Scurvy

If you are diagnosed with scurvy (a vitamin C deficiency), your GP will advise you to improve your diet so it includes plenty of fresh fruit and vegetables.

Initially, it is likely that a daily 250mg dose of vitamin C (ascorbic acid) will be recommended. Once your vitamin C level has returned to normal, a daily 40mg dose may be recommended to maintain a healthy level of vitamin C in your blood.

The response to treatment for scurvy is usually very quick. Any haemorrhaging (bleeding) should stop within 24 hours of starting treatment, and muscle and bone pain should reduce within a few weeks.