Pediatric cases of scurvy – a disease caused by a serious vitamin C deficiency, have risen alarmingly in the United States in just five years, according to a recent study. The review, published in the journal JAAOS: Global Research and Reviews, has highlighted the incidence of the disease - which leads to bleeding gums, loosened teeth, and bleeding under your skin more than tripled from 8.2 to 26.7 cases per 100,000.

The review also found more than half of scurvy patients suffering from concomitant autism spectrum disorder, with male obese individuals, especially those in the lowest income quartiles - representing the highest-risk population.

Earlier, scurvy used to be a common and often lethal condition, plaguing ancient mariners and responsible for millions of maritime deaths. However, it is now a rare condition - thought to be restricted to underdeveloped regions and refugee populations with limited access to fresh fruits and healthy nutrition.

However, doctors have expressed concern over its symptomatic similarity to other rheumatological and musculoskeletal conditions like juvenile idiopathic arthritis, bone tumours, and septic arthritis. Most pediatricians in first-world countries, according to the study, are not able to diagnose the condition, which ultimately results in delayed treatment of this otherwise easy-to-treat disease.

According to experts, in the US, scurvy mostly affects babies, children, and older adults who do not get enough vitamin C in their diet. Risk factors for developing the condition include not having access to fresh fruits or vegetables that have antioxidants in them.

Also, a rise in juvenile smoking is another factor that is causing a significant rise in the condition. Doctors say smokers possess a 40 per cent increase in daily vitamin C turnover, increasing the potential for vitamin C deficiency in those who smoke.

The study included 19,413,465 patients as part of the research for five years. Time series analysis Time series analyses revealed that during the five years under study, the incidence of Scurvy increased from 8.2 per 100,000 (2016) to 26.7 per 100,000 children (2020). Population demographic also data revealed that the mean age of scurvy patients was 2.15 years, with most being male - 69.8% per cent and belonging to the lowest economic status.

At least 3.8 per cent of scurvy patients were also found to be obese or morbidly obese.

Vitamin C, also known as ascorbic acid, is a very important nutrient for your body. Responsible for the development, growth, and healing of your skin, bones, and connective tissue, it helps in the proper functioning of your blood vessels. Vitamin C also maintains your teeth and gums. Being an antioxidant, it protects your cells against damage from free radicals.

A deficiency of vitamin C in your diet for at least three months can lead to the condition.

Doctors say the symptoms of scurvy start developing a few months after not getting enough vitamin C in your diet. A few of these are: