scurvy

In 1912 the Polish biochemist Casimir Funk proposed that illnesses such as scurvy were caused by the absence of specific chemicals in the diet, launching a race to synthesize vitamins.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Sep. 18, 2026

"Apparently around fishes' eyes is all vitamins, so she never had scurvy or anything."

From BBC ● Mar. 15, 2025

Early white settlers, according to the Oregon Encyclopedia, would eat cranberries as a source of vitamin C to prevent scurvy, “and the berry’s naturally waxy coating allowed for long keeping.”

From Seattle Times ● Nov. 18, 2023

Like scurvy, which results from a deficiency of vitamin C, beriberi was common in the 19th century among sailors on extended voyages.

From Los Angeles Times ● Nov. 7, 2023

The crew began using Inuit techniques to hunt seal, preserve seal blubber, and gather green spring lichens, which helped ease their scurvy.

From "American Spirits" by Barb Rosenstock

The films draws viewers into this world, allows them to fall in love with it, even as it sets them at a distance from the scurvier action of the characters.

From Time Magazine Archive

The "rheumatiz" has much to answer for all through English country-sides, but it never played a scurvier trick than in laying thee by the heels, when thou wast yet in a green old age.

From Tom Brown's School Days by Thomas Hughes

Full many a stranger and from many a land Hath lodged in this old castle, and my hand Served them; but never has there passed this way A scurvier ruffian than our guest to-day.

From Alcestis by Gilbert Murray