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Vitamin C Deficiency in Senior Citizens Increases Risk of Bleeding and Fatigue

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A new study suggests that older adults experiencing abnormal bleeding, fatigue, and weakness should be evaluated for scurvy, a disease caused by vitamin C deficiency.
[Source: msn.com]

[Image source: Adobe Stock]

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Published in the Canadian Medical Association Journal, this study illustrates that scurvy, a condition often known as the ‘Sailors’ Disease’, is still relevant today, especially in vulnerable populations such as the elderly who may face difficulties maintaining a balanced diet due to mobility problems or social isolation.

The paper focuses on a 65-year-old Toronto woman who experienced leg pain, weakness, skin lesions, and discoloration. Due to her limited mobility and chronic health conditions, she relied on a diet consisting mostly of canned soup and fish, with little to no fresh produce, leading to her becoming chronically deficient in vitamin C.

One of the key points raised by the study is the difficulty in diagnosing scurvy, as its typical symptoms – fatigue, weakness, shortness of breath, and abnormal bleeding – can also occur in other health conditions. This can easily result in scurvy being overlooked by doctors. In the Toronto woman’s case, her vitamin C deficiency was further aggravated by smoking, which depletes the body’s vitamin C levels.

The study identifies specific groups at heightened risk for scurvy, such as people on restrictive diets, smokers, individuals with substance use disorders, and those with malabsorption syndromes. Its findings highlight the importance of maintaining a diet rich in fresh fruits and vegetables, especially for older adults with mobility challenges.

To read how scientists at the Dr. Rath Research Institute have proved that atherosclerosis is an early form of scurvy, see this press release on our website.

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