Scurvy Prevention: Limes Do Contain Vitamin C and Were Historically Effective

Correction: Limes do contain vitamin C and were used successfully to prevent scurvy (British Royal Navy, 1795 onward). The statement "squeezed limes do not work" is false.

Facts

• Lime juice: ~29 mg vitamin C / 100 mL (lemon ~53 mg).
• Daily requirement: ~10 mg prevents scurvy; 75–90 mg for optimal health.
• ~30–40 mL lime juice/day provides preventive dose.
• Historical use: "Limeys" – British sailors issued lime juice ration.

Why the Confusion?

• Early lime juice lost potency due to copper piping, oxidation, storage.
• West Indian limes (lower vitamin C) replaced Mediterranean lemons.
• Pasteurization destroys vitamin C.

Modern Scurvy Prevention

• Fresh fruits/vegetables: citrus, berries, kiwi, peppers, broccoli.
• Supplements if dietary intake insufficient.
• At-risk: alcohol use disorder, malabsorption, restrictive diets, elderly.

Limes are a valid vitamin C source; fresh juice prevents scurvy.