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What we know as “Vitamins” have only been around since about the 1900’s. Before that time, foods on hand were the source for meeting vitamin needs. For example, Ascorbic acid (now known as vitamin C) was not identified as the reason citrus fruits helped prevent scurvy until the 20th century. However, trial and error had proven the value of both citrus fruit and green vegetables against scurvy, and Captain Cook applied ordered his men to eat fresh greens when available. If any of them refused, they were occasionally flogged. Captain Cook's voyage was the first long one to be distinguished by its success in losing no men to the dread disease.
Even before Captain Cook sailed the seas, some cultures realized that certain foods met specific medicinal needs. For example, ancient Egyptians found that eating liver could help cure night blindness, which the physicians of today believe is a result of vitamin A deficiency.
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