🎙 Scurvy in Modern Times

Send us a text

Ever wondered if diseases from history books could still affect your family today? That's exactly what we're exploring as we dive into the surprising reappearance of scurvy in modern children. Far from being just a sailor's malady from centuries past, this vitamin C deficiency continues to show up in pediatric practices across the country—even in affluent communities like those served by Omega Pediatrics in Georgia.

The conversation takes us through what scurvy actually is and why it matters: a vitamin C deficiency that prevents proper collagen formation. Think of collagen as your body's scaffolding—it gives structure to skin, blood vessels, ligaments, tendons, bones, and teeth. Without it, things quite literally fall apart. We explore the tell-tale signs parents should watch for, from the early and easily-missed symptom of fatigue to more classic indicators like bleeding gums, joint pain, anemia, and perhaps most alarming, old wounds reopening as collagen breaks down.

What's particularly fascinating is understanding why this historical disease persists despite our knowledge and apparent food abundance. The culprits range from our increasing reliance on ultra-processed foods (which taste great but lack nutrients) to picky eating habits, overcooking vegetables (destroying vitamin C), medical conditions that affect absorption, and significant socioeconomic barriers to accessing fresh produce. The good news? Scurvy is both treatable and preventable with proper supplementation and dietary changes. We wrap up with practical advice for families: take an honest look at your regular meals and ask—are vitamin C-rich foods consistently on your table? Are there lots of colors from fruits and vegetables? These simple questions might be your best defense against a disease we wrongly assumed was relegated to history.

Ready to ensure your family's nutritional health? Subscribe to Have More Babies Now for more insights on keeping kids healthy, and visit omegapediatrics.com for additional resources on childhood nutrition and wellness.

Visit the blog post: https://www.omegapediatrics.com/the-astonishing-reality-of-scurvy/

🎧 Thanks for Listening!

If you found this episode helpful, be sure to subscribe, download, and share it with friends, family, or colleagues who might benefit. Your support helps us reach more listeners and spread valuable knowledge on pediatric care.

🌐 For more expert insights, resources, and services, visit Omegapediatrics.com — your trusted source for compassionate, comprehensive pediatric care.

💬 Have questions or ideas for future episodes? Leave us a comment or message us through our website — we’d love to hear from you!

📲 Follow us on social media for tips, updates, and behind-the-scenes content.