What is scurvy and how can it be prevented? Surge in cases in northern Saskatchewan community sparks concern

This article is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Contact a qualified medical professional before engaging in any physical activity, or making any changes to your diet, medication or lifestyle.

A surge in scurvy cases in northern Saskatchewan has raised red flags about grocery prices and access to fresh food. According to CBC News, 27 cases of scurvy have been reported in La Rouge, Sask., located approximately 380 kilometres north of Saskatoon, within the last six months.

Following an initial scurvy report in May, Dr. Jeff Irvine, a physician in La Ronge teamed up with the Lac La Ronge Indian Band and Northern Inter-Tribal Health Authority to investigate scurvy in the community. Twenty-seven out of 51 blood samples taken met the criteria for scurvy. Patients range in age from 20-80 years old and are predominantly Indigenous (79 per cent).

What's happening?

"It's just sort of the tip of an iceberg," Irvine told theCBC. "Vitamin C is not the only thing that's ever going on. So what other health concerns are there or what other things within people's lives are sort of stopping them from having the proper nutrition that they need?"

The findings prompted concerns for food vulnerable populations, including children, who could be at risk for scurvy, especially since the first case was confirmed in someone who "wasn't low income status, had a good paying job" and "ate well."

As per the 2022 Saskatchewan Health Authority report, it costs an average of $358 per week for a family of four to have balanced meals in northern communities. The cost increases in the far north. What’s more, a recent First Nations Food, Nutrition and Environment survey reports 42 per cent of respondents can’t afford balanced meals. The Saskatoon Food Bank recently reported a 40 per cent increase in the past five years, according to the CBC.

The findings are part of a nationwide trend as grocery prices increase, making it difficult for Canadians to put food on the table. A recent report from the Salvation Army found that one in four parents have cut back on their own food consumption to ensure their children had enough to eat.

Irvine said his team is hoping to expand testing for vitamin C levels in patients who exhibit symptoms.

But what is scurvy, what are the signs, and how can you prevent it? Keep reading to learn more.

What is scurvy?

Scurvy is a medical condition caused by severe lack of vitamin C, a nutrient that helps with wound healing, the development of healthy bones, and also helps the body absorb iron which is important to producing red blood cells. Vitamin C is essential to producing collagen for connective tissue and amino acids, like L-carnitine, that helps turn fat into energy

What are the signs and symptoms of scurvy?

Scurvy symptoms develop and may worsen over time. Initial symptoms can include fatigue, irritability, and joint pain, however they may progress to include:

• Rough scaly skin

• Bruising

• Anemia

• Dry, brittle hair that coils

• Swollen or bleeding gums

• Loose teeth

• Swollen legs

• Scurvy rash (bleeding under your skin)

• Previously healed wounds reopening

In children and babies, scurvy can present as no appetite or inability to gain weight, anemia, pain and irritability.

How does someone get scurvy?

Scurvy is considered rare in developed countries but can be found I people, particularly babies, children and the elderly, who are malnourished. People can get develop scurvy over time if they don’t have access to fresh fruits or vegetables, follow a restrictive diet or a poor diet, particularly during pregnancy or breastfeeding.

People who smoke can develop scurvy since it reduces the body’s ability absorb vitamin C from food.

According to the Cleveland Clinic, other causes of scurvy can include:

• Overactive thyroid (hyperthyroidism)

• Chronic Diarrhea

• Fever disorders

• Burns

• Drug or alcohol dependency that impacts diet

• Type 1 diabetes

• Inflammatory bowel disease

How do you prevent scurvy?

A healthy, balanced diet is the best way to prevent scurvy. Incorporate foods that are high in vitamin C into your diet like:

• Strawberries

• Oranges, orange juice and citrus fruits

• Bell peppers

• Broccoli

• Brussel sprouts

• Potatoes

• Papayas

• Rose hips

• Chilli peppers

• Guavas

How do you diagnose and treat scurvy?

Scurvy can be diagnosed by your healthcare provider with a blood test. Healthcare providers may prescribe vitamin C supplements and changing your diet to incorporate vitamin C rich foods.

Let us know what you think by commenting below and tweeting @YahooStyleCA! Follow us on Twitter and Instagram.