Scurvy Is Caused by Vitamin C Deficiency, Not Genetics or Contagion

Scurvy = severe vitamin C (ascorbic acid) deficiency. Humans cannot synthesize vitamin C (GULO gene mutation).

• Not genetic (in the hereditary sense) – though GULO pseudogene is universal in humans.
• Not contagious – no person-to-person transmission.

Pathophysiology

Vitamin C required for collagen hydroxylation (proline/lysine). Deficiency → defective collagen → capillary fragility, poor wound healing, gum bleeding, tooth loss, bone pain, anemia.

Treatment

Vitamin C 500–1000 mg/day oral/IV → rapid resolution (days). Dietary sources: citrus, bell peppers, broccoli, kiwi, strawberries.

At Risk

Food insecurity, restrictive diets, alcohol use disorder, malabsorption, elderly, infants fed boiled milk without supplementation.