Scurvy Case Highlights Potential for Notorious Disease’s Return

A disease once infamous among sailors is now re-emerging in developed countries: scurvy. In a recent case, a middle-aged Australian man was diagnosed with the condition after seeking hospital care for a painful rash, bruising, and leg swelling. Doctors at Sir Charles Gairdner Hospital initially ruled out infections, blood disorders, and immune-related issues before discovering that financial hardship had affected the man’s diet.

Scurvy, caused by a severe lack of vitamin C, disrupts wound healing, leads to bleeding gums and capillaries, and can cause severe complications, including fatal bleeding if untreated. Even a month of consuming less than 10 mg of vitamin C daily can lead to symptoms. Fortunately, the patient made a full recovery after starting a regimen of 1000 mg of vitamin C with other supplements.

Tests revealed that the man, who had undergone bariatric surgery, was not only deficient in vitamin C but had low levels of other essential vitamins due to financial constraints. “Our patient had multiple risk factors,” explains Dr. Andrew Dermawan, including poor diet, low income, and medical history. These risk factors are not unique; others include obesity, smoking, alcoholism, and certain medical treatments, which can all increase the risk of vitamin C deficiency.

This case reflects a broader trend: scurvy cases in the UK more than doubled from 2007 to 2017. Rising food costs in countries like Australia and the UK are forcing many low-income individuals to rely on calorie-dense, low-nutrient foods, lacking fresh fruits and vegetables necessary for maintaining adequate vitamin C levels. Overcooking food can further deplete essential nutrients, underscoring the importance of accessible, fresh produce for a healthy diet.

More common vitamin C deficiencies have also been associated with cognitive decline. “Research indicates vitamin C plays a significant role in brain health,” notes Dr. Yogesh Sharma of Flinders University, “and deficiency may contribute to cognitive issues like depression and confusion.” With scurvy re-emerging in modern settings, vigilance and dietary support are increasingly essential to prevent its spread.