Definition
The scurvy, also called sailors' disease, outlines a pseudo-pathological condition characterized by a serious deficiency of vitamin C (or ascorbic acid), such as to cause heavy alterations on the functionality of the organism. It is noted that scurvy tends to occur in malnourished individuals and the elderly.
Causes
Scurvy is the immediate expression of vitamin C deficiency in the diet: not surprisingly, we speak of a deficiency due to ascorbic acid.
- Risk factors: alcoholism, breastfeeding, vitamin C-deficient diet, pregnancy, infant nutrition with boiled or pasteurized cow's milk (in which the amount of vitamin C is insufficient, unlike that contained in breast milk and in modern milks) adapted), smoking
Symptoms
The symptomatic picture of scurvy is characterized by the progressive deterioration of the skin: the patient complains of a constant feeling of tiredness and general malaise, accompanied by anemia, increased permeability of blood vessels, tooth loss, depression, difficulty in healing wounds, decreased absorption of intestinal iron, chewing disorders, joint pain, bleeding of the skin, gum lesions, petechiae.
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 - Scurvy Treatment Drugs.
drugs
It should not seem strange that the lack of vitamin C in the body leads to such a complex symptomatology, since ascorbic acid must fulfill many biological functions. It is estimated that the recommended daily dose of vitamin C is about 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 treating scurvy is very simple and immediate: the symptoms of scurvy regress following the integration 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 full human health. On the other hand, other researchers are of the opinion that the optimal dose 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 fall between 180 mg and the gram per day: ensuring a dose similar to the organism, it is possible to prevent not only scurvy, but even slight subclinical deficiencies ..
When the vitamin C introduced with nutrition 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, with cooking and with light. Even the storage of foods rich in ascorbic acid that lasts too long can degrade the vitamin
Drugs for the treatment of scurvy
Vitamin C (eg Redoxon, Cebion, Cimille, Univit, C Tard, Agruvit, Univit, Duo C): in case of illness 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. It is possible to 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 important, doses of 1-2 grams per day are required for symptom remission.
Drugs for the prevention of scurvy
As a preventive measure, the same drug taken for the treatment of scurvy can be taken at lower dosages, especially from 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 fresh fruit and vegetables, a mine of vitamin C.
