scurvy

     

Scurvy (N.Lat. scorbutus) is a eficiency disease. Scurvy results from insufficient intake of vitamin C, which is required for correct collagen synthesis in humans. The scientific name of vitamin C, ascorbic acid, is derived from the Latin name of scurvy, scorbutus. Scurvy leads to the formation of spots on the skin, spongy gums, and bleeding from all mucous membranes. The spots are most abundant on the thighs and legs, and a person with the ailment looks pale, feels depressed, and is partially immobilized. In advanced scurvy there are open, suppurating wounds and loss of teeth.

Trivia about scurvy

  • In the 1750s naval surgeon James Lind showed that this could be cured & prevented by eating citrus fruit
  • You've got this sailor's disease if you're not getting enough vitamin C
  • James Lind's 1753 "Treatise On" this vitamin C deficiency suggests eating citrus fruits
  • Scottish doctor James Lind cured this vitamin deficiency disease among sailors by giving them citrus juice
  • This disease caused by the lack of ascorbic acid is called Barlow's Disease in infants
  • On James Lind's advice, in 1795 the British navy began issuing daily rations of lemon juice to prevent this disease
  • Swollen & bleeding gums are a symptom of this vitamin C deficiency, once the scourge of sailors
  • When curvy gets an extra letter, it becomes this disease
  • This disease caused by a lack of vitamin C is characterized by bleeding gums & extreme weakness
  • Sore, stiff joints are one symptom of this condition suffered by sailors off the C, vitamin C
  • Aye-aye, it's a lack of ascorbic acid that can cause this disease
  • Spongy gums, weakness, depression, had no vitamin C in a year? Must be this disease (& cut the pirate act)
  • On his final voyage, Bering suffered from this deficiency of vitamin C & was unable to maintain command