# Scurvy Vitamin Deficiency

> Scurvy is caused by vitamin C deficiency, a fact confirmed by historical and scientific evidence.
- Title: Scurvy Vitamin Deficiency · Slate Magazine | Shortify
- Summary: Scurvy is caused by vitamin C deficiency, a fact confirmed by historical and scientific evidence. Scurvy results from a lack of vitamin C, a deficiency…
- Keywords: vitamin c, scurvy, historical disease, maritime health, nutritional deficiency, Vitamin, Deficiency, Slate Magazine
- Source: Slate Magazine — https://slate.com/news-and-politics/2026/10/trivia-quiz-daily-slate-science-disease-animals-physics.html?via=rss
- Author: Ray Hamel
- Published: 2026-10-01T09:55:00+00:00
- Read time: 1 min
- Topics: vitamin c, scurvy, historical disease, maritime health, nutritional deficiency
## Scurvy Definition
Scurvy is a disease caused by a deficiency of vitamin c, historically linked to sailors on long sea voyages.
## Historical Impact
In the 18th century, scurvy killed thousands of sailors due to poor vitamin c intake on ships.
## Scientific Confirmation
Modern science confirms scurvy is caused by vitamin c deficiency, a finding established in the 19th century.
## Vitamin C Role
Vitamin c is essential for collagen production, wound healing, and immune function in the human body.
## Historical Treatment
Sailors were treated with citrus fruits or vitamin c supplements to prevent scurvy, a practice that began in the 1700s.
## Key takeaway

Scurvy results from a lack of vitamin C, a deficiency historically linked to maritime diseases.