Rising Food Insecurity in Canada Leads to Modern Cases of Scurvy

A Toronto woman's scurvy diagnosis highlights the ongoing issue of nutritional deficiencies due to socioeconomic challenges.

Scurvy, a disease caused by severe vitamin C deficiency, is reemerging in Canada due to growing food insecurity.
A 65-year-old Toronto woman was diagnosed with scurvy after a diet lacking fresh produce led to severe symptoms.
The woman's social isolation and mobility issues restricted her diet to nonperishable foods, exacerbating her condition.
Research indicates that vitamin C deficiency is more prevalent in lower-income populations in the U.S. and U.K., with similar risks in Canada.
Healthcare providers are urged to consider nutritional deficiencies in patients with limited diets or social support, particularly amid rising food insecurity.