An infant in Spain contracted scurvy, a rare condition in developed countries that is best known for afflicting pirates and other seafarers centuries ago.
The reason researchers cite for the 11-month’s old condition was a doctor-recommended switch from a formula made with cow’s milk to one made with almond milk. The switch was made after the infant developed a skin rash.
According to The Washington Post, at 2 ½ months old, the infant began consuming approximately 30 ounces of almond milk-based formula daily. At 6 months of age, the mother tried to introduce pureed fruits and vegetables to the baby's diet, but the baby refused to eat the new foods.
The baby’s growth was normal until approximately 8 months old, when doctors noticed the child was unstable when attempting to sit and seemed to be more withdrawn. At 11 months of age, the baby was irritable and tired and could not support his legs on a solid surface. Doctors diagnosed the baby with scurvy after discovering that the infant had suffered femur fractures and had very low vitamin C levels.
Researchers say that it was not the almond milk alone that caused the scurvy, but the lack of breast milk and foods with vitamin C that led to the infant’s scurvy diagnosis.
The infant was treated with vitamin replacement therapy and a new diet of formula, meat and fruit. The almond milk formula was removed from the baby’s diet.
