Vitamin C Deficiency? Then Know the Facts about Scurvy, It Affects 13% of Adult Males & 9% of Adult Females in USA

Scurvy is a condition that is lack of vitamin C which is known as ascorbic acid. It is characterized by gingivitis which is a gum disease, anemia and general weakness. There is also a skin hemorrhages that is caused by prolonged deficiency of vitamin C in the diet.

Hippocrates was probably the first to observed scurvy as a disease. In the year 1469-1524, around 13^th century the army or crusaders suffered from scurvy. In Maritime Travel, scurvy often kills large numbers of crew and passenger on voyage.

It usually begins as a mild fatigue, hemorrhagic bruises on the skin and bleeding gums however, after several months, lack of vitamin C in the diet there is sudden changing physical condition resulting in loose teeth, weakened bones, joint pain and severe bleeding that comes from a simple cut and eventually it may cause death.

According to National Health and Nutrition examination Scurvy (NHANES III) there is 13 percent of US adult males affected and 9 percent of American adult females have blood vitamin C level that indicates scurvy. So, there are seven million American adults who have scurvy.

Groups who are at risk include people who suffers malnutrition or those who only eat less than 2 serving of vegetables and fruits example are the following: Alcoholics, may also be prone to vitamin B1 deficiency; elderly; children; people on diets; men who live alone and people who has a delusion or fear of food or eating disorder.

People with other health problem may prevent them from taking or absorbing Vitamin C. these medical conditions includes the following like Mal-absorption disorder, severe dyspepsia, inflammatory disease and dialysis of the patient.

The treatment for scurvy is ascorbic acid or vitamin C.  It is taken orally. Vitamin C is given because it is necessary for skin, wound healing and absorption of iron. Improvement of the symptoms may take place within24 hours.  It is completely dissolves in water because of its white crystalline powder.  Chemically, Vitamin C is similar in glucose. It plays a very important role in collagen formation, thus it is a major component of the tissue in the body because it helps in the formation of blood. It also plays a significant role in our immune system by fighting against different kinds of microorganism.