In the northern region of La Ronge, Saskatchewan, doctors have identified 27 cases of scurvy in the past six months, highlighting the effects of food insecurity in the area. Dr. Jefferey Irvine led an investigation into vitamin C deficiency in the community, where 27 out of 50 individuals tested were confirmed to have scurvy and 10 had low levels of vitamin C. Most patients were over 20 years old, with the majority being Indigenous. Symptoms of scurvy range from fatigue and joint pain to hair changes and loss of teeth. Despite the rarity of scurvy in modern medicine, the increase in cases in La Ronge aligns with the findings of a recent survey that revealed 42% of respondents could not afford balanced meals.
Scurvy is caused by a lack of vitamin C in the diet, typically due to insufficient consumption of fruits and vegetables. Left untreated, it can lead to bleeding gums, skin discoloration, and loose teeth. Treatment involves incorporating plenty of vitamin C into the diet and taking dietary supplements. However, access to fresh produce is limited in the La Ronge area, with retailers facing challenges in coordinating deliveries due to the long distances and high costs. Traditional foods like rosehip, Labrador tea, and animal organs contain vitamin C, but obtaining them can be difficult and weather-dependent.
In more remote northern regions, the challenges intensify, leading to a lack of access to nutritious food. The priority for many residents is meeting their basic needs, such as stable housing, before focusing on healthy eating habits. Transportation and logistical hurdles make testing for scurvy difficult, as samples need to be kept at low temperatures and shipped to a lab in Regina for testing. Due to limited lab capabilities in La Ronge, blood drawing can only be done there, presenting obstacles to assessing the prevalence of scurvy.
The Saskatoon Food Bank expressed concern over the persistence of scurvy in 2024, emphasizing the need for addressing food insecurity in the province and the country as a whole. A 2022 report by the Saskatchewan Health Authority noted the higher cost of nutritious food in northern regions, making it challenging for families to maintain a healthy diet. Dr. Irvine and his team are seeking federal funding to further study the impacts of scurvy and partner with doctors across Saskatchewan to share their findings nationally. Traditional foods with high levels of vitamin C could play a role in addressing the deficiency, but the seasonal availability and limited access to these foods present obstacles in the northern regions.
Overall, the prevalence of scurvy in La Ronge sheds light on the broader issue of food insecurity and limited access to fresh, nutritious food in northern communities. Efforts to address these challenges must prioritize the basic needs of residents, such as stable housing, before addressing healthy eating habits. Collaboration between healthcare providers and community organizations can help raise awareness and find sustainable solutions to combat vitamin C deficiency and improve overall health outcomes in the region.
