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27 cases of scurvy diagnosed in northern Saskatchewan community
Radio-Canada
Posted yesterday at 10:28 AM CST
Researchers have discovered 27 cases of scurvy in the community of La Ronge, Saskatchewan. The finding raises concerns about rising food prices and access to fresh produce at a time when many consumers have less purchasing power.
The prevalence of scurvy in La Ronge was called into question after tests confirmed that a resident of the community had contracted the disease.
The Lac La Ronge Indian Band worked with Dr. Jeff Irvine and the Northern Inter-Tribal Health Authority to launch an investigation. They tested 51 blood samples that were taken between 2023 and 2024.
The researchers found 27 cases where vitamin C was very low or undetectable. The affected patients ranged in age from 20 to 80, and 79 percent of them were indigenous.
A person can get scurvy when they don't eat enough foods that contain vitamin C, such as fruits and vegetables. The main symptoms associated with this disease are fatigue and joint pain. In severe cases, scurvy can also cause bleeding gums and wounds that take a long time to heal.
Scurvy can be treated by consuming dietary supplements or foods rich in vitamin C.
Dr. Jeff Irvine says many northerners fight the disease by consuming rosehip and Labrador tea, as well as animal organs.
People want more traditional foods and they want access to healthy foods , he says. But studies show that people can't afford to eat a balanced diet.
Dr. Rachel Engler-Stringer, a professor of community health and epidemiology at the University of Saskatchewan, says these scurvy cases are indicators of larger problems, such as income inequality and the rising cost of living.
What we see in the research is that when people are struggling to make ends meet, they avoid buying fruits and vegetables first because those foods are expensive and less filling , she says.
A 2022 report released by the Saskatchewan Health Authority (SHA) found that those living in the province’s north pay more for quality food compared to their southern neighbours, when factoring in the national nutritious food basket price. This includes foods that are less processed, such as fresh and frozen fruits and vegetables, cheese, milk, rice, meat and legumes.
According to the provincial report, an average family of four living in northern Saskatchewan pays $358.79 for this food basket per week, while a family of the same number living in the south pays $279.89 for the same basket.
With information from Jeremy Warren
27 cases of scurvy diagnosed in northern Saskatchewan community
Radio-Canada
Posted yesterday at 10:28 AM CST
Researchers have discovered 27 cases of scurvy in the community of La Ronge, Saskatchewan. The finding raises concerns about rising food prices and access to fresh produce at a time when many consumers have less purchasing power.
The prevalence of scurvy in La Ronge was called into question after tests confirmed that a resident of the community had contracted the disease.
The Lac La Ronge Indian Band worked with Dr. Jeff Irvine and the Northern Inter-Tribal Health Authority to launch an investigation. They tested 51 blood samples that were taken between 2023 and 2024.
The researchers found 27 cases where vitamin C was very low or undetectable. The affected patients ranged in age from 20 to 80, and 79 percent of them were indigenous.
A person can get scurvy when they don't eat enough foods that contain vitamin C, such as fruits and vegetables. The main symptoms associated with this disease are fatigue and joint pain. In severe cases, scurvy can also cause bleeding gums and wounds that take a long time to heal.
Scurvy can be treated by consuming dietary supplements or foods rich in vitamin C.
Dr. Jeff Irvine says many northerners fight the disease by consuming rosehip and Labrador tea, as well as animal organs.
People want more traditional foods and they want access to healthy foods , he says. But studies show that people can't afford to eat a balanced diet.
Dr. Rachel Engler-Stringer, a professor of community health and epidemiology at the University of Saskatchewan, says these scurvy cases are indicators of larger problems, such as income inequality and the rising cost of living.
What we see in the research is that when people are struggling to make ends meet, they avoid buying fruits and vegetables first because those foods are expensive and less filling , she says.
A 2022 report released by the Saskatchewan Health Authority (SHA) found that those living in the province’s north pay more for quality food compared to their southern neighbours, when factoring in the national nutritious food basket price. This includes foods that are less processed, such as fresh and frozen fruits and vegetables, cheese, milk, rice, meat and legumes.
According to the provincial report, an average family of four living in northern Saskatchewan pays $358.79 for this food basket per week, while a family of the same number living in the south pays $279.89 for the same basket.
With information from Jeremy Warren
