Scurvy, a condition caused by a lack of vitamin C, might sound like an illness from the past, but it’s still around today.
A case in Canada highlights how even in the 21st century, people can suffer from this disease.
In a report published in the Canadian Medical Association Journal, doctors shared the story of a 65-year-old woman who was diagnosed with scurvy.
The woman had many health issues, including trouble walking and living on her own. She went to the emergency room in downtown Toronto because of leg pain, weakness, and unusual skin spots and discoloration.
Her ability to buy groceries, cook meals, and manage daily activities was limited due to her mobility issues. With little help from others, she mostly lived on canned soup and fish, rarely eating fresh fruits or vegetables.
Dr. Sarah Engelhart, a doctor at Mount Sinai Hospital and the University of Toronto, explained that this case shows how food insecurity (struggling to afford healthy food) can lead to scurvy. The doctors only realized the problem after learning about the patient’s limited diet.
Although scurvy is often thought of as an old disease, it’s more common today than many people realize.
In the United States, about 5.9% of people have low levels of vitamin C, and in some poorer groups in the United Kingdom, the rates may be as high as 25%. The symptoms of scurvy—such as tiredness, weakness, and difficulty breathing—are often vague, which makes it hard to diagnose.
This patient also smoked, which can make vitamin C deficiency worse. Once doctors started her on vitamin C supplements, her symptoms got better, and a blood test confirmed she had scurvy.
Doctors warn that they should look out for vitamin C deficiency in people with limited diets, like those with autism spectrum disorder, smoking habits, or poor nutrition. They also stress the importance of being aware of food insecurity, which affects 1 in 5 Canadian households.
By staying alert to these risks, scurvy can be caught early and treated effectively.
If you care about nutrition, please read studies about the best time to take vitamins to prevent heart disease, and vitamin D supplements strongly reduce cancer death.
For more information about nutrition, please see recent studies about plant nutrient that could help reduce high blood pressure, and these antioxidants could help reduce dementia risk.
