Scurvy (severe vitamin C deficiency) is rare as most people get enough vitamin C in their diet.
Causes Of Scurvy
Scurvy is caused by not having enough vitamin C in your diet for at least 3 months.
Things That Increase Your Risk Of Scurvy
Although scurvy is rare, you may be more at risk if you: have no fresh fruits or vegetables in your diet for a while
eat very little food at all – possible reasons include treatments that make you feel very sick all the time (such as chemotherapy) or an eating disorder such as anorexia
smoke, as smoking reduces how much vitamin C your body gets from food
have a long-term dependency on drugs or alcohol that affects your diet
have a poor diet while pregnant or breastfeeding, because the body needs more vitamin C at these times Babies, children and older people who find it hard to have a healthy diet may also be more at risk of scurvy. Information: Coronavirus (COVID-19) update: how to contact a GP It’s still important to get help from a GP if you need it.
To contact your GP surgery: visit their website
use the NHS App
call them Find out about using the NHS during COVID-19
Treating scurvy It’s important that scurvy is treated. A GP may also recommend taking vitamin C supplements (also called ascorbic acid) until you feel better. This depends on what’s causing your scurvy.
How to prevent a vitamin C deficiency The best sources of vitamin C are fruit and vegetables. The best way to get enough vitamins and minerals is to eat a healthy, balanced diet.
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It helps the body absorb iron, which is needed to make red blood cells.
Vitamin C also helps burns and wounds heal. Good sources of vitamin C include citrus fruits, tomatoes, potatoes, broccoli, strawberries, and sweet peppers.
What Is Vitamin C?
Most vitamin C in the human diet is from fruit and vegetables.
The recommended daily intake of vitamin C in the diet depends on your age and sex. Recommendations may vary in different countries. Children aged 11-14 years need 35 mg of vitamin C per day.
Children over the age of 15 years and adults need 40 mg per day.