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Although the prevalence of scurvy has significantly decreased compared to historical levels, cases of vitamin C deficiency still occur. Recent findings from a case study conducted in Australia suggest that the ongoing cost of living crisis and an increase in weight loss surgeries may contribute to these rare occurrences. The details were published on October 22 in the journal BMJ Case Reports.
Understanding Scurvy
Scurvy is a condition resulting from a significant deficiency of vitamin C, also known as ascorbic acid. As noted by the Cleveland Clinic, vitamin C is an essential nutrient vital for various bodily functions including skin health, bone development, and tissue repair. It plays a crucial role in maintaining healthy blood vessels, supporting dental health, aiding iron absorption for red blood cell production, and facilitating wound healing.
[Related:[Related:[Related:[Related:The long journey to understanding scurvy’s causes and cures.]
As an important antioxidant, vitamin C protects cells from damage caused by free radicals—harmful byproducts generated during normal cellular processes. A prolonged lack of vitamin C intake over approximately two to three months can lead to severe manifestations of scurvy.
Common symptoms associated with scurvy include fatigue, anemia, gum disease, delayed wound healing, and skin bruising. In the United States, those most affected are often infants, children, and elderly individuals who do not consume adequate amounts of vitamin C.
The Influence of Economic Factors on Nutrition
In this recent case study mentioned earlier,
researchers treated a middle-aged man in Australia who presented with painful red-brown spots resembling a rash on his legs along with hematuria (blood in urine) and anemia.
Diagnostic tests ruled out inflammatory or autoimmune disorders as well as internal bleeding through imaging studies or skin biopsies; however,
his rash continued to worsen during hospitalization.
Upon further inquiry into his lifestyle,
it was revealed that he faced financial difficulties which led him to neglect his diet—consuming minimal fruits and vegetables while occasionally skipping meals altogether.
He had also ceased taking prescribed nutritional supplements following previous bariatric surgery due to their expense.
Blood analysis showed undetectable levels of vitamin C alongside critically low levels of other essential nutrients.
The diagnosis was confirmed as scurvy; treatment involved administering daily doses of 1000 mg vitamin C along with additional supplements like D3,
folic acid,
and multivitamins.
This intervention successfully alleviated both the rash and other symptoms.
The authors noted, while this instance is relatively uncommon,
it highlights growing concerns regarding food affordability impacting nutrition quality among families facing economic hardship.
“Scurvy is often perceived as an outdated ailment particularly within developed nations,”
the authors stated . “Our patient exhibited multiple risk factors including poor dietary choices,
, proton pump inhibitor use,and low-income status.” His prior deficiencies in iron,vitamins D,and folate served as indicators pointing towards underlying nutritional inadequacies.”
Is There An Increase In Scurvy Cases?
‘Vitamin C deficiency rates differ globally; approximately <7.1 percent 73.9 percent .
However isolated incidents continue emerging such as one reported recently from UK whereCanadian Medical Association Journal detailed case involving 65-year-old woman subsisting primarily off canned soup & fish without fresh produce due mobility limitations & lack support systems for grocery shopping,cooking etc..
“This situation exemplifies how food insecurity can lead towards rare diagnoses,” Dr.Sarah Engelhart,a co-author & general internist at Mount Sinai Hospital University Toronto said statement . “A comprehensive assessment her social dietary history ultimately revealed unifying diagnosis.”
[Related: ]Do you need daily multivitamin? Probably not says national health task force
There are indications suggesting potential rise incidence rates concerning scurvies.A review published July journal JAAOS: Global Research Reviews found pediatric cases tripled between years 2016 -2020 rising from8.2to26.7cases per100000children.Most patients diagnosed also had autism spectrum disorder which could cause sensory issues leading avoidance certain nutritious foods.Additionally lower socioeconomic status emerged risk factor according report.
While generally rare among broader population clinicians patients should remain vigilant given increasing costs associated living expenses.
Prevention And Treatment Strategies
Eating sufficient amounts VitaminC remains best preventive measure against developing Scuvy.Most healthy adults require about75to90milligramsdaily.Adding fresh fruits vegetables every meal represents effective method increasing intake thus emphasizing importance consuming diverse range nutritious foods.Healthcare providers advised monitor relation rising incidences food insecurity.
Lucky enough disease easily treatable.VitaminCsupplements under physician supervision combined increased produce consumption typically serve first line treatments.Some individuals report feeling improvements within first48hours enhanced nutrient intake.
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