Patients taking GLP-1 drugs, a class of medications widely used for weight loss and diabetes management, are increasingly being diagnosed with scurvy, a disease historically associated with vitamin C deficiency in sailors, according to reports from medical professionals and news outlets.
The emerging link between these medications and scurvy was first noted by physicians observing a cluster of cases among patients utilizing drugs like Ozempic, Wegovy, and Mounjaro. These drugs work by mimicking a naturally occurring hormone that regulates appetite and blood sugar, leading to reduced food intake and weight loss. Yet, the rapid weight loss induced by GLP-1s appears to be contributing to nutritional deficiencies, specifically vitamin C.
“We’re seeing a resurgence of what was once a very rare disease,” stated Dr. Fatima Stanford, an obesity medicine specialist at Massachusetts General Hospital, in a report by People.com. “The weight loss is so rapid that people aren’t able to eat enough nutrients, and vitamin C is one of the first to go.”
Scurvy manifests with symptoms including fatigue, weakness, swollen gums, and skin rashes. Even as typically associated with long sea voyages where fresh produce was unavailable, modern cases are now linked to dietary changes resulting from the use of GLP-1s. The medications suppress appetite so effectively that patients struggle to consume adequate amounts of vitamin C-rich foods, even when consciously attempting to maintain a balanced diet.
NewsNation reported that the condition is being observed in patients despite efforts to maintain a healthy diet, suggesting the rate of absorption may be affected by the drugs or the speed of weight loss overwhelms the body’s ability to process nutrients. The Daily Beast highlighted the historical irony of the situation, noting the parallel to sailors lacking access to citrus fruits centuries ago.
Medical experts are advising patients on GLP-1s to proactively monitor their vitamin C intake and consider supplementation. However, the long-term effects of these medications on nutrient absorption and the optimal supplementation strategies remain under investigation. WPDE reported that healthcare providers are now routinely screening patients on GLP-1s for signs of scurvy during follow-up appointments.
The Food and Drug Administration has not yet issued a formal statement regarding the link between GLP-1s and scurvy, and pharmaceutical companies producing these drugs have not publicly addressed the issue. Further research is needed to determine the prevalence of scurvy among GLP-1 users and to establish clear guidelines for preventing and treating this potentially serious nutritional deficiency.
