The condition can be fatal if it is not addressed but it’s also easily treatable in most cases
The condition is more rare now than it was in Victorian times but hasn’t been eradicated completely(Image: GETTY)
A disease that was common in the Victorian era is steadily growing in cases again in the UK, with some researchers pointing to GLP-1 drugs as a potential culprit. However, people may not realise the wide array of symptoms that could indicate they are suffering from this rare condition.
Scurvy is usually associated with gum and mouth issues, but one pharmacist has revealed the skin, muscle, joint and mood symptoms that are also tied with the condition. Superintendent Pharmacist at Boots, Claire Nevinson, explained: “Scurvy is a rare disease caused when someone has a severe vitamin C deficiency.
“Most people get enough of the nutrient from their diet, as vitamin C is found in many fruit and vegetables, but scurvy can develop when a person has a long-term absence of it.”
Swollen or bleeding gums are a well-known sign of scurvy(Image: GETTY)
This deficiency affects a range of functions and systems in the body. If left untreated for long enough, scurvy can be fatal and people experiencing symptoms must try get treated as soon as possible.
Little known symptoms of scurvy:
Feeling tired and weak all the timeFeeling irritable and sad all the timeJoint, muscle or leg painDeveloping red or blue spots on the skinEasily bruised skin
The pharmacist added: “It’s important that scurvy is treated quickly. Without treatment, scurvy can cause serious problems and in some cases, may even be life-threatening.
“Mild cases of scurvy are often easily treated by adding more vitamin C to the diet, including fresh fruit and vegetables. A GP may also recommend taking vitamin C supplements or in some cases, may refer to a specialist for treatment, support or advice.”
Globally, the rise in cases of scurvy is being linked to GLP-1 weight loss medications. Researchers in Australia have been raising the alarm about the potential these drugs have to trigger nutrient deficiency.
A medium-sized orange has around 70mg of vitamin C(Image: GETTY)
Last year, Robbie Williams revealed he had been diagnosed with scurvy after taking weight loss medication. He explained that the appetite-suppressant helped him shed nearly two stone but because he had “stopped eating, I wasn’t getting nutrients”, he told the Mirror.
Vitamin C is found in a wide range of fruit and vegetables, including peppers, broccoli, brussel sprouts, sweet potatoes and kiwi fruit. Although the most well-known source is oranges with around 90% of an adult’s daily recommended intake in a single medium-sized orange.