What Causes Scurvy?

Other Illnesses

Although scurvy is its own illness, there are certain other illnesses that if left untreated can accompany scurvy. Individuals with pellagra are deficient in vitamin b-3 and typically have symptoms of diarrhea, dementia, and dermatitis. Beriberi is another illness caused by vitamin deficiency (vitamin B1). Depending on the type, beriberi can affect the heart and circulatory system (wet beriberi) leading to heart failure or the nerves and muscles (dry beriberi) leading to paralysis. The reason pellagra and beriberi can accompany scurvy is due to the fact all three are typically the result of a diet lacking in fresh fruits and vegetables.