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Diet Therapy for Scurvy (Vitamin C Deficiency)
The most important factor in the prevention and treatment
of scurvy is proper feeding. After birth, all children should be
breast-fee wherever possible. Mother's milk is pure and
fresh and contains, in correct proportions, most of the
nutrients necessary for the growth and development of the
baby. If, for any reason, it is not possible to breast-feed the
baby, he or she should be fed either on cow's milk or
commercially available milk formulas. After the age of one
year, the child may be given fruits and vegetable juices,
besides milk and occasional intake of wholemeal bread.
After the age of two years, the child can be gradually
allowed to embark upon a well-balanced diet, with emphasis
on fruits, steamed vegetables, wholegrain cereals, and milk.
Diet also plays an important role in the prevention and
treatment of scurvy in adults. The patient should take a
well-balanced diet consisting of seeds, nuts, grains,
vegetables, and fruits. This diet should be supplemented
with certain special foods such as milk, vegetable oils, and
honey. The patient should be given liberal quantities of
foods rich in vitamin C. This vitamin is found in fresh fruits
and vegetables. The daily requirement of this vitamin is
between 10-20 mg daily. It can be taken in tablet form, if
necessary.
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