Final answer:
Scurvy is a disease caused by a deficiency in vitamin C, leading to symptoms such as bleeding gums, dry and scaly skin, and weak bones. Citrus fruits are a key preventative measure and cure for scurvy. The historical use of citrus by the British navy to combat scurvy gave rise to the term 'limeys' for British sailors.
Step-by-step explanation:
Scurvy is indeed a deficiency disease that results from a lack of vitamin C. Symptoms include bleeding gums, dry and scaly skin, slow wound healing, and easy bruising due to the poor formation of collagen which is essential for repairing and sustaining connective tissues.
Those suffering from scurvy also experience poor dentine formation leading to tooth loss and weak bones that are prone to fractures. Vitamin C is crucial for fighting infection and maintaining a healthy immune system, which is compromised when there is a deficiency.
Citrus fruits, such as oranges, lemons, and limes, are rich in vitamin C and historically have been recognized as remedies for preventing and curing scurvy. In the 18th century, the British navy began issuing daily rations of citrus fruit to sailors, leading to the term 'limeys' for British sailors.
This practice was a result of experiments by James Lind, which highlighted the benefits of citrus and essentially paved the way for the understanding of vitamin C's vital role in human health.