Canadian doctors told to watch for signs of scurvy after Toronto woman diagnosed

Canadian doctors are being warned to look for signs of a Vitamin C deficiency associated with the 18th century, after a 65-year-old Toronto woman was diagnosed with scurvy.

She ended up in hospital after eating mostly canned soup, tuna, white bread, and processed cheese, which are all items found at food banks.

Doctors say the woman had mobility problems, and little social or family help.

A study of the case in the Canadian Medical Association Journal says up to 25 per cent of people in some low-income groups may have some form of Vitamin C deficiency from a lack of fruits and vegetables.

Scurvy can cause weakness, gum disease, and sore limbs.

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