BACKGROUND: Scurvy is the clinical manifestation of vitamin C deficiency. It is 
historically linked to the era of great maritime expeditions. But it is 
remerging in Western countries as in France.
SITUATION: Nowadays, scurvy mainly affects homeless populations of large 
occidental cities and the isolated and malnourished inhabitants of developing 
countries. The clinical presentations of scurvy are numerous and often 
misleading and its evolution without treatment is always lethal. After years of 
wanderings and research, the physiopathological mechanisms of scurvy were 
finally understood, due to the will of outstanding personalities who took the 
risk to brave the established superstitions in order to apply a strict medical 
approach.
PERSPECTIVES: Scurvy must still be prevented in at risk-populations. Indeed a 
pocket meal enriched with vitamin C is distributed to homeless people in Paris.