Scurvy used to be a more prominent disease than it is today in the United States. Scurvy is a disease that results from lack of vitamin C. Vitamin C is required for synthesis of collagen in humans. So when our bodies do not absorb the mineral spots on the skin, spongy gums, and bleeding from mucous membranes can exist. Scurvy was more prominent during earlier centuries with sailors. This was due to a lack of fruits that they could eat.

Fruit is a product high in vitamin C. Vegetables help keep scurvy away as well. Soldiers who are separated from food for long periods of time have also been known to get scurvy. There are herbal cures for this disease, which date back to prehistory.