Scurvy, a disease most commonly associated with sailors during the Renaissance era, has reemerged as a result of the modern cost of living crisis. Characterized by a deficiency in vitamin C, scurvy was once easily treated and nearly eradicated in developed countries. However, recent cases are sparking concerns that economic hardships are leading to a resurgence of the condition, particularly among vulnerable populations.
The disease, while treatable, can have severe and potentially fatal consequences if left undiagnosed and untreated. One recent case in Australia serves as a stark reminder of how a lack of access to nutritious food can have serious health consequences, even in today’s world.
A Modern Case of Scurvy: The Australian Man's Story
The case of a 50-year-old man from Western Australia has highlighted the rising threat of scurvy in the context of poverty and poor nutrition. The man, whose identity remains confidential, was initially hospitalized with symptoms that puzzled doctors. He was anaemic, had blood in his urine, and his legs were covered in painful red and brown spots that looked like a rash. Doctors initially suspected a range of inflammatory, autoimmune, and blood disorders, but all tests returned negative. Scans revealed no signs of internal bleeding, and a skin biopsy provided no diagnostic clues.
As his rash spread, the medical team turned their focus to the man’s nutritional status. A deeper conversation with him revealed that financial struggles had forced him to cut back on meals and neglect his intake of fruits and vegetables. He had also stopped taking nutritional supplements that had been prescribed after a previous weight loss surgery, as he could no longer afford them.
Further blood tests showed that the man had no detectable levels of vitamin C and very low levels of other key nutrients, confirming a diagnosis of scurvy. Once treated with daily doses of vitamin C, vitamin D3, folic acid, and multivitamin supplements, his symptoms rapidly improved. According to the study that documented his case, the painful rash and other symptoms cleared up soon after treatment began, demonstrating how quickly the disease can be reversed with appropriate care.
What is Scurvy?
Scurvy is caused by a prolonged deficiency of vitamin C (ascorbic acid), which is vital for the production of collagen, a protein necessary for the repair of tissues. Vitamin C also plays a key role in immune function, the absorption of iron, and the prevention of oxidative stress.
Historically, scurvy was a significant cause of death among sailors who had no access to fresh fruits and vegetables during long voyages. It was first identified during the Renaissance era, but its link to vitamin C wasn’t discovered until the 18th century when British naval physician James Lind conducted experiments that eventually led to the inclusion of citrus fruits in sailors’ diets, eliminating the condition from seafaring life.
Symptoms of scurvy include fatigue, muscle weakness, joint and muscle pain, swollen and bleeding gums, and the appearance of red or brown pinprick spots on the skin, particularly on the legs. In advanced stages, it can lead to anemia, open wounds, tooth loss, and, if untreated, potentially fatal hemorrhaging.
While scurvy was largely eradicated in developed countries by the mid-20th century, it never fully disappeared. The recent rise in cases suggests that modern socioeconomic factors are contributing to its resurgence.
Scurvy in Today’s World: A Symptom of Economic Hardship
The Australian man’s case is not unique. Scurvy is reappearing in communities where poverty, poor diet, and restricted access to healthcare are prevalent. Doctors and researchers have noted an increase in scurvy diagnoses, particularly in economically disadvantaged areas where people are struggling to afford fresh, nutritious food.
As the cost of living rises globally, particularly in Western countries, many families are forced to make difficult choices about what to buy. Nutritious foods such as fruits, vegetables, and lean proteins are often more expensive than processed foods, leading to dietary imbalances that can result in nutrient deficiencies. In this context, scurvy is just one of several malnutrition-related conditions that are making a comeback.
This reemergence of scurvy is not limited to the general population. It has also been observed in patients who have undergone weight loss surgery, where nutrient absorption can be compromised. Furthermore, other lifestyle factors such as alcoholism, smoking, obesity, and the use of certain medications like proton pump inhibitors (which reduce stomach acid) can inhibit the body’s ability to absorb or retain vitamin C. In some cases, people with eating disorders or those on restrictive diets have also been found to be at risk.
Why the Cost of Living Crisis is a Key Driver
The cost of living crisis, exacerbated by global economic instability, inflation, and stagnant wages, is creating conditions where even in developed countries, access to a balanced diet is becoming a luxury for many. Rising food prices, particularly for fresh produce, are pushing more people towards cheaper, less nutritious options, increasing the risk of vitamin deficiencies.
As Dr. Patrick Moore, the lead investigator in the study, noted, scurvy can develop as quickly as a month after a diet becomes deficient in vitamin C. In many cases, people may not realize they are at risk until symptoms become severe. A combination of poor diet, financial stress, and a lack of awareness about the importance of vitamin C-rich foods is creating a perfect storm for the reemergence of this disease.
The situation is compounded by other factors like housing insecurity, unemployment, and healthcare access issues. People facing financial hardship may also neglect routine health care, missing opportunities for early diagnosis and treatment of nutrient deficiencies.
How is Scurvy Treated and Prevented?
The good news is that scurvy is easily treatable. Once diagnosed, it can be rapidly reversed with vitamin C supplements. Patients typically begin to feel better within 24 to 48 hours, and their symptoms clear up shortly after. In severe cases, higher doses of vitamin C may be required, but recovery is generally quick.
Preventing scurvy is also straightforward: ensuring a diet rich in vitamin C is the key. Citrus fruits such as oranges, lemons, and grapefruits are well-known sources, but other foods such as strawberries, bell peppers, broccoli, and spinach are also rich in the nutrient.
For those at higher risk, such as people with limited access to fresh produce, vitamin supplements can offer an affordable and effective solution. However, the rising cost of such supplements, as evidenced by the Australian man's case, may put them out of reach for some, particularly those already living on the margins.
The Broader Implications of Malnutrition in the Modern World
The reemergence of scurvy is a troubling sign of deeper issues within modern society. It highlights the growing divide between those who can afford a healthy, balanced diet and those who cannot. It also underscores the need for public health interventions that address the root causes of malnutrition, such as poverty, food insecurity, and the rising cost of living.
In the context of global food shortages and economic instability, ensuring access to affordable, nutritious food must become a priority for governments and health organizations. Education about the importance of a balanced diet, combined with efforts to make healthy food more accessible, could help prevent the resurgence of scurvy and other nutrient-deficiency diseases.
As we continue to face economic challenges, cases like the one in Australia serve as a reminder that diseases we once thought were confined to history can easily return if the conditions that allow them to thrive are not addressed.