Scurvya potentially fatal medical condition triggered by vitamin C deficiencyis not common.
However, this nutritional deficit does occur, even in developed countries like the United States.
And it is not customary to screen for vitamin C levels on a routine blood test.
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Treatment of scurvy involves vitamin C replacement with vitamin C-rich foods and/or a vitamin C supplement.
Symptoms
The symptoms of scurvy tend to start out slowly and worsen over time.
Scurvy in Children
Children who develop scurvy experience the same symptoms that affect adults.
Causes
Historically, scurvy was considered to be a disease that affected sailors.
This is because fruits, which are rich in vitamin C, were inaccessible on long voyages.
The vitamin C stored in your body becomes depleted over the course of one to three months.
There are several predisposing factors that are associated with an increased risk of scurvy.
With inadequatecollagen, these tissues become fragile and weak.
Because the symptoms are vague, other, more common diagnoses may be considered before scurvy is considered.
Once you are diagnosed with scurvy, your medical team may also search for a cause.
Blood Test
Vitamin C blood levels are not commonly performed unless there is a specific request.
A normal vitamin C blood level is 0.6-2 mg/dL.
Tests that help identify these conditions include a stool sample, imaging studies, and/or a colonoscopy.
Dosing depends on your ascorbic acid blood levels.
A high intake of vitamin C can induce a metabolic reaction that increases the risk of kidney stones.
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National Center for Advancing Translational Sciences.Scurvy.
Washington, DC: The National Academies Press.
