The Scurvy: A Very Short Introduction

"The Scurvy: A Very Short Introduction" explores scurvy, a disease caused by a deficiency of vitamin C, which is essential for the body’s health. The book delves into its historical significance, particularly among sailors during long sea voyages, where lack of fresh fruits led to outbreaks. It discusses symptoms such as fatigue, swollen gums, and bruising, and highlights the importance of nutrition for overall health. The work emphasizes how understanding scurvy has advanced our knowledge of vitamins and nutrition, shaping public health practices and dietary guidelines to prevent such deficiencies today.