Scurvy (Vitamin C Deficiency)

Scurvy is a disease caused by a severe lack of vitamin C. It leads to weakness, swollen or bleeding gums, easy bruising, poor wound healing, joint pain, and fatigue. The condition develops when a person does not eat enough vitamin C-rich foods, such as fruits and vegetables over time. Children may also have irritability, pain with movement, poor appetite, and failure to gain weight. Scurvy can become serious if ignored, but it is usually easy to treat with vitamin C supplements and a better diet. Most people begin to improve within days, and full recovery often takes a few weeks.