Historic diseases like scurvy and rickets are making a concerning return across the UK, driven largely by the ongoing cost-of-living crisis. Once associated with the convict era and long sea voyages, scurvy is increasingly seen in modern Britain, as a consequence of food insecurity and rising costs, particularly affecting those who cannot afford fresh produce.
A recent case of scurvy in Western Australia, published in the British Medical Journal, highlights the issue's resurgence globally. The man, in his fifties, reported being unable to afford fresh fruits or prescribed supplements, which resulted in the development of symptoms such as a painful rash. After treatment with vitamin C and other essential nutrients, his symptoms improved significantly. Similar patterns are being noticed in the UK, where scurvy cases have quadrupled compared to twelve years ago.
Dr Jayne Barbour, a practising dietitian from Flinders University, explained how economic challenges have led to a "perfect storm" that encourages the re-emergence of such diseases. She pointed to a mix of rising food insecurity, cost-of-living pressures, and even limited fresh produce availability in remote regions as key factors. Dr Barbour also emphasised that restrictive diets, weight-loss medications like Ozempic, and previous bariatric surgery could increase the risk of vitamin deficiencies, making people more susceptible to conditions like scurvy.
The rise of malnutrition-related diseases is not confined to scurvy. The UK is also seeing an increase in scabies, a skin condition linked to overcrowded living conditions reminiscent of Victorian-era poverty. Former President of the UK Royal College of General Practitioners, Clare Gerada, warned that Britain risks "going back to the Victorian era" if food insecurity continues to spiral.
Despite inflation data suggesting a decrease in fruit and vegetable prices earlier this year, the broader rise in the cost of living has disproportionately impacted those on tight budgets. For many, the rising prices of staple items like bread, cereal, and dairy, alongside fresh produce, have made healthy eating unattainable. Dr Barbour underscored the importance of dietary supplements for those with limited access to vitamin-rich foods and advised seeking professional nutritional advice where possible.
With reports of hospital admissions for scurvy and rickets quadrupling over the past decade in the UK, the resurgence of these historic diseases has become a worrying symbol of the wider issues of malnutrition and inequality. As the winter months approach, the need for affordable access to fresh, nutritious food has never been more urgent.
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