Scurvy May be Re-Emerging Amid Cost-of-Living Crisis and Rise of Weight Loss Surgery

This study describes a middle-aged man who was treated for scurvy after presenting to his doctor with painful red-brown spots on his legs, anemia, and blood in his urine. Initially, conditions such as vasculitis (inflamed blood vessels) or an autoimmune disorder were suspected, but after ruling those out doctors found his diet was lacking in fruits and vegetables. He had also stopped taking nutritional supplements that had been prescribed for him following weight loss (bariatric) surgery.

The man’s symptoms persisted until he received high-dose vitamin C, vitamin D3, folic acid, and multivitamin supplements, after which he made a full recovery. While scurvy is widely seen as a “disease of the past,” and still remains relatively rare, doctors caution that the rising cost of living may make it harder for people to access fresh produce. Additionally, bariatric surgery – designed to limit food intake – can increase the risk of nutrient deficiencies, particularly when post-surgery dietary recommendations aren’t strictly followed.

Beyond economic and surgical factors, other risk factors for scurvy include alcoholism, smoking, obesity, kidney dialysis, certain pharmaceutical drugs, and eating disorders. The study authors emphasize that healthcare providers should consider scurvy in patients with risk factors such as low income, poor dietary habits, and a lack of access to fresh produce. They say they hope this case will raise awareness of scurvy’s persistence in modern healthcare, especially as economic and health disparities continue to grow worldwide.

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.