-
Actas Dermo-sifiliograficas Nov 2006Vitamin C or ascorbic acid is a hydrosoluble vitamin derived from glucose metabolism. It acts as a reductor agent required for synthesis of collagen fibers through... (Review)
Review
Vitamin C or ascorbic acid is a hydrosoluble vitamin derived from glucose metabolism. It acts as a reductor agent required for synthesis of collagen fibers through hydroxylation of proline and lysine. It also protects the body against damage caused by the free radicals. Humans cannot synthesize ascorbic acid as they lack an enzyme called gulonolactone oxidase. Concentrations in plasma and leukocytes reflect the levels of the diet and body deposits respectively of this vitamin. Among foods with high vitamin C levels are tomatoes, potatoes, and citrus fruits such as limes, oranges and lemons. The current recommendation of daily intake of vitamin C is 90 mg/d for men and 75 mg/d for women. Patients with chronic diseases such as cancer or diabetes or those who smoke need higher doses in their usual diet. Ascorbic acid deficiency gives rise to the appearance of scurvy. This disease is rarely seen in developed countries. The symptoms develop with plasma levels below 0.15 mg/dL. Scurvy is characterized by the presence of weakness, joint pain or skin lesions in form of petechias, gum bleeding, ease of developing bruises or delay in wound healing. The most characteristic skin manifestations are purpuric perifollicular hyperkeratotic papules and the presence of kinky hair.
Topics: Antioxidants; Ascorbic Acid; Clinical Trials as Topic; Humans; Scurvy
PubMed: 17173758
DOI: 10.1016/s0001-7310(06)73466-4 -
Fertility and Sterility Jun 2018
Topics: Ascorbic Acid; Diet; Embryo Culture Techniques; Evidence-Based Medicine; Female; Humans; Pregnancy; Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic; Rationalization; Research Design; Scurvy
PubMed: 29935658
DOI: 10.1016/j.fertnstert.2018.04.015 -
The Indian Medical Gazette Apr 1870
PubMed: 28996326
DOI: No ID Found -
Reumatologia Clinica 2017
Topics: Adult; Animals; Ascorbic Acid; Feeding Behavior; Gingivitis; Hemarthrosis; Humans; Knee Joint; Magnetic Resonance Imaging; Male; Malnutrition; Milk; Schizophrenia, Paranoid; Scurvy; Yogurt
PubMed: 28433625
DOI: 10.1016/j.reuma.2017.03.001 -
Diseases (Basel, Switzerland) May 2023Scurvy is a nutritional deficiency caused by low vitamin C levels that has been described since ancient times. It leads to a varied presentation, affecting multiple... (Review)
Review
Scurvy is a nutritional deficiency caused by low vitamin C levels that has been described since ancient times. It leads to a varied presentation, affecting multiple organ systems due to its role in the biochemical reactions of connective tissue synthesis. Common manifestations include gingival bleeding, arthralgias, skin discoloration, impaired wound healing, perifollicular hemorrhage, and ecchymoses. Although there has been a dramatic reduction in the prevalence of scurvy in modern times owing to vitamin C supplementation and intake, sporadic cases still occur. In developed countries, it is mainly diagnosed in the elderly and malnourished individuals and is associated with alcoholism, low socio-economic status, and poor dietary habits. Scurvy has been an unusual cause of gastrointestinal (GI) bleeding among other GI manifestations. It can be adequately treated and prevented via vitamin C supplementation.
PubMed: 37366866
DOI: 10.3390/diseases11020078 -
British Medical Journal Mar 1960
Topics: Ascorbic Acid Deficiency; Child; Humans; Infant; Scurvy
PubMed: 13835207
DOI: 10.1136/bmj.1.5174.701 -
Nutrition and Metabolic Insights 2018Scurvy, caused by vitamin C deficiency, first described by Hippocrates, is known to many as 'The Pirates' Disease'. Although a disease rarely acknowledged in modern...
BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE
Scurvy, caused by vitamin C deficiency, first described by Hippocrates, is known to many as 'The Pirates' Disease'. Although a disease rarely acknowledged in modern medicine, we present 2 cases of elderly gentlemen found to have scurvy, who improved significantly on treatment.
METHODS
This study presents a case report of 2 patients undergoing rehabilitation at Karin Grech Hospital in Malta, noted to have signs and symptoms of vitamin C deficiency. Vitamin C levels were found to be low and thus supplementation was administered.
RESULTS
After a few weeks, a significant improvement was noted in level of frailty, mood, bleeding tendency, and gum health.
CONCLUSIONS
The modern doctor must keep this ancient disease in mind, as it presents insidiously with debilitating repercussions, particularly in older people who are at a higher risk. It is easily treatable once detected.
PubMed: 30479485
DOI: 10.1177/1178638818809097 -
The Indian Medical Gazette Jul 1896
PubMed: 29002532
DOI: No ID Found -
The Hospital Oct 1900
PubMed: 29813416
DOI: No ID Found