Scurvy is a disease caused by lack of vitamin C in the body. This disease, despite not having its cause known until 1747, was registered in 1515 BC. Ç. by the Egyptians. The biggest impact, however, was with the beginning of great sea voyages in the 18th century, when sailors they died because they spent several periods in the sea, basically feeding on rice and fish, which are poor in vitamin C. Today, however, the disease is relatively rare.
→ Vitamin C and scurvy
THE Vitamin C, also called Ascorbic acid, is an important antioxidant that participates in various reactions in the body. According to the World Health Organization, 30 mg to 60 mg of vitamin C should be ingested daily. However, taking just 10 mg of the vitamin is enough to prevent scurvy. In addition to protecting against disease, vitamin C prevents infections and helps maintain the integrity of skin walls. blood vessels.
Although the role of vitamin C in preventing scurvy is well known, this relationship was only realized in 1747 by the Scottish physician James Lind.
This doctor documented that drinking citrus juices could help treat scurvy. He conducted tests and found that groups who ate oranges and lemons daily improved rapidly from the disease. The results of these tests were published in 1753 and, from 1795 onwards, the British Navy began to demand the daily intake of citrus juices by sailors, who were very affected by the illness.Do not stop now... There's more after the advertising ;)
→ Scurvy symptoms and diagnosis
O scurvy is a disease with hemorrhagic manifestations, such as bleeding gums and red spots on the skin due to damage to capillaries. In addition, the patient has joint swelling, loss of appetite, shaken teeth that are susceptible to falling out, dizziness, fatigue, weakness, anorexia, skin changes, and brittle hair. If not treated properly, it can lead to the patient's death. Due to the presence of nonspecific symptoms and also the rarity of the disease, the diagnosis is not always easy.
→ Prevention and treatment
Scurvy is caused by deficiency of vitamin C, therefore, it is done consumption of foods rich in this vitamin is necessary. Therefore, one must have a balanced diet, with all the proper nutrients for the body to function. In the case of vitamin C, it is It is important to eat fresh food, especially citrus fruits. The treatment of scurvy is based only on the administration of adequate doses of vitamin C.
By Ma. Vanessa dos Santos
Would you like to reference this text in a school or academic work? Look:
SANTOS, Vanessa Sardinha dos. "What is scurvy?"; Brazil School. Available in: https://brasilescola.uol.com.br/o-que-e/biologia/o-que-e-escorbuto.htm. Accessed on July 27, 2021.
