Background and objective:Scurvy, caused by vitamin C deficiency, first described by Hippocrates, is known to many as ‘The Pirates’ Disease’. Although a disease rarely acknowledged in modern medicine, we present 2 cases of elderly gentlemen found to have scurvy, who improved significantly on treatment.Methods:This study presents a case report of 2 patients undergoing rehabilitation at Karin Grech Hospital in Malta, noted to have signs and symptoms of vitamin C deficiency. Vitamin C levels were found to be low and thus supplementation was administered.Results:After a few weeks, a significant improvement was noted in level of frailty, mood, bleeding tendency, and gum health.Conclusions:The modern doctor must keep this ancient disease in mind, as it presents insidiously with debilitating repercussions, particularly in older people who are at a higher risk. It is easily treatable once detected.

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