Doctors issued a warning about a resurgence of scurvy, a severe vitamin deficiency condition, linked to the widespread use of proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) like omeprazole among millions of UK residents. The warning came from medical experts at Sir Charles Gairdner Hospital in Western Australia.
Scurvy, if left untreated, can progress to organ failure, significant internal bleeding, infections, and potentially death. Notably, historical records show scurvy claiming the lives of numerous sailors during prolonged sea journeys due to the absence of fresh produce.
Approximately 15% of individuals in the UK consume PPIs, with England alone accounting for 73 million yearly doses, constituting 6% of all prescriptions. A case study published in the British Medical Journal Case Reports highlighted how PPIs can impede vitamin C absorption, leading to scurvy development. The report detailed a case of scurvy in a man in his 50s attributed to PPI usage.
The initial symptom observed was a reddish-brown pinpoint rash that originated on the patient’s lower extremities and spread to his hands and arms. Blood tests confirmed severe vitamin C deficiency alongside low levels of other essential nutrients. Treatment involved daily vitamin C, vitamin D3, folic acid, and multivitamin supplements, which effectively restored the patient’s health.
The individual, who had also been negligent in consuming balanced meals, fruits, and vegetables and had undergone stomach surgery for weight management, experienced a resolution of symptoms and normalization of vitamin C levels after receiving the prescribed supplements.
Dr. Andrew Dermawan from Sir Charles Gairdner Hospital highlighted the rising malnutrition cases post-stomach surgeries and emphasized the financial challenges hindering access to nutritious foods amid the current cost of living crisis.
PPIs, commonly prescribed for indigestion and stomach ulcers, both as prescriptions and over-the-counter medication, safeguard the stomach from adverse effects of other drugs.
Scurvy results from insufficient vitamin C, essential for collagen production, vital for skin, blood vessels, and connective tissue health. The absence of adequate vitamin C hampers the body’s self-repair mechanisms, leading to various symptoms over time.
Symptoms of scurvy manifest after prolonged vitamin C deficiency, typically over several months. Treatment involves vitamin C supplementation or consuming vitamin C-rich foods to alleviate symptoms and prevent complications.
Swift response to treatment often yields significant symptom improvement within days to weeks. Nevertheless, prolonged untreated scurvy can escalate to severe complications or fatal outcomes.