A doctor has warned that two diseases, common in the UK centuries ago, are resurfacing as many individuals remain uninformed about preventative measures, with one age group being most affected. GP Dr Bhavini Shah suggests that simple lifestyle changes can either prevent or reverse these conditions.
This warning follows a discovery by LloydsPharmacy Online Doctor that half of us admit to not receiving the necessary vitamins and minerals our bodies require. Dr Shah stated: “Vitamins and minerals are essential nutrients that your body requires in small quantities to maintain health and function properly. While a balanced diet provides most of these nutrients for many people, some may need to take supplements to meet their needs.”
“There are many different causes of vitamin and mineral deficiencies.”
“A varied and balanced diet usually provides you with enough vitamins and minerals for optimal health. But deficiencies can happen for several reasons. We’re more likely to suffer from mineral and vitamin deficiencies as we get older. According to NHS statistics, over 50s makeup almost three quarters (72%) of all those admitted to hospital for malnutrition in England.”
Dr Shah has outlined some of the conditions now being observed in hospitals – including rickets, which saw a surge in the UK centuries ago, and scurvy, prevalent in the 17th century, reports Surrey Live.
Scurvy
“Many people believe scurvy to be a historical disease that was only common among sailors and those who embarked on long sea voyages, however, this is not the case.”
“Scurvy is caused by a deficiency of vitamin C in your diet and can lead to a host of health problems. Common symptoms of scurvy are feeling tired, weak, irritable or sad for prolonged periods; you may also notice joint pain and that your skin bruises more easily. Another symptom is bleeding gums and, in more extreme circumstances, losing teeth.”
“While scurvy is generally uncommon, numbers of diagnoses have more than doubled over the last 15 years, according to NHS statistics.”
“You are most likely to suffer from scurvy if you lack fresh fruits and vegetables in your diet or if you’re under-eating. Smoking also increases your likelihood of contracting scurvy as it reduces how much vitamin C your body is able to absorb from foods.”
Rickets and osteomalacia
“Osteomalacia is a disease which causes bone weakness and impacts mobility, similar to osteoporosis. However, unlike osteoporosis, osteomalacia is the direct result of lacking vitamin D or calcium and makes bones become soft rather than brittle.”
“In children, the same deficiency in vitamin D or calcium is called rickets. Despite almost disappearing in the Western world over the past century thanks to increased access to fruits and cereals, we still see more 525 of rickets per year on average with the vast majority of those diagnosed being in under 18s. Thankfully, it’s now easy to test for vitamin D deficiency using home blood tests.”
New NHS data, supplied to LloydsPharmacy Online Doctor through a Freedom of Information request, reveals that there were over 1.2 million instances of vitamin D deficiency recorded from the beginning of 2013 to the end of 2023. Worryingly, there has been an average rise of 16,321 cases (18.56%) year on year (20,875, 22.74% – excluding 2020).
“To avoid osteomalacia, or to prevent your child from getting rickets, you need to ensure that you are getting enough calcium and vitamin D in your diet. You can also get vitamin D from sunlight, however, this may be more difficult in winter months, when there is less sunlight, or for those with darker skin, as their skin absorbs less vitamin D than lighter skin.”
Anaemia
“Although mineral or vitamin deficiencies are not the sole causes of anaemia, insufficient iron or vitamin B12 (folate/folic acid) in your diet can also lead to this condition.”
“Common symptoms of iron deficiency anaemia include tiredness, lack of energy, shortness of breath, heart palpitations, pale skin, or headaches. There are also some less common symptoms to watch out for, such as developing spoon-shaped nails, wanting to eat non-food items (known as pica), or losing hair. It is important to see your GP if you have signs of symptoms anaemia to help identify the cause”.
How can you test for vitamin and mineral deficiencies?
“The first step in testing for a vitamin or mineral deficiency is usually a blood test. You can do finger prick blood tests at home, or visit your GP to have blood tests done there.”
“You may be recommended treatment based on the findings. If your test shows that you’re low in vitamin D, you may be offered a supplement. Depending on your results, you may need further tests.”
“Vitamin supplements should not be needed in a healthy person with a varied diet. They can also be harmful if taken in excess. Excesses of certain things, such vitamin C and iron may result in stomach pain or diarrhoea.”
“There is also some research to suggest that having more than your recommended amount of vitamin A over many years may impact your bone health, and excess vitamin D may weaken bones or damage your heart and kidneys. If you’re feeling generally unwell and thinking of taking a supplement, it’s best to talk to your doctor first.”
Home blood tests are revolutionising the ease with which individuals can monitor their general health, quickly detecting any deficiencies or unusual health markers.
What effects do various vitamins have?
LloydsPharmacy Online Doctor sought to gauge the public’s knowledge by asking 500 UK adults if they knew the functions of different vitamins and minerals. Dr Shah sheds light on these roles and the foods where they can be found.
Regarding Vitamin A:
“Vitamin A can be found in a wide variety of foods including cheese, eggs, oily fish, milk and yoghurt. However, despite being consumed by many of us every day, 47% of those surveyed did not know the benefits of consuming this vitamin.”
It supports eyesight and the immune system.
It contributes to the upkeep of healthy skin.
When it comes to Vitamin B:
“There are eight B vitamins in total which support enzymes in a range of processes. While the different B vitamins are all numbered, you may recognise B9 in its natural form as folate or folic acid, which is essential in our bodies. Folate can be found in chickpeas, kidney beans, and multiple leafy green vegetables.”
“Despite its prevalence in foods, only 43% of those surveyed were able to identify the correct function of vitamin B.”
They help enzymes break down nutrients, thereby liberating energy from carbs and fats.
They support oxygen circulation by aiding in the breakdown of amino acids and distributing energy-rich nutrients throughout the body.
As for Vitamin C:
“Vitamin C can be found in a range of fruits and vegetables, such as citrus fruits, blackcurrants, broccoli, and potatoes. While vitamin C appears in many of our everyday foods, 49% of those surveyed didn’t know what this vitamin does for the body.”
It helps maintain healthy blood vessels, skin, cartilage, and bones.
It aids in wound healing.
Vitamin D:
“As we approach winter, vitamin D becomes even more important to consider in your diet. While many may be aware that you can absorb vitamin D through your skin from sunlight, you can also get vitamin D from eating red meat or oily fish.”
“While this may be one of the more widely discussed vitamins in the media, only 44% of those surveyed were able to identify the correct function of vitamin D.”
It controls the regulation of calcium and phosphate levels in the body, which support healthy bones, teeth, and muscles.
It protects against bone problems.
Vitamin E:
“Vitamin E can be found in a range of foods, such as plant oils, nuts, and seeds. However, in our quiz, 46% of people were unable to identify the correct function of vitamin E.”
It improves skin and eye health.
It boosts immune function.
Vitamin K:
“Despite being found in common foods, such as cereal grains, green leafy vegetables, and vegetable oils, our survey found vitamin K to be the least understood, with only 42% being able to identify its correct function.”
It initiates wound healing.
It plays a crucial role in blood clotting.
When discussing essential minerals and the role of calcium, the report highlights that while many know that dairy products contain calcium, fewer are aware of its abundance in green leafy veggies and breads made with fortified flour. It reveals: “Lots of people may be aware that calcium can be found in milk and dairy products, but did you know that you can also get calcium from green leafy vegetables and breads made with fortified flour? Our survey found that a quarter of people (26%) didn’t know the function of calcium in the body.”
Calcium is vital for healthy bones, teeth, muscle contractions, nerve function, blood clotting, and heart health.
Regarding iodine, the insight was shared that it’s not only present in seafood and dairy but its function remains less known. The statement given was: “Iodine can be found in sea fish, shellfish, eggs, cows’ milk, and other dairy products. However, only half of those surveyed (50%) were able to identify the correct function of iodine in the body.”
Iodine’s main jobs are aiding thyroid hormone production, enhancing metabolism and energy, as well as influencing brain development and function.
Iron, essential yet often misunderstood that’s what the research suggests. Despite common knowledge about red meat and liver being rich in iron, alternative sources like nuts and fortified cereals are less recognised.
The report stated: “It’s commonly known that red meat and liver are good sources of iron, but nuts, beans, dried fruits, and fortified cereals can also be great sources of iron. In our survey, almost a third of people (30%) were unable to identify the correct function of iron in the body.”
Iron proves critical for oxygen transport in the blood, immune system support, and for the production of red blood cells and muscle health.