Don’t be a pirate. Be a Limey!

In my head, the word “scurvy” is always said with a pirate accent as I think of the seafarers from long ago suffering from headaches, fatigue, and wounds that wouldn’t heal. You might be surprised to learn that these symptoms of scurvy are happening to about 7-10% of the US population and the incidence seems to be on the rise.¹

Scurvy is the result of a deficiency in Vitamin C and can develop in as little as one to three months.² Vitamin C is a water soluble vitamin so it does not remain stored in the body for a long period of time. Regular consumption of foods rich in Vitamin C is important for maintaining a healthy level of this nutrient to fend off swollen gums, fatigue, pain, and wound healing complications that can result from chronic low levels.²

You do not need fancy supplements or a boatload of citrus to get your Recommended Daily Allowance (RDA) of Vitamin C. Yellow peppers, cantaloupe, broccoli, as well as oranges, lemons and limes, have high levels of Vitamin C. The key is to incorporate lots of fruits and vegetables into each meal during the day to get a variety of vitamins and minerals in your diet. A typical American diet often does not focus on fruits and vegetables, so you may have to rework some of your favorite recipes. Take a look at the recipes here and see where you can incorporate more fruits and vegetables into your diet!

Citations

1. Reikersdorfer, K. N., et al. (2024) The Troubling Rise of Scurvy: A Review and National Analysis of Incidence, Associated Risk Factors, and Clinical Manifestations. JAAOS Global Research & Reviews.

2. Gandhi, M., et al. (2023) Scurvy: rediscovering a forgotten disease. Diseases. 

This article was part of the November 2024 e-news FRESH Rx. Subscribe for similar content delivered to your inbox.