. Factors such as poor diet, food deserts, the cost-of-living crisis, and more increases the risk of vitamin C deficiency.
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