Robbie Williams reveals diagnosis of '17th-century pirate disease': Full symptoms explained

Singer Robbie Williams , in a recent interview, opened up about his diagnosis with a '17th-century pirate disease', after developing a severe nutrient deficiency. The former British pop group Take That member said that it happened after he took an appetite-suppressant drug last year to lose weight.

“I’d stopped eating and I wasn’t getting nutrients,” Williams told Daily Mirror in an interview, saying that he had amended his diet after he suspected that it was impacting his mental wellbeing.

The singer spoke about developing scurvy after his 2-stone weight loss calling it “a 17th century pirate disease ,” due to severe vitamin C deficiency .
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What is scurvy?Significant lack of Vitamin C in diet can lead to scurvy, a disease that leads to bleeding gums, loosened teeth and bleeding under your skin. It is common in the USA as people get enough Vitamin C in their daily diets and is more prevalent in countries around the world where people are malnourished. It can be treated by adding enough Vitamin D in the diet or taking Vitamin C supplements as advised by the doctor.

Vitamin C is not just an important nutrient but also an antioxidant. It protects your cells from damage and also supports growth, development and healing of your skin, bones and connective tissue. Your blood vessels also need enough doses of Vitamin C for proper functioning.

The nutrient helps in absorption of iron needed to make red blood cells and aids in healing burns and other wounds.

Uncommon causes of scurvy
It is common for people with eating disorders to be diagnosed with scurvy. Smoking, drinking, and having a poor diet in pregnancy can also lead to scurvy. People on restrictive diets can limit nutrient intake which could be a risk factor for scurvy.

Full list of scurvy symptoms
Here are the symptoms of the condition share by Cleveland Clinic:

Initial symptoms: The symptoms of this condition caused by Vitamin C deficiency include general weakness, fatigue, irritability and joint pain.

Swollen gums: As the disease progresses, it can show up extreme symptoms including anemia, swollen, bleeding gums that may become purple and spongy, loosened teeth that may fall out.

Scurvy rash: Bleeding under your skin or skin hemorrhages is also common in this condition. One may develop a scurvy rash which looks like red or blue spots on the skin.

Skin appearance: The skin may easily bruise or become scaly and legs may become swollen.

Wounds that won't heal: You may experience wounds that won't heal or opening of previously healed wounds.

Appearance of hair: The disease can also have an impact on hair. They may have a dry and brittle appearance and may coil like a corkscrew.

Symptoms of scurvy in children: It may include irritability, pain when they move, no appetite, failure to gain weight, and anemia.

Return of depression

Williams took some time to deal with the range of mental and physical health challenges affecting him. The return of his depression after a decade was a big blow to him.

The 51-year-old said that the year started with "some ill health" and he was sad, anxious and depressed. The return of his depression after a period of 10 years was difficult for him to cope with. “It’s been about 10 years... I thought I was at the other end of the arc,” he said.

The singer then wondered if his diet had anything to do with his mental health struggles. He has in the past talked about an Ozempic-like drug that helped him lose weight.

“With body dysmorphia , when people say they’re worried about how you’re looking, you’re like: ‘I’ve achieved it.’ When people say: ‘we’re worried you’re too thin’ that goes into my head as ‘jackpot. I’ve reached the promised land.’”