Scurvy Awareness Day (May 2nd)

Quick facts
When is it?	Every May 2nd
Tagged as:	Food & Drink Fruit Healthcare
What's the hashtag?	#ScurvyAwarenessDay
We first published this page on:	Apr 11th, 2025
We last updated this page:	Apr 11th, 2025

Contents

Not many people think about scurvy today, but it’s still out there. This disease shows up when the body doesn’t get enough vitamin C. Back in the age of long sea journeys, it struck crews who went too long without fresh food.

Now, International Scurvy Awareness Day brings attention to a problem we often forget. It’s a bold way to talk about health in a world where fast food often replaces fresh produce.

Even though it sounds like something from a history book, scurvy hasn’t vanished. It can still affect people with poor diets or limited access to fresh fruits and vegetables.

The day pushes us to look closer at what we eat and to notice the early signs of vitamin C loss. If more folks understand how simple it is to avoid, fewer people will face this preventable illness.

How to Celebrate International Scurvy Awareness Day

International Scurvy Awareness Day offers a chance to learn about vitamin C deficiency and its prevention. Here are engaging ways to mark this day:

Organize a Citrus-Themed Potluck

Invite friends and family to a meal featuring dishes rich in vitamin C. Include options like orange-glazed chicken or lemon-infused salads.

This gathering highlights the importance of a balanced diet in a delicious way.

Plan a Scurvy Awareness Walk

Arrange a community walk to promote health and share information about scurvy prevention.

Provide participants with pamphlets detailing the benefits of vitamin C and distribute fresh fruit as a tasty reminder.

Host an Educational Game Night

Gather friends for an evening of games focused on nutrition and scurvy facts. Create quizzes or trivia challenges that make learning about vitamin C fun and interactive.

This approach combines entertainment with valuable knowledge.

Share Information on Social Media

Use your online platforms to spread awareness about scurvy. Post facts, prevention tips, and resources using hashtags like #ScurvyAwarenessDay. This digital outreach can educate a broader audience.

Support Nutrition-Focused Charities

Consider donating to organizations that address malnutrition and promote access to healthy foods. Your contribution can help combat vitamin deficiencies in vulnerable communities.

History of International Scurvy Awareness Day

International Scurvy Awareness Day highlights the importance of preventing scurvy, a disease caused by vitamin C deficiency.

This observance aims to educate people about the condition and promote healthier diets. The exact origins of this day are unclear, but it serves as a reminder of the significance of balanced nutrition.

Scurvy has a long history, notably affecting sailors on long voyages without access to fresh produce. In the 18th century, Scottish physician James Lind conducted experiments demonstrating that citrus fruits could prevent the disease.

His findings eventually led to the British Navy providing lemon or lime juice to sailors, earning them the nickname “Limeys.”

Today, scurvy is rare but still appears in areas with malnutrition or restrictive diets. International Scurvy Awareness Day encourages individuals to consume vitamin C-rich foods like oranges, strawberries, and bell peppers to maintain good health.