Scurvy in a young man: a rare case report

Area of Science:

• Nutrition Science
• Clinical Medicine
• Public Health

Background:

• Scurvy, a disease from vitamin C deficiency, presents with nonspecific symptoms like fatigue and malaise.
• It is often misdiagnosed due to a lack of specific clinical signs.
• While rare in young adults, scurvy cases are occasionally reported in children.

Observation:

• A 25-year-old male patient with no prior health issues experienced severe pain and bruising in his legs.
• His lifestyle included prolonged indoor activity and minimal consumption of fruits and vegetables.
• These factors led to a diagnosis of scurvy.

Findings:

• The patient's symptoms were attributed to severe vitamin C deficiency.
• Inadequate dietary intake and lack of sun exposure were identified as contributing factors.
• The case underscores the importance of considering scurvy in young adults with suggestive symptoms.

Implications:

• This case emphasizes the need for increased awareness of scurvy in young adults, particularly those with poor dietary habits.
• It highlights the potential for misdiagnosis due to nonspecific symptoms.
• Public health initiatives promoting balanced nutrition and vitamin C intake are crucial.