Scurvy
Overview
Scurvy (severe vitamin C deficiency) is rare as most people get enough vitamin C in their diet. It's usually easy to treat.
Symptoms
Symptoms of scurvy may include: feeling very tired and weak all the timefeeling irritable and sad all the timejoint, muscle or leg painswollen, bleeding gums (sometimes teeth can fall out)developing red or blue spots on the skin, usually on the legs and feet, although this may be less noticeable on brown or black skinskin that bruises easily
Causes
Scurvy is caused by not having enough vitamin C in your diet over a long period of time. Vitamin C is mainly found in fruit and vegetables. However, even people who do not eat very healthily all the time are not usually considered at risk of scurvy.
Prevention
The best sources ofvitamin Care fruit and vegetables. The best way to prevent a vitamin C deficiency and get enoughvitamins and mineralsis to eat ahealthy, balanced diet. It's important to speak to a GP or midwife before taking any supplements or making changes to your diet during pregnancy or while breastfeeding.