La Ronge, Sask. doctors diagnose 27 cases of scurvy, highlighting food insecurity

Doctors in La Ronge, Sask., have treated 27 cases of scurvy within the last six months, bringing to light the severe impact of food insecurity in the province’s North.

Doctors in La Ronge, Sask., have treated 27 cases of scurvy within the last six months, bringing to light the severe impact of food insecurity in the province’s north.

When the first case was found, Lac La Ronge Indian Band hired northern medical services’ Dr. Jefferey Irvine to chair an investigation into vitamin C deficiency among members and the wider community.

Irvine confirmed to Global News that of 50 vitamin C blood tests, 27 were confirmed to be deficient, pointing to scurvy, and 10 showed low levels. All patients were over 20 years old and 79 per cent were Indigenous.

Scurvy symptoms vary from fatigue and joint pain to hair changes, wounds not healing and loss of teeth.

When hearing about the uptick in cases, the Saskatoon Food Bank said it’s unfortunate we are still talking about scurvy in 2024.

“We are always trying to provide the most nutritious food possible, of course, but I think we have a much bigger issue in our province and in our country if we are already talking about those kinds of numbers suffering from Scurvy,” said Laurie O’Conner, executive director of the Saskatoon Food Bank.

Scurvy is caused by vitamin C deficiency, and is typically due to not eating enough fruits and vegetables.

Left untreated, scurvy can lead to bleeding gums, bleeding under the skin and loose teeth.