Experts have raised the alarm that diseases reminiscent of the Victorian era, such as scurvy and rickets, are making a comeback due to the increasing cost of living. These conditions, which are caused by malnutrition, were virtually eradicated in the 20th century thanks to improved diets. However, recent data from NHS England reveals a significant increase in hospital admissions for malnutrition, with nearly 11,000 people affected, including hundreds of children, last year alone. The number of cases has quadrupled over the past 15 years and doubled in the last decade.
Experts attribute this rise to the cost-of-living crisis, as individuals in the UK facing financial difficulties have been forced to cut back on nutritious foods and rely on cheaper, unhealthy options lacking essential vitamins and minerals. A Freedom of Information request from The Times Health Commission shows that in the year leading up to April 2023, 10,896 patients in England were hospitalized for malnutrition. The data also reveals that 171 people were treated for scurvy and 482 for rickets, with 405 of these cases involving children.
Scurvy occurs when there is insufficient intake of vitamin C, typically found in citrus fruits, broccoli, and potatoes. Symptoms include fatigue, weakness, irritability, joint or leg pain, and swollen and bleeding gums. Rickets, on the other hand, is usually caused by a lack of vitamin D (obtained through sunlight, oily fish, and eggs) or calcium (found in milk, cheese, and green vegetables). This condition is characterized by painful bones, skeletal deformities, and dental problems. Rickets is famously associated with the character Tiny Tim in Charles Dickens’ A Christmas Carol.
Both scurvy and rickets can be easily treated by incorporating sufficient vitamins into the diet through the consumption of fruits and vegetables or by taking supplements. Some families may even have access to free supplements if they receive Universal Credit or Child Tax Credit. However, experts emphasize that the rise in cases cannot solely be attributed to malnutrition among immigrants and refugees entering the UK.
Dr. Clare Gerada, president of the Royal College of GPs, raises concerns about the societal implications of the cost-of-living crisis, stating that neglecting the needs of the poor will inevitably lead to an increase in diseases reminiscent of the Victorian era. She highlights the shocking statistics, pointing out that the poorest individuals in the UK have a lower standard of living compared to their counterparts in Europe, mainly due to poor dietary choices. Dr. Gerada believes that tackling poverty and improving access to nutritious food, such as through free school meals for all primary students in England, can help address the problem. Malnutrition is a prevalent issue in the UK, affecting millions of individuals, particularly children under the age of five, the elderly, and those with chronic health conditions.
In conclusion, the resurgence of diseases like scurvy and rickets due to malnutrition highlights the urgent need to address the cost-of-living crisis and ensure that the most vulnerable individuals have access to healthy and nutritious food. By prioritizing poverty alleviation and promoting initiatives like free school meals, the UK can take steps towards combating these concerning health trends.
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