It might seem almost unthinkable for a person to have scurvy in the state of Florida, with its delicious oranges. well, this writer, a doctor, did just that; she got scurvy. because one associates Florida with citrus, even if it is seasonal, it might be too easy to overlook a person’s vitamin C insufficiency, especially if that individual is a doctor.
I stopped taking supplements, particularly vitamin C supplements, after reading about how their ingredients are often made overseas, and inadequately inspected. but stopping these supplements, especially those providing vitamin C, was an unwise thing for me to do. my reluctance to utilize supplements might have been based more on stubbornness than on up to date information.
Scurvy was first recognized among sailors who had been on long voyages and did not have access to fresh fruits, especially citrus. In my case, the first clue to the scurvy was easy bruising on my arms and legs, and unexpected weight loss. So, I consulted a dietician, who analyzed my diet.
She not only pinpointed my problem, but is clarifying for me what I should be eating. She takes into account not only the compelling nutritional and health considerations, but also gives me guidance on how to prepare my foods, and how to eat them.
I have learned much through this process, understandings that I am anxious to pass on. one of these is the great value of a good dietician. A second is that supplements may be necessary for many of us as we age. Third is the reminder that many symptoms and problems can be caused by poor diet. sometimes it is too easy for one to ignore these problems, or to gloss them over.
This doctor recovered from scurvy without permanent deleterious effect. but I accepted the experience as a warning that no matter our level of education, we must look carefully at what we eat, stay away from empty carbohydrates that do not nourish us, and avoid the assumption that just because we are at a normal or high weight, our diets are adequate for what we need.
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Kathleen Wilson, M.D., is a general internal medicine doctor with a private practice in Bonita Springs. She trained at Mayo Clinic. Send your medical questions for the ask a Doctor column to .