Scurvy and the challenge of food insecurity

On this episode of the CMAJ Podcast, Dr. Mojola Omole and Dr. Blair Bigham explore a surprising case of scurvy. The conversation builds on the CMAJ practice article “Scurvy in a 65-year-old woman with severely limited function and social supports,” co-authored by Dr. Sally Engelhart, an internal medicine specialist at Mount Sinai Hospital.

Dr. Engelhart recounts the case of her patient, whose unexplained bruising and other symptoms led to a diagnosis of a rarely seen condition, scurvy. She explains how food insecurity and a diet lacking fruits and vegetables contributed to the patient’s condition and discusses the practical steps taken to diagnose and treat her.

Dr. Gary Bloch, a family physician at St. Michael’s Hospital and Inner City Health Associates, expands on the broader issue of food insecurity as a driver of nutritional deficiencies. He shares actionable strategies for identifying at-risk patients and connecting them with community resources, while highlighting the importance of addressing the social determinants of health in medical practice.

This episode offers valuable insights into recognizing and managing scurvy and other conditions linked to food insecurity, reminding physicians to think beyond the lab results

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