What is scurvy?
Scurvy is a disease caused by a significant lack of vitamin C in your diet. The medical definition of scurvy is severe vitamin C (ascorbic acid) deficiency.
Vitamin C deficiency can occur due to a diet low in vitamin C. But a deficiency severe enough to cause scurvy is rare in the U.S. because most people get enough of the nutrient in their diet. The condition is a problem in countries around the world where people are malnourished.
Advertisem*nt
Cleveland Clinic is a non-profit academic medical center. Advertising on our site helps support our mission. We do not endorse non-Cleveland Clinic products or services. Policy
What is vitamin C?
Vitamin C (ascorbic acid) is a very important nutrient for your body. It’s responsible for the development, growth and healing of your skin, bones and connective tissue. In addition, you need vitamin C for your blood vessels to function properly. Vitamin C helps maintain your teeth and gums. It helps your body absorb iron, which it needs to make red blood cells. Vitamin C also helps heal burns and other wounds.
Vitamin C is an antioxidant, meaning it protects your cells against damage from free radicals. Free radicals are byproducts of normal cell activity which participate in chemical reactions within cells. Some of these reactions can cause damage over your lifetime.
Who does scurvy affect?
In the U.S., scurvy most commonly affects babies, children and older adults who don’t get enough vitamin C in their diet. Risk factors for developing the condition include:
- Not having access to fresh fruits or vegetables.
- Eating very little due to medical treatments that make you feel sick (such as chemotherapy) or an eating disorder (such as anorexia).
- Smoking, which reduces the amount of vitamin C your body absorbs from food.
- Having a drug or alcohol dependency that affects your diet.
- Having a poor diet during your pregnancy or while breastfeeding (chestfeeding).
- Having a restrictive diet or food allergies.
- Other health conditions such as type 1 diabetes and inflammatory bowel disease.
Advertisem*nt
How common is scurvy?
The rates of vitamin C deficiency around the world vary. In the U.S., 7.1% of people may develop a deficiency. In north India, the rate is 73.9%. However, severe deficiency (scurvy) is rare.
