Popular Conditions & Diets
Scurvy may be preventable, but preventing it isn’t always simple in today’s economic reality. Small, budget-friendly choices—like frozen fruits and vitamin-rich vegetables—can help families protect their health in the meantime. Still, no household should have to strategize their way around a disease that should no longer exist.
When I think about scurvy, I imagine pirates on long sea voyages, rationing hardtack and rum. It's almost comical, like something out of a history book or a kids' adventure story. So, when I learned that scurvy – yes, actual scurvy – is making a comeback here in Canada, I felt a mix of disbelief and dread.
As a mom, I'm always thinking about the nutrition of my family. Between picky eaters and the sheer exhaustion of daily life, it's already a challenge to ensure everyone is eating well. But the idea that people in our country are suffering from a disease so easily preventable with basic nutrition is truly frightening. And let's be real: it's not just about people forgetting to eat their oranges. It's a symptom of a much bigger problem.
Food insecurity is on the rise in Canada. According to reports, the cost of living has soared to the point where families are making impossible choices between heating their homes and buying groceries. The cost of fresh produce, in particular, is through the roof. Have you noticed how much a single red pepper costs these days? It's outrageous. And while there's been a lot of talk about inflation cooling off, those lower prices haven't exactly hit the grocery aisles yet.
When I heard about 27 confirmed cases of scurvy in a neighbouring province on CBC Radio, I had a moment of panic. Was my own family getting enough Vitamin C? I dove into research and started experimenting with recipes that are rich in this essential nutrient. Citrus fruits are an obvious choice, but bell peppers, broccoli, and strawberries are also excellent sources. I even learned that potatoes, one of the most affordable staples, contain a small but significant amount of Vitamin C.
But here's the thing: even with my access to information and resources, I, like thousands of other Canadians, am finding it harder to keep up with the rising cost of healthy food. For families who are already struggling, the barriers to good nutrition can feel insurmountable. This isn't just about individual choices – it's a systemic issue. We need policies that address food affordability and accessibility so that everyone in Canada has the means to eat well.
Gandhi, M., Elfeky, O., Ertugrul, H., Chela, H. K., & Daglilar, E. (2023). Scurvy: Rediscovering a Forgotten Disease. Diseases (Basel, Switzerland), 11(2), 78. https://doi.org/10.3390/diseases11020078
Reikersdorfer, K. N., Singh, A., Young, J. D., Batty, M. B., Steele, A. E., Yuen, L. C., Momtaz, D. A., Weissert, J. N., Liu, D. S., & Hogue, G. D. (2024). The Troubling Rise of Scurvy: A Review and National Analysis of Incidence, Associated Risk Factors, and Clinical Manifestations. Journal of the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons. Global research & reviews, 8(7), e24.00162. https://doi.org/10.5435/JAAOSGlobal-D-24-00162
In this context, it's no wonder scurvy is creeping back into our communities. Vitamin C deficiency, the culprit behind scurvy, comes from a lack of fresh fruits and vegetables. It's not just a case of someone avoiding the produce aisle out of preference – it's often about survival. If you're struggling to put food on the table, buying a $7 bag of apples or shelling out $20 for a pound of grapes might feel like an unnecessary luxury.
Scurvy isn't just an old-timey disease, either. The symptoms are serious and can include fatigue, joint pain, swollen gums, and even internal bleeding. It's terrifying to think that there are likely more cases out there than the ones we know about because people may not have the resources or knowledge to connect their symptoms to a nutritional deficiency.
Until that happens, I'm trying to get more creative with our meals, focusing on simple, budget-friendly ways to add more Vitamin C. For breakfast, I've been making smoothies with frozen fruit (much cheaper than fresh!). Lunch might include a side of raw bell peppers, and dinner often features roasted broccoli or a baked sweet potato. These small changes have helped me feel more in control, but they're not a solution for the bigger problem.
As we head into 2025, I'm holding onto hope that we can do better as a country. No one should have to suffer from a disease that's so preventable, especially not in a place as resource-rich as Canada.
If you're looking for ways to boost your family's vitamin C intake, check out our collection of delicious, nutrient-packed recipes created by our talented Rily recipe developers.
Statistics Canada - Government of Canada, S. C. (2024, August 15). Nearly half of Canadians report that rising prices are greatly impacting their ability to meet day-to-day expenses. https://www150.statcan.gc.ca/n1/daily-quotidien/240815/dq240815b-eng.htm University of Toronto. (2024, September 17).
Household food insecurity in Canada. PROOF. https://proof.utoronto.ca/food-insecurity/ Warren, J. (2024, November 16). Researchers diagnose 27 cases of scurvy in Northern Sask. community . CBCnews. https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/saskatchewan/la-ronge-scurvy-study-food-security-1.7384721
Lead image by Megan Horsley.
