Q: Which doctor should I consult for scurvy?
A: A family physician or a general practitioner should be consulted.
Q: Is scurvy contagious?
A: No.
Q: How long does it take to recover from scurvy?
A: Most people will make a full recovery within two to three months.
Q: Can scurvy result in death?
A: In very rare cases, bleeding may occur in the brain, which can result in death.
Q: Can scurvy disease be cured?
A: Yes. Except for tooth loss all other symptoms can be cured.
Q: Can an obese or overfed person also suffer from scurvy?
A: Yes. Excessive intake of junk food rich in fats and carbohydrates may make a person fat but deficient in necessary nutrients such as vitamin C leading to scurvy.
Q: How do you prevent scurvy in a fussy child who refuses to eat fresh fruits and vegetables?
A: Vitamin C supplements should be given and the child should be encouraged to eat a wide variety of fruits and vegetables.
Q: Is vitamin C lost in cooking process?
A: Yes. Cooking destroys most of Vitamin C in food.
Q: Can excess intake of vitamin C be bad?
A: Yes. Excess vitamin C may lead to nausea, stomach cramps and diarrhea. It may lead to worsening of hemochromatosis, a condition characterized by iron overload in the body. Consult your doctor before taking supplements.
Q: Is it true that vitamin C restores youthful appearance?
A: Vitamin C plays a key role in the formation of collagen which is present in skin, bones, muscles, ligaments and different connective tissue. There is a decrease in collagen levels as one gets older. Adequate levels of Vitamin C improve collagen levels and can result in more youthful appearance.
