Experts Warn that Scurvy Cases May Increase in Canada

October 7, 2024 TruthUSA

A 65-year-old Toronto woman who fell ill with scurvy after consuming mostly canned soup and processed foods is a stark reminder of the health risks associated with food insecurity, as cautioned by a recent study.

Medical professionals at a Toronto hospital who treated the woman last year discovered that she lacked social and family support, according to a report in the Canadian Medical Association Journal (CMAJ). She displayed symptoms such as swollen gums, discolored skin on her thighs, leg weakness, and limited mobility.

The woman’s mobility challenges hindered her ability to shop and cook, leading her to rely on non-perishable items like canned soup, tuna, white bread, and processed cheese.

Scurvy, a condition historically feared by sailors due to the lack of fresh fruits and vegetables on long sea voyages, is caused by a severe deficiency of vitamin C. Its symptoms include easy bruising, fatigue, gum bleeding, and tooth loss. The CMAJ report suggests that Canada could see a rise in scurvy cases due to food insecurity. The authors noted, “This case highlights how food insecurity can manifest in unusual ways,” emphasizing the importance of considering socioeconomic status and food insecurity when assessing for scurvy.

“There are various risk factors for scurvy, but healthcare providers should be vigilant, especially with patients of low socioeconomic standing or facing food insecurity,” the report stated.

A Lack of Fresh Produce in the Diet

The 65-year-old woman had a medical history of hypertension, dyslipidemia, hypothyroidism, anxiety, and depression. Her social isolation and physical limitations resulted in a diet lacking in fresh fruits and vegetables, with no vitamin supplements. Additionally, she smoked half a pack of cigarettes daily.

Based on the woman’s medical records, which showed very low vitamin C levels from years before, the medical team administered vitamin C treatment through intravenous infusions followed by oral supplements. The report indicated that the woman’s leg weakness improved with the treatment, confirming a diagnosis of vitamin C deficiency.

The authors highlighted that the woman’s diet, coupled with smoking habits, contributed to her low vitamin C levels. Smoking is known to deplete vitamin C stores.

Vitamin C plays a crucial role in wound healing, iron absorption, and acts as an antioxidant. It is commonly found in vegetables like peppers, broccoli, and leafy greens, as well as in fruits such as oranges, strawberries, and kiwi.

Initial symptoms of vitamin C deficiency are non-specific and may include fatigue, weakness, irritability, and low mood. Prolonged deficiencies can lead to gum disease, corkscrew hair, anemia, and potential blood clotting issues.

Food Insecurity

According to Food Banks Canada’s 2024 Poverty Report Cards, around one in four Canadians are currently facing food insecurity. The agency reported a 50 percent increase in food bank services nationwide since 2021, with 44 percent of Canadians feeling financially worse off than the previous year.

Statistics Canada indicated that in 2022, 16.9 percent of Canadians experienced food insecurity, a 5.3 percent increase from 2018. Notably, the rise in food prices, which surged by 19.1 percent from 2018 to 2022, may be contributing to the higher levels of food insecurity.

Considering the prevalence of food insecurity, the authors of the CMAJ report recommend that healthcare providers assess for food insecurity when screening for conditions like vitamin C deficiency.

“It is essential to recognize and address food insecurity, a pervasive risk factor for vitamin C deficiency that impacts approximately 20 percent of Canadian households,” the authors emphasized.

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