Scurvy's Surprising Return: Why This Ancient Disease Is Back in Children

Scurvy, a disease once thought to be a thing of the past, is making a quiet return. Long associated with sailors and explorers, it was assumed modern diets had wiped it out for good. But new cases, particularly among children in the U.S., have raised concerns. The illness stems from a lack of vitamin C in the diet. Centuries ago, it plagued those on long sea voyages with limited fresh food. Simple remedies like lemons, limes, and even sauerkraut helped prevent or cure it.

For decades, scurvy was considered defeated. Easy access to vitamin C in fruits, vegetables, and supplements made it seem unlikely to return. Yet a recent study by Boston Children’s Hospital shows a rise in cases among American children. The reasons behind this increase remain unclear. What was once a historical footnote is now a growing medical observation.

Scurvy’s reappearance challenges the assumption that it had been eradicated. Doctors now face a condition many believed they would never see again. The findings highlight the need for closer attention to nutritional gaps in modern diets.