Scurvy (vitamin C deficiency)

A condition caused by severe vitamin C deficiency. Presents with bleeding gums, petechiae, delayed wound healing, fatigue, and arthralgia. Develops 1–3 months after complete dietary vitamin C elimination. Risk groups include alcohol use disorder, restricted diet in older adults, and psychiatric conditions.

ICD-10 E541 drug

Also known as: Vitamin C deficiency, Hypovitaminosis C

Drugs used for this condition

AAscorbic acidFirst line · Vitamins. AntioxidantsFirst-line treatment for scurvy. Treatment dose is 200 mg daily for 5 days or 1,000 mg daily for 1–2 weeks, then maintenance at the physiological 75–90 mg daily. Symptoms (bleeding gums, petechiae, arthralgia) resolve over 2–4 weeks. BMJ 2018 and BNF support oral treatment; parenteral administration is reserved for severe malabsorption.

How to read tiers A–F

Evidence tiers belong to the drug-indication pair, not to the drug as a whole: the same substance can be A for one condition and F for another.

AStrong evidence – first or second line in international guidelines
BRecommended in selected cases
CStudy data contradict each other
DBenefit not proven, no documented harm
FDocumented harm, or risk without benefit