Scurvy (N.Lat. scorbutus) is a disease that results from insufficient intake of vitamin C, which is required for correct collagen synthesis in humans. Scurvy leads to the formation of livid spots on the skin, spongy gums, and bleeding from almost all mucous membranes. The spots are most abundant on the thighs and legs, and a person with the ailment looks pale, feels depressed, and is partially immobilized.

Scurvy was at one time common among sailors whose ships were out to sea longer than perishable fruits and vegetables could be stored and by soldiers who were similarly separated from these foods for extended periods. It was described by Hippocrates (c. 460 BC–c. 380 BC), and its cause was known to folk medicine for generations. However James Lind (1716 – 1794) first proved it could be treated with citrus fruit in experiments he described in his 1753 book, "A Treatise of the Scurvy".

In infants, scurvy is sometimes referred to as Barlow's Disease, named after Sir Thomas Barlow (1845-1945), a British physician who described it. Barlow's disease is different from Barlow's syndrome.

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Scurvy kids.
poyles (matthew k. poyle) Thu, 09 Feb 2012 12:25:22 -0000
Scurvy kids.
Ill never have scurvy with the amount of orange juice I drink. Lol
TheChesga (ChesgaStarRunnerJ.) Thu, 09 Feb 2012 12:08:57 -0000
Ill never have scurvy with the amount of orange juice I drink. Lol
Do Jelly Babies provide enough vitamin C to stave off scurvy? They do after all contain fruit juice. #justasking
PuckOfPooksHill (Paul Stokes) Thu, 09 Feb 2012 12:05:15 -0000
Do Jelly Babies provide enough vitamin C to stave off scurvy? They do after all contain fruit juice. #justasking
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