A common acid reflux medication taken by 15 per cent of the UK population could be contributing to a rise in scurvy cases, according to a new study.
Australian doctors have warned that proton pump inhibitors (PPIs), such as omeprazole, may trigger the potentially fatal vitamin C deficiency condition.
The warning comes after doctors at Sir Charles Gairdner Hospital in Western Australia documented a case where PPI use led to scurvy development.
The man, in his 50s, first developed a red-brown pinpoint rash that spread from his legs to his hands and arms.
The warning comes after doctors at Sir Charles Gairdner Hospital in Western Australia documented a case where PPI use led to scurvy development
GETTYBlood tests revealed he had no vitamin C in his bloodstream and low levels of other key nutrients.
After receiving daily supplements including 1000mg of vitamin C, vitamin D3, folic acid and multivitamins, his symptoms improved.
His rash disappeared and his vitamin C levels returned to normal following the treatment.
The doctors discovered the patient had not been eating fruit and vegetables and frequently missed meals.
Australian doctors have warned that proton pump inhibitors (PPIs), such as omeprazole, may trigger the potentially fatal vitamin C deficiency condition
GETTY
He had also recently undergone bariatric weight loss surgery and couldn't afford his prescribed nutritional supplements.
Weight loss surgery can make it harder for the gut to absorb vitamins and minerals from food, a condition known as malabsorption.
PPIs can increase the risk of scurvy by reducing the body's ability to absorb vitamin C, compounding these other risk factors.
Dr Andrew Dermawan from Sir Charles Gairdner Hospital highlighted that rising living costs have made it harder for families to afford nutritious foods.
He noted that risk factors for scurvy include alcoholism, smoking, eating disorders, low household income, obesity, kidney dialysis, and medications that interfere with vitamin C absorption.
The scale of PPI use is significant, with the NHS in England dispensing 73 million PPI prescriptions in 2022-23, accounting for 6 per cent of all prescriptions.
PPIs are typically prescribed for symptoms including indigestion, acid regurgitation or dyspepsia, as well as for patients with a history of stomach ulcers.
These medications are also used preventatively to protect the stomach against other medicines such as aspirin or steroids, even when patients show no symptoms.
The medications are widely accessible, with some PPIs available for purchase over the counter at pharmacies and supermarkets.
