Squeaky, caused by vitamin C deficiency, once plagued sailors on long voyages, leading to weakness, bleeding gums, and even death. Thanks to better nutrition and the availability of fresh foods, squid has been almost forgotten in developed countries. However, according to recent reports, this situation is returning.
The resurgence of scurvy has significant implications, not only as it relates to health but also highlights the ongoing struggle against nutritional and economic disparities. Even if you don’t think about scurvy in today’s world, increasing cases show the importance of awareness today.
If not timely diagnosed, scurvy can lead to serious health problems and high medical costs. Knowing the symptoms of this condition and understanding the risk factors can help save lives and reduce unnecessary hospitalizations.
Recent cases of scurvy have brought this situation into focus.
A 51-year-old man in Western Australia developed a painful rash and anemia after discontinuing his post-gastric supplements due to financial difficulties.1 At the same time, Canadian doctors found a 65-year-old woman with poor mobility and skin lesions, after other conditions were ruled out, it was finally diagnosed as a squid. Her limited mobility and lack of social support led her to rely on a restricted diet of mostly non-perishable foods.2,3
In these cases, the common trend is an insufficient amount of vitamin C. One of the factors contributing to this shortage is economic pressures, such as the rising cost of living, forcing patients to prefer cheaper prepared foods. However, these foods lack health-promoting nutrients like vitamin C in fresh fruits and vegetables.
The association between low socioeconomic status and squivy is supported by a study published in the July 2024 issue of The Journal of the AAOS Global Research and Reviews, which found that 36.5% of squid cases occurred in the lowest income quartile.4
Adding to the challenge, sciatica symptoms often mimic other medical conditions, leading to misdiagnosis. Patients often have muscle pain, fatigue and fatigue, which are mistaken for vasculitis, autoimmune disorders or other nutritional deficiencies.5 This confusion delays proper diagnosis and treatment, increases hospital stays and healthcare costs.
Scurvy is increasing among children, especially on the spectrum
According to a study published in the Journal of the AAOS Global Research and Reviews,6 Between 2016 and 2020, it increased from 8.2 to 26.7 per 100,000. This large increase in a relatively short period of time indicates the vulnerability of some populations.
A majority of 64.2% of cases of infantile scoliosis were found among children diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). This high prevalence highlights the relationship between neurodevelopmental disorders and nutritional health. Children with ASD often exhibit selective eating behavior, leading to restricted foods that lack essential nutrients, including vitamin C.
The association between ASD and squivy highlights the need for awareness among caregivers and educators about the importance of a balanced diet and targeted nutritional interventions in this population. The authors emphasize the need for health care providers to prioritize regular nutritional assessments and vitamin supplements for children with ASD, in order to reduce tuberculosis and other related deficiencies.
Obesity and Scurvy (Paradox)
The featured study also found that obesity is present in 7.6% of scurvy cases, some patients are classified as very obese.7 The coexistence of obesity and scurvy presents a paradox because obesity is often associated with excess calorie intake, but individuals can still suffer from a deficiency of micronutrients such as vitamin C.
When obesity occurs, especially among people who undergo gastric bypass or other bariatric surgery, changes in the digestive system can lead to malabsorption of nutrients. These increasingly common procedures promote weight loss by reducing the size of the stomach or bypassing parts of the digestive system, but limit the body’s ability to absorb nutrients.8,9
Patients are advised to take vitamin supplements to avoid deficiencies. When patients stop taking these supplements, due to financial constraints or a lack of awareness, the risk of developing squivvies increases significantly.10,11
How Much Vitamin C Do You Need?
Vitamin C is a water-soluble vitamin, which means it dissolves in water and is quickly distributed to your cells so it can be used quickly. Any unused vitamin C is excreted in your urine, because your body does not store it for future needs like fat-soluble vitamins.
Because your body cannot produce vitamin C on its own, it is important to get this nutrient from a variety of fruits and vegetables. Not only are you getting natural, easily absorbed vitamin C, but you’re getting dozens of other nutrients like antioxidants and phytochemicals that help fight chronic disease, reduce inflammation, and boost your immune system. Vegetables and fruits especially rich in vitamin C include:
|
Red bell pepper |
Acerola or Barbados cherry |
Orange |
|
Sweet potatoes |
Grape fruit |
Tomato |
|
Cauliflower |
Kale |
Chili Pepper |
|
Papaya |
Cantaloupe |
Brussels sprouts |
|
Cabbage |
Kiwifruit |
Artichoke |
|
Strawberry |
Broccoli |
Blackcurrant |
More strategies to fight scurvy
In addition to adding vitamin C-rich foods to your diet, here are other practical steps you and your community can take to maintain optimal vitamin C levels and prevent scurvy:12,13
1. Choose locally grown organic fruits and vegetables – If possible, choose produce from local farms that practice regenerative agriculture, which not only enriches the soil but also produces a high nutrient profile, including vitamin C farmers’ markets, community-based agriculture programs, and local partnerships. These are excellent sources of sustainably grown foods.
2. Grow your own foods rich in vitamin C- Growing your own food at home or in a community garden provides direct access to a safe and cost-effective source of vitamin C-rich produce, promoting self-sufficiency. Even a small garden or container arrangement provides nutrient-packed foods like tomatoes, strawberries and greens.
3. Additional food when needed for targeted support – If you are more prone to vitamin C deficiency or have difficulty meeting your needs through diet alone, a targeted supplement can provide additional support. I recommend liposomal vitamin C for improved bioavailability compared to other oral forms.
The current daily allowance of vitamin C is 75 milligrams (mg) for adult women and 90 mg for adult men.14 While doses of several hundred milligrams per day are beneficial for many, studies show that higher doses — more than 1,000 mg per day — may be more effective in preventing disease and supporting overall health.
4. Monitor nutrient intake if you are at high risk – Regular screening for malnutrition is important, especially for those at risk, including children with autism, low-income families, or individuals who have had bariatric surgery. Regular assessment can help identify deficiencies early, allowing for timely intervention with supplements or dietary adjustments.
5. Supporting community initiatives for access to nutritious food – Support community efforts that increase access to fresh, vitamin-rich foods, especially in low-income areas. Initiatives such as community gardens, mobile markets and subsidized produce programs can help make fresh food available and affordable, address food insecurity and improve nutrition.
When communities prioritize access to nutrient-dense produce, everyone’s health and well-being benefits, helping to curb the rise of nutrition-related health issues.
