Most people will assume the serious illness was wiped out centuries ago
Doctors have warned that a condition caused by a serious vitamin deficiency is making a comeback thanks to a common pill millions of people in the UK take every day. Doctors at the Sir Charles Gairdner Hospital in Western Australia warned that proton pump inhibitors (PPIs), such as omeprazole, could trigger the potentially fatal condition scurvy.
In the later stages, untreated scurvy can cause organ failure, massive internal bleeding, infections, and death. Historically, it killed thousands of sailors who lacked fresh fruits and vegetables during long sea voyages
Around 15 per cent of people in the UK take PPIs with 73million doses in England a year – six per cent of all the prescriptions handed out. Writing in the journal British Medical Journal Case Reports, they warned that PPIs can reduce the body’s ability to absorb vitamin C – which can trigger scurvy. They reported the case of a man in his 50s who developed scurvy after taking PPIs.
The first symptom was a red-brown pinpoint rash that started on his legs and spread to his hands and arms. Blood tests revealed he had no vitamin C and low levels of other vital nutrients. He was put on daily doses of vitamins C and D3 as well as folic acid and multivitamins. His health returned to normal.
Doctors said he had also been skipping meals and not eating fruit or vegetables and had recently undergone stomach surgery for weight reduction. After being given daily vitamin C (1000mg), vitamin D3, folic acid, and multivitamin supplements, his rash disappeared and his vitamin C levels returned to normal.
Dr Andrew Dermawan, from Sir Charles Gairdner Hospital, said as well as the link to PPIs there have been increasing reports of malnutrition after stomach surgery and that the cost of living crisis makes it harder for people to afford nutritious food.
PPIs are often prescribed for indigestion and stomach ulcers and are given to protect your stomach from the effects of other drugs. You can also buy them over the counter.
Scurvy is a disease caused by a deficiency of vitamin C (ascorbic acid), which is essential for the production of collagen, a protein that helps maintain healthy skin, blood vessels, and connective tissue. Without enough vitamin C, the body cannot repair itself properly, leading to various symptoms.
Symptoms develop after a prolonged lack of dietary vitamin C, typically over a period of several months. They include:
Early Symptoms:
- Fatigue: Feeling unusually tired or weak.
- Irritability: Mood changes or irritability.
- Joint and Muscle Pain: Mild discomfort or aches.
Progressive Symptoms:
- Gum Disease (Gingivitis): Swollen, red, or bleeding gums. Loose teeth.
- Skin Issues: Small red or blue spots (petechiae) caused by bleeding under the skin. Dry, rough, or scaly skin.
- Poor Wound Healing: Cuts or wounds heal very slowly.
- Bruising: Bruises appear easily, even with minor bumps.
- Hair Abnormalities: Hair may become dry, brittle, or curly (“corkscrew hairs”).
- Anemia: Fatigue due to iron deficiency, as vitamin C aids iron absorption.
Severe Symptoms:
- Swelling and Pain in joints.
- Internal Bleeding: Can lead to more serious complications, such as hematuria (blood in urine).
- Emotional Changes: Depression or confusion in advanced cases.
Scurvy is easily treated with vitamin C supplements or by eating vitamin C-rich foods such as:
- Oranges, lemons, and other citrus fruits.
- Strawberries, kiwis, and papayas.
- Bell peppers, broccoli, and spinach.
Symptoms often improve significantly within days to weeks of treatment. However, prolonged untreated scurvy can lead to severe complications or even death.