Scurvy in 2024? Forgotten Disease Is Still Affecting Us

When you think of scurvy, images of pirate ships and 18th-century sailors probably come to mind.

But as strange as it may sound, scurvy isn’t just a relic of the past—it’s still very real, and it’s making a comeback in modern times.

A new case documented in the Canadian Medical Association Journal highlights the shocking reality of scurvy in 2024… let’s dive in.

A 65-year-old woman, struggling with mobility issues and social isolation, was diagnosed with scurvy after showing symptoms like leg weakness, skin discoloration, and bleeding gums.

How could this happen today? The answer lies in severe vitamin C deficiency, a condition that we might assume only affects people on long sea voyages.

But as this case shows, even people living in developed countries are at risk, especially those dealing with limited diets, social isolation, and food insecurity.

Scurvy is caused by a lack of vitamin C—a nutrient found in fruits and vegetables like oranges, strawberries, and bell peppers. Without enough vitamin C, your body can’t produce collagen, a protein that helps maintain healthy skin, blood vessels, and bones.

Left untreated, scurvy can lead to serious health problems, including anemia, bleeding gums, and even death.

The patient in this recent case had a diet consisting mainly of canned soups, tuna, white bread, and processed cheese.

Because of her mobility issues, she struggled to shop and cook for herself, leading to a diet with virtually no fresh produce. This limited menu set the stage for a nutritional crisis that resulted in scurvy.

You might think that scurvy is a rare disease, but vitamin C deficiency is more widespread than we realize. In fact, researchers estimate that up to 5.9% of the U.S. population may have low vitamin C levels, putting them at risk for scurvy.

And in some parts of the world, like the UK, certain vulnerable populations face even higher risks due to poor economic conditions and limited access to nutritious food.

While scurvy can be easily treated once diagnosed—this patient received high doses of vitamin C and improved quickly—it’s a stark reminder that nutritional deficiencies are still a serious issue, even in modern society.

This case isn’t just about scurvy—it’s about the broader issue of food insecurity. Many people, especially seniors or those with mobility challenges, struggle to maintain a healthy diet because they lack access to fresh, nutritious foods.

And without the proper nutrients, they become vulnerable to diseases that we thought were left behind in history.

Thankfully, preventing scurvy and other nutritional deficiencies is simple. Here are a few ways to make sure you’re getting enough vitamin C in your diet:

• Eat Fresh Fruits and Vegetables: Add more vitamin C-rich foods to your daily routine. Citrus fruits, strawberries, kiwi, bell peppers, and broccoli are all excellent sources of vitamin C. Even adding one serving of these foods can make a big difference.
• Consider a Vitamin C Supplement: If your diet is limited or you’re concerned about not getting enough vitamin C, a supplement can be a helpful backup. Talk to your doctor before adding any new supplements to your routine.
• Stay Active in Your Community: Social isolation can make it harder to access nutritious food, especially if you live alone or have mobility issues. Stay connected with your community, and don’t hesitate to reach out to local resources for help with grocery shopping or meal delivery.

Scurvy may seem like a disease from the history books, but as this case shows, it’s still a threat in today’s world.

By staying mindful of your diet and ensuring you’re getting the nutrients your body needs, you can protect yourself from scurvy and other nutritional deficiencies.

To a healthy, well-nourished life,

Rachel Mace
Managing Editorial Director, e-Alert
with contributions from the research team

P.S. This condemned nutritional powerhouse deserves a comeback… click here to learn about it.

Sources:

Staff, S. (2024, October 7). Scurvy shocker: Doctors discover modern case of 18th-century sailing disease. Study Finds. https://studyfinds.org/scurvy-18th-century-sailing-disease/?nab=1