Scorbut is a fatal disease but it is treated very well and has almost disappeared today. It can cause skin symptoms and even loose teeth. The cause? A vitamin C deficiency. Which is still at risk of a scorbut? How to diagnose it?
Scorbut, long qualified as “sailor disease“is practically eradicated today. It is caused by a vitamin C deficiency. People with anorexia or alcoholism can still be at risk. Scorbut manifests itself in various symptoms such as fatigue, muscle pain, rashes et can cause a Display of teeth. What is scurvy? How Diagnose scurvy? Is there a risk of contagion?
Definition: What is scurvy?
Scorbut is a very old disease, found on ships and in prisonscaused by a Vitamin C deficiency (ascorbic acid). If it is completely eradicated today since it has been identified by it, it happens that it is found in people with important food deficiencies. “”The recommended daily dose in vitamin C is 110 mg“”explains Dr. Romain Troalen, generalist. “Our rate of vitamin C varies according to what we ingest. But we can say that the symptoms of the scorbut appear After 1 to 3 months of total deficiency. Experimentally, we know that it appears when ascorbemia (the level of ascorbic acid in the blood) is less than 2 or 2.5 mg/L“. Nevertheless, the High Authority for Health (HAS) recommends No longer carry out the dosage of vitamin C, unless there is a frank clinical suspicion, “Indeed, this dosage is not always very reliable”confirms the doctor.
What are the causes of scorbut?
Scorbut is linked to a deep and lasting deficiency in vitamin C. The disease can therefore appear in populations that consume no fruit or vegetables, sources of this vitamin not synthesized by the body and therefore necessarily brought by food. “She can also occur in anorexic people, major alcoholics or in the elderly With a monotonous diet, not very diverse and that boil foods (which makes all vitamins disappear) “ specifies the doctor. “People with Intestinal absorption disorders who have trouble absorbing vitamins can also be affected. “ If he is not treated, Scorbut is fatal : Indeed, the symptoms affect the whole body. They are due to the deficit of the functions provided by vitamin C which intervenes in the structure of blood vessels, immunity for the defense of the organism, healing among others.
What are the symptoms of scorbut?
Initially, a vitamin C deficiency causes a alteration of collagen synthesis (protein serving as a structure for the body, such as blood capillaries for example). This therefore leads delays and healing disorders, up to hemorrhages. There are three phases of the disease:
► It starts with fatiguea anorexia (loss of hunger), a depressed syndrome, joint pain (knees, hips, shoulders), myalgia (muscle pain) and edema lower limbs. “But these symptoms are very common and can be akin to many diseases: the diagnosis is therefore difficult”, specifies Doctor Troalen.
► The state phase is that when we can recognize the characteristics of the disease. There are skin demonstrations hemorrhagic and stomatological. The most common rash is the petted purpura (an eruption of red dots that do not erase when you press it). It focuses on the hair follicles (hair base), especially in the legs and trunk. Then there are bruising (blue) on all bodies, then deep hematomas (intramuscular for example). The patient can bleed everywhere: muscles, intestines, eyes etc. On the side of the mouth: the gums bleed, swell, and the teeth can be Drink.
► During the terminal phase, there is a worsening of all symptoms, and a fall in immune defenses. A wound can be reopened, even after several years. Patients can die of multiple hemorrhage, heart attacks, Or a small infection that worsens (due to the drop in immune defenses).
Is the scorbut contagious?
Scorbut is not a contagious disease Since it is not an infection.
To diagnose the scurvy, the doctor will carry out a interrogation that will focus on medical history of the patient as well as on his eating habits and his lifestyle. To confirm the scurvy and therefore the vitamin deficiency C, A blood test is prescribed.
“The scorbut, if he can kill, is treated very quickly”, indicates the doctor. “”It is enough for a vitamin C supplement, 500 mg per day are enough. In a few days, it’s cured. “ Of course, if the disease has reached an advanced stage, important symptoms such as organ damage will be healed thanks to targeted treatments. Nutritional follow -up can be offered, provided by a dietitian or a nutritionist.
What foods are to avoid scorbut?
A normal and varied diet does not result in any risk of scorbut. There is no need to worry about this disease if you have a Normal, balanced food and rich in fruits and vegetables.
To prevent scurvy, just Consume vitamin C daily. The recommended dose is of the order of 110 mg per day.
Thank you to Doctor Romain Troalen, general practitioner.
