Research suggests this once forgotten disease could be returning — healthcare experts reveal why.
You may know scurvy as a historic disease responsible for the deaths of millions of sailors between the 16th and 18th centuries — probably not something high on your list of current concerns.
However, a recent analysis published by BMJ Case Journals suggests we could be seeing a potential rise in scurvy cases. The study focuses on a man whose specific circumstances lead to him developing the condition. But with some GPs confirming they’re seeing similar cases, evidence suggests this could be a wider issue.
We spoke to experts to investigate what this means.
What is scurvy?
Scurvy is deficiency disease caused by a lack of vitamin C in the diet.
According to NHS GP Dr Deepali Misra-Sharp, “Vitamin C is an essential nutrient that our bodies rely on for healthy skin, gums, wound healing and immune resilience.”
It also plays a crucial role in “collagen synthesis, immune function and iron absorption, making its deficiency particularly impactful on overall health,” adds Dr Vijay Nayar from Healthium Clinics.
Vitamin C is commonly found in fresh fruits such as oranges and other citrus fruit, strawberries and kiwi, as well as vegetables like peppers, broccoli and leafy greens. Without enough vitamin C, symptoms can develop over weeks or months, including fatigue, bleeding gums, tooth loss, red spots on the skin, joint pain, poor wound healing and anaemia.
Given the variety, abundance and accessibility of food in modern society, it seems unthinkable that anyone could develop scurvy today. So, what’s causing this rise in cases?
The cost-of-living crisis is preventing access to nutritious food
A recent rise in scurvy cases could be linked to increasing levels of malnutrition, often tied to the rising cost of living.
“Economic pressures can significantly impact food choices, often pushing individuals and families toward cheaper, less nutritious options,” explains Dr Nayar.
Sadly, vulnerable populations — particularly those with limited financial resources or elderly adults — are at higher risk.
Dr Misra-Sharp shares that many of her patients have told her they’re buying cheaper, calorie-dense foods to make ends meet: “Unfortunately, these are often highly processed and low in essential vitamins.” One patient even shared that fresh fruits and vegetables had become a ‘luxury’ item.
Food insecurity impacts mental health and vice versa
Dr Misra-Sharp also notes that for some, limited access to nutritious food is compounded by mental health challenges.
“Food insecurity isn’t just about money, but also about accessibility and mental wellbeing,” she says. “People struggling with depression or anxiety may lack the motivation to cook, let alone shop for fresh ingredients.”
Families or individuals with limited financial resources often aren’t able to access nutritious food. The resulting lack of nutrients can negatively impact mood, which can lead to further isolation, creating a harmful cycle.
Diet culture and eating trends promote low-nutrient diets
Many popular diets today are highly restrictive, from low-carb to keto and even zero-carb regimens, which can limit fruit and vegetable intake.
Dr Lara Zibarras, an eating disorder recovery coach at Food Freedom, explains: “Trends like fasting or extreme low-calorie diets lead to people eating much less food overall, often cutting out key food groups like fruits and vegetables.
In both eating disorders and trendy diets, “It’s quite common to see fruits avoided due to concerns over sugar content, which puts people at risk of missing out on vitamin C,” she adds.
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Whether for weight loss or for managing chronic conditions, “people following these diets often aren’t aware they’re cutting out so many essential nutrients in the process,” explains Dr Misra-Sharp
“I’ve had patients come in with persistent low energy on restrictive diets, not realising they were lacking vitamin C, among other essentials,” she adds.
Weight-loss aids and surgeries
Often, when in pursuit of health goals, some may resort to more extreme methods of attempting weight loss, such as taking weight-loss aids in the form of medications (often intended for different purposes or conditions).
Medications such as Ozempic, for example, which suppress appetite, can reduce dietary variety. “This reduced food intake sometimes means people skip fresh produce and other sources of vitamin C entirely, which can lead to a deficiency if this pattern continues for an extended period,” explains Dr Zibarras.
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Another trend that could be contributing is the increase in cosmetic surgeries over the last few decades. In addition to procedures like liposuction, facelifts and the popular Brazilian butt lift (BBL), there’s been an increase in weight-loss surgeries in the UK, either for cosmetic reasons or as a response to rising obesity rates.
While these surgeries are life-changing for many, particularly bariatric surgeries like gastric bypass, they come with specific nutritional challenges.
“These surgeries often reduce the amount of vitamin C and other nutrients the body can absorb, so deficiencies can occur unless patients are diligent with supplements,” Dr Misra-Sharp warns.
Modern lifestyle habits may also be to blame
Certain common and widely adopted lifestyle choices can also contribute to diminished vitamin C levels.
Smoking is known to reduce vitamin C levels, “as the toxins in smoke can degrade this essential vitamin and impair its absorption in the body,” explains Dr Nayar.
Similarly, individuals with drug and alcohol dependencies may neglect their diets, inadvertently leading to multiple vitamin deficiencies, including vitamin C.
Dr Johannes Uys highlights another issue: ‘foggy nutrition awareness’ in busy urban lifestyles.
“People increasingly rely on takeaway food, which can mask the lack of nutrition in these convenient options. Even salads can be lacking more than just leafy greens.” he explains.
Even when we think we’re eating properly, we may unknowingly be missing out on essential vitamins our bodies need.
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What can we do to prevent a worsening scurvy resurgence?
To raise awareness and prevent a worsening rise in cases, Dr Misra-Sharp suggests following these practical and achievable steps:
- Boost awareness of essential vitamins post-surgery
For individuals who have undergone weight-loss surgery, it’s crucial to educate them on the importance of vitamin C and other supplements. Regular follow-ups with a healthcare provider can ensure they stay on track. If you’ve had bariatric surgery, speak to your GP about regular nutrient level checks.
- Encourage balanced, budget-friendly nutrition
Not everyone can afford fresh produce year-round, so consider budget-friendly alternatives like frozen vegetables and canned fruit in juice (not syrup), which are still rich in vitamins. The NHS Eatwell Guide offers excellent tips on how to get essential nutrients on a budget.
- Raise awareness of harmful food trends and diets
For those on restrictive diets, it’s important to maintain flexibility to ensure you get a variety of nutrients. Vitamin C-rich foods like peppers, berries, kiwi and citrus fruits don’t need to be consumed in large quantities — even small, consistent servings can make a difference.
- Schedule regular health checks
Routine health checks are essential, particularly for higher-risk groups, to identify deficiencies before they lead to symptoms. If you’re feeling persistently tired, bruising easily, or noticing unusual skin issues, don’t hesitate to seek medical advice.
- Make fresh food more accessible
Although as the public we feel powerless to enact wider change, we can still support initiatives that the NHS Healthy Start scheme provides, which make fresh produce affordable and accessible. Raising awareness of such programmes could help families struggling to meet basic nutritional needs.
For more information, the NHS Eatwell Guide and the Healthy Start scheme provide useful resources on balanced eating and food assistance.
