Scurvy cases reported in Australia reveal modern diet failings
Scurvy, an 18th century disease caused by a lack of vitamin C, appears to have made a surprise comeback in Australia.
Historically associated with sailors on long voyages, scurvy has been detected in a number of diabetic patients at Westmead hospital in western Sydney.
Prof Jenny Gunton from the hospital’s centre for diabetes, obesity and endocrinology said several of her patients with long-running unhealed wounds had been cured by a simple course of vitamin C.
Scurvy, an 18th century disease caused by a lack of vitamin C, appears to have made a surprise comeback in Australia.
Historically associated with sailors on long voyages, scurvy has been detected in a number of diabetic patients at Westmead hospital in western Sydney.
Prof Jenny Gunton from the hospital’s centre for diabetes, obesity and endocrinology said several of her patients with long-running unhealed wounds had been cured by a simple course of vitamin C.
