A new study suggests that older adults who experience unusual bleeding, fatigue and weakness should be evaluated for the disease caused by scurvy. Vitamin C deficiencyDespite being commonly associated with sailors of the 18th century, scurvy is still relevant today, especially among vulnerable populations. The study published in the Canadian Medical Association Journal (CMAJ) shows the importance of recognizing this condition, especially in older adults who face challenges related to diet and mobility.

The research focused on a case involving a 65-year-old woman in Toronto who suffered from leg pain, weakness, skin lesions and discoloration. The woman had limited mobility due to chronic health conditions, making it difficult for her to perform daily activities such as grocery shopping and cooking. As a result, her diet consisted largely of canned soups and fish, with little or no fresh fruits or vegetables – a major factor that led to her vitamin C deficiency.

“This case represents a complex example of food insecurity manifesting as an unusual diagnosis,” said Dr. Sarah Engelhardt, a general internist at Mount Sinai Hospital and the University of Toronto. The patient’s condition, particularly in older adults, highlights the link between food insecurity and nutritional deficiencies.

Researchers report that while scurvy is often considered a disease of the past, it is more common in the 21st century than many health professionals expected. However, this condition can be difficult to diagnose, as its symptoms are nonspecific and can be easily confused with other health problems. Symptoms such as fatigue, weakness, shortness of breath and abnormal bleeding are often attributed to various other conditions, causing vitamin C deficiency to often be ignored.

In addition to poor diet, the patient also smoked, which left her vitamin C deficient. Smoking reduces the level of vitamin C in the body, which increases the risk of this disease for people who smoke. Once the woman started taking vitamin C supplements, her symptoms improved significantly and blood tests confirmed the diagnosis of scurvy.

The study authors stressed, “Clinicians should be alert to vitamin C deficiency when evaluating patients, including children and isolated older adults.” They urged health care professionals to consider scurvy as a possible diagnosis for patients with unusual bleeding and non-specific symptoms, especially in patients with dietary restrictions or social isolation.

The study also identified several groups of people at high risk of developing scurvy. These include people who follow restrictive diets, such as people with autism spectrum disorders or those on a “tea and toast” diet, as well as people who smoke or suffer from substance abuse. Additionally, people with malabsorption syndrome, which impairs the body’s ability to absorb essential nutrients, are also at increased risk.

The case study highlights the importance of a balanced diet rich in fresh fruits and vegetables, especially for older adults who face mobility challenges or other barriers to accessing nutritious food.

By considering scurvy as a possible diagnosis in patients with vague symptoms, health professionals can help address nutritional deficiencies that may otherwise go unnoticed, thereby improving the quality of life of those at risk. Could.

Get the latest news live on Times Now with breaking news and top headlines from around the world.