How citrus saved sailors from a deadly disease
Scurvy, a deadly disease that ravaged sailors for centuries, was eventually conquered by the discovery of vitamin C in citrus fruits, transforming maritime history.
Vitamin C, or ascorbic acid, was once a lifesaver for sailors. Without it, they suffered from scurvy, a brutal disease causing bleeding gums, joint pain, and eventual death. During the Age of Sail, long voyages meant no fresh produce, leading to widespread epidemics. For instance, over 100 men died from scurvy on Vasco da Gama's 1497 journey.
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