Niamh McMillan said vitamin deficiency was the common cause
An urgent warning has been issued by a leading pharmacist as cases of a disease more commonly linked with 18th Century sailors are reportedly on the rise in parts of France and Wales. Superdrug’s Pharmacy Superintendent, Niamh McMillan, has highlighted the symptoms to be vigilant for and offered advice on how to stay protected.
Niamh explained: “Scurvy is a disease caused by a Vitamin C deficiency and is associated with British sailors in the 18th Century who suffered from this disease as they didn’t have access to fresh food, particularly citrus fruits, on long voyages. While scurvy is considered rare in developed countries, it can still affect people who have limited access to fresh fruits and vegetables or those who have poor dietary habits. With the current cost-of-living crisis, scurvy has become a modern-day concern for many.”
Scurvy symptoms
Niamh said: “The early signs of scurvy are often subtle and can be easily mistaken for other health conditions. Common signs include fatigue and weakness, swollen or bleeding gums, often with loosened teeth. Skin issues such as easy bruising, pale skin and the development of small red or purple spots on the skin. Joint pain, cuts and scrapes that take longer to heal and increased irritability.”
Preventing scurvy
On preventing scurvy, Niamh advised that the best method is to ensure you’re getting enough Vitamin C. She stressed the importance of hitting your five-a-day to keep the illness at bay.
Niamh shared her top tips for keeping Vitamin C levels up, stating: “Aim for at least five servings of fruit and vegetables every day, with a particular focus on those rich in Vitamin C. While citrus fruits are well-known for their Vitamin C content, other fruits such as strawberries and pineapple and vegetables such as broccoli, Brussels sprouts and spinach are also excellent sources.”
She added that taking a supplement might be beneficial for those who can’t get enough vitamins naturally: “Supplements can be a good option for those who may struggle getting enough of a particular vitamin through their diet alone. Superdrug’s Own Brand Vitamin C, £5.99, 10p per tablet, is an affordable and effective way to support Vitamin C levels, providing 500mg of Vitamin C in every tablet.”
The health expert also suggested eating snacks filled with the essential vitamin: “Snack on fruits such as strawberries and kiwis and vegetables such as peppers and tomatoes. Not only are these foods rich in Vitamin C, but they also contain other antioxidants and fibre, which are beneficial for immune health. Dried fruits such as apricots can be a convenient on-the-go source of Vitamin C.”
And she underlined the importance of eating plenty of greens for a vitamin boost: “Leafy greens such as spinach and kale and cruciferous vegetables such as broccoli, Brussels sprouts and cabbage are all excellent sources of Vitamin C. They not only contribute to preventing scurvy, but they can also help support heart health, bone health and digestive health thanks to their high fibre and antioxidant content.
“Citrus fruits such as oranges, lemons and grapefruits are among the best sources of Vitamin C. Try and incorporate them into your diet to support your Vitamin C levels.”
If you suspect you may be developing symptoms of scurvy, or are suffering from the disease, consult with a healthcare clinician or GP for further medical support and guidance.
