Scurvy

Definition

Scurvy is a disease caused by a deficiency of vitamin C (ascorbic acid), leading to symptoms such as weakness, anemia, gum disease, and skin issues. The condition highlights the critical role of vitamins in maintaining health and underscores the importance of proper nutrition, especially in contexts where access to fresh fruits and vegetables may be limited.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Scurvy can develop in as little as one month of inadequate vitamin C intake, as the body does not store this vitamin.
2. Symptoms of scurvy include fatigue, swollen gums, joint pain, and easy bruising due to impaired collagen synthesis.
3. Historically, scurvy was common among sailors on long voyages without access to fresh produce; lemon juice was later used as a remedy.
4. Prevention of scurvy is simple: a diet rich in fruits and vegetables, particularly citrus fruits, provides sufficient vitamin C.
5. Severe cases of scurvy can lead to complications like delayed wound healing and increased susceptibility to infections.

Review Questions

• What are the key symptoms of scurvy, and how do they relate to the role of vitamin C in the body?
  • Key symptoms of scurvy include fatigue, swollen gums, joint pain, and easy bruising. These symptoms arise due to vitamin C's essential role in collagen synthesis, which is necessary for the strength and integrity of connective tissues. Without adequate vitamin C, collagen production is impaired, leading to weakened blood vessels and tissues that result in the observed symptoms.
• How did historical practices for preventing scurvy inform our current understanding of nutrition and micronutrient importance?
  • Historical practices for preventing scurvy involved incorporating citrus fruits into the diets of sailors who were at risk during long voyages. This discovery highlighted the necessity of including fruits rich in vitamin C in our diets to prevent deficiencies. It laid the foundation for understanding how specific micronutrients are vital for health and well-being and spurred further research into dietary requirements for various populations.
• Evaluate the impact of scurvy on performance and recovery in athletes, considering the role of micronutrients in their diets.
  • Scurvy can significantly impair performance and recovery in athletes due to its debilitating symptoms like fatigue and joint pain. Vitamin C's crucial role in collagen synthesis is particularly important for maintaining healthy connective tissues, which are vital for injury prevention and recovery. Athletes require optimal nutrition to support their physical demands, making adequate intake of micronutrients like vitamin C essential not only for avoiding deficiencies like scurvy but also for enhancing overall performance and resilience against injuries.

Related terms

Vitamin C: A water-soluble vitamin that plays a crucial role in collagen synthesis, immune function, and acts as an antioxidant.

Collagen: A protein that is essential for the structure and integrity of connective tissues, skin, and blood vessels.

Antioxidants: Substances that help protect cells from damage caused by free radicals, contributing to overall health and disease prevention.