October 23rd 2024.
It's essential to make sure that your body is getting enough vitamin C. Surprisingly, a disease that was prevalent in the 15th century is now making a comeback in the 21st century. This disease, known as scurvy, was often seen in pirates and sailors who didn't have access to fresh fruits and vegetables during their long sea voyages. However, in recent years, the number of scurvy cases has tripled since 2007 due to a deficiency in vitamin C. Symptoms of scurvy include joint pain, swollen and bleeding gums, and extreme fatigue. Fortunately, with the availability of vitamin supplements and foods rich in vitamin C, such as oranges, scurvy can easily be treated.
The resurgence of scurvy has perplexed doctors, as the disease was thought to be a thing of the past. However, recent reports from Western Australia and Canada have revealed that the disease is still alive and well. Two patients, a middle-aged man and a 65-year-old woman, have been receiving treatment for scurvy. But what could be causing this unexpected comeback?
There could be various reasons for the rise in scurvy cases in the 21st century. The most common cause is a poor diet and a lack of vitamin C. People may opt for cheaper, non-nutritious foods due to the cost of living crisis, rather than fresh produce. Even weight loss medications can lead to a deficiency in essential nutrients, as seen in a case in Denmark.
The symptoms of scurvy include feeling extremely tired and weak all the time, severe joint or leg pain, swollen and bleeding gums, easy bruising of the skin, and red or blue spots on the skin, usually on the legs. Some experts believe that our diets, which are often filled with beige, processed foods, may also be a contributing factor. According to a report by the Health and Social Care Information Centre, between 2009 and 2014, there was a 27% increase in admissions related to scurvy. NHS data also shows that hospital admissions for scurvy have risen from 82 to 167 between 2010 and 2018. Although the numbers for scurvy may seem low, there have been 5,108 admissions for deficiencies of other nutritional elements in the same period.
The good news is that scurvy is relatively easy to treat and prevent. All you need to do is make sure you're getting enough vitamin C in your diet, either through a variety of food choices or by taking supplements. So, make sure to incorporate plenty of vitamin C-rich foods into your diet to avoid this disease.
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