Health

Researchers diagnose 27 cases of scurvy in northern Sask. community

The recent discovery of 27 cases of scurvy in a northern Saskatchewan community has sparked concerns about access to fresh food and grocery prices, highlighting the growing income inequality in the region.

Earlier this year, a doctor in La Ronge suspected a patient was suffering from scurvy, a condition caused by a deficiency in vitamin C. Subsequent tests confirmed the diagnosis, prompting further investigation into the prevalence of scurvy in the community. The Lac La Ronge Indian Band, in collaboration with Dr. Jeff Irvine and the Northern Inter-Tribal Health Authority, conducted a study that revealed 27 cases of low or undetectable levels of vitamin C among 51 individuals tested. All 27 cases were confirmed through physical exams, with patients ranging in age from 20 to 80, with 79 percent identifying as Indigenous.

The incidence of confirmed scurvy cases is rare, with individual cases often forming the basis of extensive studies. Dr. Irvine, a physician in La Ronge, emphasized the significance of these findings, suggesting that they point to broader health and social issues within the community. Scurvy, commonly associated with long sea voyages in the past, is caused by a lack of vitamin C-rich foods like fruits and vegetables. Symptoms range from fatigue and joint pain to more severe signs like bleeding gums and slow wound healing.

Treatment for scurvy involves supplements or a diet rich in vitamin C sources such as citrus fruits and green vegetables. Traditional foods like rosehip and Labrador tea, as well as organ meats from certain animals, have also been recommended to prevent scurvy in northern communities. However, access to nutritious foods is hindered by financial constraints, leading individuals to opt for cheaper, processed foods that lack essential nutrients.

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Dr. Rachel Engler-Stringer, a professor of community health and epidemiology at the University of Saskatchewan, highlighted the impact of income inequality and rising food costs on food choices and nutritional health. A 2022 report from the Saskatchewan Health Authority revealed that northern residents pay more for quality food compared to their southern counterparts. The disparity in food prices, coupled with limited availability of fresh produce in remote areas, exacerbates the challenge of food insecurity in the region.

A recent study by the University of Toronto found that 20 percent of Saskatchewan households, approximately 224,000 people, experienced some level of food insecurity in 2022. The Saskatoon Food Bank reported a 40 percent increase in users over the past five years, reflecting a national trend of rising food bank usage. Dr. Irvine emphasized the importance of considering scurvy as a potential diagnosis in patients presenting with relevant symptoms, underscoring the need for targeted testing in specific cases.

Overall, the findings from the scurvy cases in northern Saskatchewan shed light on the complex interplay between health, economics, and access to nutritious food. Addressing these underlying issues requires a multifaceted approach that addresses income inequality, food affordability, and availability of fresh produce in remote communities.

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