Doctors have raised concerns about a resurgence of a health condition caused by a severe lack of vitamin intake, which is linked to a widely used medication in the UK. The medical team at Sir Charles Gairdner Hospital in Western Australia warned that proton pump inhibitors (PPIs), like omeprazole, could result in the development of scurvy, a potentially life-threatening illness.
If left untreated, scurvy can lead to organ failure, extensive internal bleeding, infections, and ultimately death. Historically, this ailment claimed the lives of numerous sailors who did not have access to fresh fruits and vegetables during extended sea voyages.
Approximately 15% of individuals in the UK are prescribed PPIs, with 73 million doses dispensed annually in England, representing 6% of all prescriptions issued. In a publication in the British Medical Journal Case Reports, experts highlighted that PPIs can hinder the body’s ability to absorb vitamin C, consequently triggering scurvy. They recounted the case of a man in his 50s who developed scurvy after using PPIs.
The initial symptom he experienced was a red-brown pinpoint rash that originated on his legs and later spread to his hands and arms. Blood tests indicated a severe deficiency in vitamin C and low levels of other essential nutrients. Following treatment with daily vitamin C, vitamin D3, folic acid, and multivitamins, his health significantly improved.
The patient had also been skipping meals, lacking fruits and vegetables in his diet, and had recently undergone stomach surgery for weight loss. After receiving daily supplements of vitamin C (1000mg), vitamin D3, folic acid, and multivitamins, his rash disappeared, and his vitamin C levels normalized.
Dr. Andrew Dermawan from Sir Charles Gairdner Hospital emphasized the growing association between PPI use, malnutrition post-stomach surgery, and the financial challenges people face in affording nutritious food due to the cost of living crisis.
PPIs are commonly prescribed for indigestion and stomach ulcers to safeguard the stomach from the adverse effects of other medications. They are also available for purchase without a prescription.
Scurvy stems from a deficiency in vitamin C (ascorbic acid), necessary for collagen production, a vital protein for maintaining healthy skin, blood vessels, and connective tissue. Insufficient vitamin C inhibits proper bodily repair processes, leading to various symptoms.
Symptoms typically manifest after an extended period of insufficient dietary vitamin C intake, usually spanning several months. Treatment for scurvy involves vitamin C supplements or consuming foods rich in vitamin C, such as citrus fruits and leafy greens.
With prompt treatment, symptoms of scurvy often show significant improvement within days to weeks. However, prolonged untreated scurvy can result in severe complications or even fatality.
