Skorbutia

Skorbutia is a term sometimes used to refer to scurvy, a disease caused by a severe and prolonged deficiency of vitamin C, also known as ascorbic acid. Vitamin C is essential for the synthesis of collagen, a protein that provides structure to skin, blood vessels, cartilage, and bones. It also acts as an antioxidant.

Symptoms of scurvy can develop over several months of insufficient vitamin C intake. Early signs may include fatigue, irritability, and vague aches in the limbs. As the deficiency progresses, more severe symptoms appear. These can include bleeding gums, loosening of teeth, poor wound healing, and the appearance of small, bruise-like spots on the skin, particularly around hair follicles. In advanced stages, scurvy can lead to joint swelling and pain, shortness of breath, and eventually death if left untreated.

Historically, scurvy was a significant problem for sailors on long voyages, as fresh fruits and vegetables, the primary sources of vitamin C, were not available. The discovery of the role of citrus fruits in preventing and treating scurvy, notably by James Lind in the 18th century, was a major breakthrough in public health.

Today, scurvy is rare in developed countries due to the widespread availability of vitamin C-rich foods and fortified products. However, it can still occur in individuals with extremely poor diets, alcoholism, restrictive eating disorders, or certain malabsorption syndromes. Treatment involves vitamin C supplementation and restoring a balanced diet.