Scurvy, a disease once thought to be eradicated, is making a troubling comeback in France, particularly among children. Linked to a deficiency in vitamin C, scurvy can lead to severe symptoms such as bone pain, muscle weakness, and even tooth loss. Recent research led by pediatrician Professor Ulrich Meinzer at Paris’s robert Debré Hospital reveals a staggering 34.5% increase in hospitalizations for scurvy since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, with nearly 900 cases reported since 2015. The study highlights that two-thirds of affected children fell ill post-pandemic, attributing this resurgence to rising inflation and increased food insecurity, which have exacerbated malnutrition among vulnerable populations.
Q&A with Professor Ulrich Meinzer on the Resurgence of Scurvy in France
Editor, Time.news: Thank you for joining us today, Professor Meinzer. Your recent research reveals alarming trends regarding scurvy, notably among children in France. Can you summarize your findings and the implications these rising cases have for public health?
Professor Meinzer: Thank you for having me. Our study highlights a troubling resurgence of scurvy in children, with a 34.5% increase in hospitalizations as the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic. We have recorded nearly 900 cases since 2015, and notably, around two-thirds of these cases occurred post-pandemic. This resurgence is closely linked to inflation and rising food insecurity, which have exacerbated nutritional deficiencies among vulnerable populations.
Editor: That’s certainly concerning. What specific symptoms should parents look out for that may indicate their child is suffering from vitamin C deficiency?
Professor Meinzer: Parents should be vigilant for symptoms such as bone pain, muscle weakness, fatigue, and bleeding gums, which can lead to tooth loss if untreated. These signs indicate a notable deficiency in vitamin C, which is crucial for children’s overall health and development.
Editor: The link between socioeconomic factors and health issues is increasingly recognized. How do you see the relationship between rising food prices and the nutrition of children?
Professor Meinzer: The link is undeniable. As food prices rise, families, especially those with lower incomes, may find it more challenging to afford a balanced diet rich in fruits and vegetables, which are primary sources of vitamin C. This economic strain directly impacts children’s nutrition, leading to conditions like scurvy that we might have thought were eradicated.
Editor: Given these findings, what practical advice would you provide to parents to ensure their children receive adequate nutrition?
Professor Meinzer: I recommend that parents prioritize a diet rich in fruits and vegetables, particularly citrus fruits, berries, and leafy greens. Incorporating these foods into daily meals can help prevent vitamin C deficiency. If access to fresh produce is limited due to financial constraints, consider community resources like food banks or local assistance programs that can provide nutritious food.
Editor: How can schools and policymakers help address these nutritional deficits in children?
Professor Meinzer: Schools play a pivotal role by ensuring that children have access to healthy meals, especially in underserved areas. Policymakers can support initiatives that provide resources for school meal programs and community support for families experiencing food insecurity. Investing in nutrition education and programs to increase access to healthy foods is vital for preventing scurvy and other nutrition-related diseases.
Editor: Thank you for your insights, Professor Meinzer. As we see more health issues stemming from socio-economic challenges, your research underscores the necessity for a thorough approach to child nutrition and health.
Professor Meinzer: It has been my pleasure. Raising awareness about these issues and taking collective action is essential for the health of our children and the future of public health.