Which vitamin deficiency is associated with scurvy?

Which vitamin deficiency is associated with scurvy?

• A. Vitamin A
• B. Vitamin C
• C. Vitamin D
• D. Vitamin E

Answer: (B)

Vitamin C deficiency leads to scurvy because this vitamin is a required cofactor for the enzymes that hydroxylate proline and lysine during collagen synthesis. Without proper hydroxylation, collagen fibers are unstable, weakening connective tissues in the skin, gums, and blood vessels. That instability manifests as swollen, bleeding gums, easy bruising, perifollicular hemorrhages, poor wound healing, and corkscrew hairs. While vitamins A, D, and E are important for other body functions—vision and skin health, bone metabolism, and antioxidant protection, respectively—they do not cause scurvy.

Vitamin C deficiency leads to scurvy because this vitamin is a required cofactor for the enzymes that hydroxylate proline and lysine during collagen synthesis. Without proper hydroxylation, collagen fibers are unstable, weakening connective tissues in the skin, gums, and blood vessels. That instability manifests as swollen, bleeding gums, easy bruising, perifollicular hemorrhages, poor wound healing, and corkscrew hairs. While vitamins A, D, and E are important for other body functions—vision and skin health, bone metabolism, and antioxidant protection, respectively—they do not cause scurvy.