scurvy

a deficiency disease caused by a lack of VITAMIN C (ascorbic acid) as a result of a dietary lack of fruit and vegetables. Symptoms begin with swollen, bleeding gums and then SUBCUTANEOUS bleeding, bleeding into joints, ULCERS , ANAEMIA and fainting, diarrhoea and trouble with major organs. Untreated, it is fatal, but nowadays it is easily prevented, or cured should it arise, through correct diet or administration of the vitamin.