Definition
Scurvy, also called sailors' disease, outlines a pseudo-pathological condition characterized by a severe deficiency of vitamin C (or ascorbic acid), such as to cause heavy alterations on the functionality of the organism. It is observed that scurvy tends to manifest itself in malnourished individuals and in the elderly.
Causes
Scurvy is the immediate expression of the deficiency of vitamin C in the diet: not surprisingly, we speak of deficiency of ascorbic acid.
- Risk factors: alcoholism, breastfeeding, diet lacking / deficient in vitamin C, pregnancy, feeding the infant with boiled or pasteurized cow's milk (in which the quantity of vitamin C is insufficient, unlike that contained in breast milk and modern milks adapted), smoking
Symptoms
The symptomatic picture of scurvy is characterized by the progressive wasting of the skin: the patient complains of a constant feeling of tiredness and general malaise, accompanied by anemia, increased permeability of blood vessels, loss of teeth, depression, difficulty in healing wounds, decreased "intestinal iron absorption, chewing disorders, joint pain, skin bleeding, gum lesions, petechiae.
The information on Scurvy - Drugs for the Treatment of Scurvy is not intended to replace the direct relationship between health professional and patient. Always consult your doctor and / or specialist before taking Scurvy - Drugs to Treat Scurvy.
Medicines
It should not seem strange that the lack of vitamin C in the organism leads to such a complex symptomatological picture, since ascorbic acid has to fulfill numerous biological functions. The recommended daily dose of vitamin C is estimated to be around 90 mg; however, it has been observed that only 10 mg per day is sufficient for the prevention of scurvy. Many foods are rich in vitamin C, especially fruit, of which citrus fruits are the main source.
The treatment aimed at curing scurvy is very simple and immediate: the symptoms of scurvy regress following the supplementation of vitamin C, necessary to make up for the deficiency.
The subject of numerous debates seems to be the recommended dose: some scholars believe that a minimum dose of ascorbic acid - equivalent to 60mg per day - is sufficient to guarantee the full health of man. On the other hand, other researchers are of the opinion that the dose optimal of this vitamin is around 2 grams per day. In conclusion, it seems that the researchers have reached a compromise, believing that the ideal dose of vitamin C should be between 180 mg and a gram per day: by ensuring a similar dose to the body, it is possible to prevent not only scurvy, but even slight subclinical deficiencies ..
When the vitamin C introduced with the diet is not sufficient to guarantee the quantity required by the body, it is advisable to supplement the diet with vitamin C supplements.
PLEASE NOTE: Vitamin C is thermolabile and photolabile, which means that it is degraded with heat, cooking and light. Even the preservation of foods rich in ascorbic acid for too long can degrade the vitamin
Medicines for the treatment of scurvy
Vitamin C (eg. Redoxon, Cebion, Cimille, Univit, C Tard, Agruvit, Univit, Duo C): in case of disease in progress, it is recommended to take vitamin C in doses ranging from 100 to 250 mg, once or two during the 24 hours, for a minimum of 14 days. You can take the drug orally, intramuscularly, intravenously or subcutaneously. Normally, symptoms subside within 2-4 days of starting therapy. In some patients, where ascorbic acid deficiency is particularly severe, doses of 1-2 grams per day are required for symptom relief.
Medicines for the prevention of scurvy
As a preventive measure, the same drug taken for the treatment of scurvy can be taken at lower doses, especially by those patients who tend to eat little, without following the rules dictated by food education; however, it is advisable to follow a diet rich in fruit. and fresh vegetables, mine of vitamin C.
