Scurvy is largely a historical disease but there are signs it’s making a comeback
Scurvy is is often considered a historical ailment, conjuring images of sailors on long sea voyages suffering from a lack of fresh fruit and vegetables. Yet doctors in developed countries have recently reported treating cases of scurvy, including Australian doctors who reported their findings today in the journal BMJ Case Reports. What is scurvy? Scurvy is a disease caused by a severe deficiency of vitamin C (ascorbic acid), which is essential for the production of collagen. This protein helps maintain the health of skin, blood vessels, bones and connective tissue. Without enough vitamin C, the body cannot properly repair tissues, heal wounds,...
Scurvy—a “Disease of the Past”—Is Making a Comeback
A man in his early fifties showed up at a hospital in Western Australia with a painful rash extending from his abdomen to his ankles. It had the pinpoint splotches associated with bleeding between skin layers. Doctors at the medical center, Sir Charles Gairdner Hospital in Nedlands, got to work...
Study FindsTaking Multivitamins Slows Cognitive Aging In Seniors; Which Vitamins Are Most Important?
Taking a daily multivitamin appears to slow cognitive aging by about 2 years in older adults according to three studies that involved about 5,000 people. In the latest study, published in The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, researchers observed and tested 573 adults who were age 60 and older. This study was conducted in-person while two prior studies involved seniors responding by phone or online.
Vitamin D has more health benefits than previously known, study says. How can we get it?
A new study reinforces the importance of vitamin D to health, especially as the onset of winter diminishes sunlight, the most effective way humans absorb the vitamin. The study, published in the periodical Engineering, supports research showing that vitamin D can benefit health in several ways, including increasing bone health and immunity and...