Scurvy, a disease caused by severe vitamin C deficiency and once thought to be an illness of the past, has never truly disappeared in Canada.
Most recently, 27 cases were reported in Saskatchewan, shedding light on the ongoing risk, particularly among those facing food insecurity or limited access to fresh produce, experts warn.
The disease is both preventable and treatable, but without proper nutrition, a person can develop scurvy, which can lead to symptoms like bruising, gum disease, tooth loss and even death.
Despite the seriousness of scurvy, it is highly unlikely to develop in people who maintain a diet rich in fresh vegetables, fruit and meats, all of which are excellent sources of vitamin C, explained John Neary, an associate professor of internal medicine and McMaster University in Hamilton.
“It’s not exactly a disease of the past, but it still can happen,” he said.
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“But the amount of vitamin C human …