Scurvy

From WikiPOBia

Scurvy is a deficiency disease caused by lack of Vitamin C. Scurvy was a great problem in the Royal Navy and for all ocean-going vessels of the time. Lack of Vitamin C causes the body to not produce collagen, the most famous symptom is loosening of the teeth, often to the point that they fall out, other visible symptoms include purple spots on the skin. In the Aubreyad, Dr. Maturin often point to the fact that wounds otherwise healing have begun to separate as the greater threat. It was to combat scurvy that the Royal Navy put lime juice into grog; sailors otherwise refused to drink the juice although it was the main source of Vitamin C on shipboard.