Doctors call for more scurvy testing in B.C. in light of vitamin C deficiency data
Nearly 700 individuals in British Columbia have been reported to have a vitamin C deficiency over the past decade. This revelation has raised concerns among doctors about the prevalence of scurvy, a life-threatening disease that was once thought to be a thing of the past, in the province. CBC News obtained data from B.C.’s Ministry of Health, which revealed that the number of confirmed cases of scurvy over the past 10 years is not systematically collected. Instead, the ministry provided information on the number of known instances of ascorbic acid, or vitamin C, deficiency.
Scurvy is a disease that is typically associated with sailors from centuries ago, but the data shows that it may still be a significant issue in British Columbia. Dr. Jeffrey Irvine, a physician in Saskatchewan who recently treated a case of scurvy in that province, expressed his surprise at the prevalence of such preventable diseases in Canada in the present day. He emphasized that with the wide access to healthy, nutritious fresh foods and a good healthcare system, instances of scurvy should be rare.
Earlier this year, Irvine confirmed 27 cases of scurvy in the small town of La Ronge in northern Saskatchewan. Symptoms of scurvy can manifest within weeks of inadequate vitamin C intake and may include fatigue, bruising, bleeding gums, and other serious health issues if left untreated.
In British Columbia, the number of reported cases of vitamin C deficiency has been on the rise in recent years. In the 2021-22 fiscal year, a record 156 people were reported to have vitamin C deficiencies. While the data for the current fiscal year shows a decrease in reported cases, the overall trend over the past decade has been concerning.
Dr. Irvine believes that more testing for scurvy should be conducted in British Columbia to gain a better understanding of the extent of the issue. He acknowledges that the blood test for vitamin C can be complicated, especially in remote or smaller communities that may lack the necessary infrastructure for proper testing. However, he stresses the importance of identifying and treating cases of scurvy to prevent further health complications.
Dr. Tim Senior, a general physician and medical advisor for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Health in Australia, where cases of scurvy have also been detected, agrees that more testing should be conducted in Canada. He emphasizes that addressing cases of scurvy can also help identify other underlying health issues that patients may be facing.
In conclusion, the resurgence of scurvy in British Columbia highlights the importance of proper nutrition and access to fresh foods. By raising awareness of this preventable disease and conducting more testing, healthcare professionals can work towards ensuring the well-being of individuals at risk of vitamin C deficiency.
