Can GLP-1s Cause Scurvy? Not Really, But Here's What to Know!
- Jennifer Hardy
- 1 day ago
- 6 min read
File this topic of GLP-s causing the "Pirate's Disease" of scurvy under the correlation doesn't equal causation category. GLP-1 Newsroom was flooded with questions this week after a (repeated) headline article stated "GLP-1s could be tied to this RARE PIRATE'S DISEASE."
At GLP-1 Newsroom, we're staffed by people who use GLP-1s and know how to research legitimate information mixed with authentic experiences. We spend a lot of time interviewing other GLP-1 users and talking with healthcare providers.
Now, let's get right to the point - Will GLP-1s like tirzepatide (Mounjaro, Zepbound) and semaglutide (Ozempic, Wegovy) cause scurvy? Not in the way that the headlines seem to suggest. Let's get into it.
First, What Is Scurvy (aka Pirate's Disease)?
Scurvy is a condition caused by a severe lack of vitamin C. Your body needs vitamin C to make collagen, which keeps skin, blood vessels, bones, and gums strong. Without it, things start to break down. Early signs include fatigue, bruising, joint pain, and bleeding gums. Left untreated, it can become serious.
It picked up the nickname “pirate’s disease” because it was common among sailors in the 1700s who spent months at sea without fresh fruits or vegetables. Once citrus was introduced on ships, scurvy cases dropped fast, which is why vitamin C is still the headline hero today.
The GLP-1/Scurvy Connection
You don't have to connect too many dots to see how GLP-1s might lead to nutritional deficiencies, like scurvy. However, before studies like the one at the Hunter Medical Research Institute came out, you might not even realize you're facing challenges of a 17th-century pirate.
If you're new to GLP-1s, you should know that the hallmark is a decreased appetite, thanks (in part) to slowed digestion. When you're eating less, the quality of what you do eat becomes that much more important.
Now, add in that most people taking GLP-1s get the script for weight loss, diabetes, or comorbidities like heart issues. That's the main requirement — there is no requirement for a medical provider or dietician to oversee what you eat. Tirtration increases (or decreases) are generally connected to success in weight loss, BMI, or glucose control.
Since we know scurvy is caused by a lack of vitamin C, it makes sense that if you're eating less and not getting enough vitamic C based foods, you could get signs of scurvy.
The GLP-1s aren't causing the issue, but they are connected to it by how you regulate your food intake. That's true even if you don't have an appetite. Not being hungry doesn't mean your body is getting everything it needs.
Here's one look at the potential cycle:
GLP-1s reduce appetite
Users eat less
Users have side effects that lead to nutrition loss, like diarrhea or vomiting
Side effects like heartburn, nausea, sulfur burps, and GI distress can make people hesitant to eat certain foods
Nutritional intake goes down, and users experience side effects of health issues like scurvy, hair loss, and dehydration.
Users blame the GLP-1 for the nutrition issues, when it's not a direct result.
Other Populations That Risk Scurvy
It's important to punctuate that GLP-1s don't cause scurvy, but it can be an unintended result of poor eating habits. That goes true for populations that don't use GLP-1s as well.
The most common groups that face scurvy risks are:
Those living in poverty
People living in "food deserts" without access to fresh fruits and veggies
Those dealing with alcohol or drug use disorders, which can lead to poor nutrition intake
Those with sensory/spectrum issues who avoid certain foods due to texture or taste
People with gastrointestinal diseases or surgeries that cause malabsorption (Crohn’s, ulcerative colitis, bariatric surgery, short bowel, chronic diarrhea), or those on dialysis.
Those who suffer from disordered eating, like anorexia, bulimia, or binge-eating disorder.
PERSONAL NOTE: As someone who struggles with binge-eating disorder, I encourage everyone dealing with disordered eating to get real help in addition to their GLP-1 use.
How to Avoid Scurvy or Vitamin C-Related Issues on a GLP-1 Diet
If appetite is low, nutrition has to get more strategic. You are not eating for volume anymore. You are eating for function. That shift matters. Think of it like when you put gas in the car; it's the right kind of fuel to keep the vehicle going.
Think “small but loaded.” A few bites of the right foods can cover vitamin C needs without forcing full meals. Bell peppers, berries, kiwi, citrus, broccoli, tomatoes, and even potatoes carry meaningful amounts. You can rotate them in small portions instead of trying to power through big plates.
Texture fatigue is real on GLP-1s, so flexibility helps. Fresh, frozen, roasted, blended, or juiced all count. A smoothie with strawberries and Greek yogurt can go down easier than solid fruit on a nausea day.
For people dealing with ongoing GI side effects, spacing vitamin C foods across the day is often easier than eating them at once. The same goes for pairing produce with protein to steady digestion.
If produce intake is inconsistent, a basic vitamin C supplement is a reasonable safety net. It is inexpensive, widely available, and commonly recommended during active weight-loss phases.
The goal is not perfection. It is consistency. Even modest, regular vitamin C intake keeps deficiency risk firmly in the non-pirate era.
Foods Highest in Vitamin C to Add to a GLP-1 Diet
Here’s a GLP‑1–friendly top 10 list of naturally vitamin‑C–rich foods, prioritized for high C, low calories, fiber, and easy pairing with protein.
Sweet Yellow & Red Bell Peppers: One of the most vitamin-C-dense foods per calorie. Easy to eat raw, toss into omelets, or add to quick stir-fries with shrimp or chicken.
Broccoli: Packs vitamin C, fiber, and a little protein. Roast with olive oil or pair with salmon, chicken, tofu, or tempeh.
Brussels Sprouts: High in vitamin C and very filling for the calories. Roast and serve with lean protein when appetite is low.
Kiwi: Delivers more vitamin C than many oranges in a small portion. Slice over Greek yogurt or cottage cheese.
Strawberries: High vitamin C with fiber and moderate sugar. Blend into protein shakes or pair with eggs or yogurt.
Guava: Extremely vitamin-C dense when available. Dice into cottage cheese or mix into chicken or shrimp salad.
Papaya: Gentle on the stomach with solid vitamin C. Works well in smoothies or small portions after protein meals.
Citrus (Oranges, Tangerines, Grapefruit): Classic, portable vitamin C sources. Pair segments with boiled eggs, tuna, or grilled chicken.
Kale & Leafy Greens: Provide vitamin C plus folate and fiber. Add to scrambles, soups, or small protein-forward salads.
Cantaloupe & Melons: Hydrating with a good vitamin C boost. Serve with cottage cheese, yogurt, or lean deli turkey.
Even just getting 10mg of vitamin C a day can avoid the scurvy pirate-problem.
How Much Vitamin C Do GLP-1 Users Need in a Day?
Most GLP-1 users can follow standard vitamin C guidelines. Adult women need about 75 mg per day, while men need around 90 mg.
If you smoke tobacco, needs increase by about 35 mg daily. Smokers burn through vitamin C faster because smoking creates high oxidative stress in the body. Every cigarette releases free radicals that damage cells, and vitamin C is one of the antioxidants your body uses to neutralize that damage.
During active weight loss, some providers suggest aiming slightly higher through food or a basic supplement. The key is consistency. You do not need mega-doses, just steady daily intake to prevent deficiency.
Does Supplementing Vitamin C Help?
Yes. Vitamin C in supplement form is effective at preventing and correcting a deficiency. The body absorbs synthetic vitamin C, usually labeled as ascorbic acid, just as well as the vitamin C found naturally in food.
For people on GLP-1s who struggle with appetite, nausea, or limited food variety, a basic daily supplement can be a practical safety net. Most adults only need 75 to 90 mg per day, and many over-the-counter options provide 250 to 500 mg, which is more than enough to prevent deficiency.
Vitamin C-rich foods still offer added benefits like fiber and phytonutrients, but if intake is inconsistent, supplementation absolutely helps maintain healthy vitamin C levels.
Unlike supplements such as iron, which can become dangerous if you exceed recommended doses, vitamin C is generally very safe because it is water-soluble. Your body excretes what it does not use in most cases. That said, extremely high doses can cause digestive upset.
Vitamin C Products We Recommend
When I started my GLP-1 journey, I researched all the nutritional needs and supplement options in front of me. I knew that Vitamin C was already weak in my diet, thanks to picky food habits, and I wanted to support the collagen production needed while I lost weight. That's in addition to the many benefits of vitamin C. Depending on my budget, these are my three favorite brands.
The Importance of Balanced Nutrition on a GLP-1 Diet
Getting the right amount of vitamin C avoids "pirate's disease" risks like scurvy, but that's not the main motivator. You want to teach yourself new eating habits based on the benefits of GLP-1s while still getting enough food intake to keep your body fueled. Ozempic, Wegovy, Mounjaro, and Zepbound can poise you for success, but you'll need to take consistent steps to keep your body going with the right vitamins, minerals, and food.
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