Scurvy results from deficiency of which vitamin?

• A. A
• B. C
• C. niacin
• D. thiamine

Answer: (B)

Scurvy arises when vitamin C is deficient, and this vitamin is essential for collagen synthesis. It acts as a reducing cofactor for the enzymes that hydroxylate proline and lysine in procollagen, a step required for stable collagen triple helices and proper cross-linking. Without this hydroxylation, collagen is weak, so connective tissues become fragile. Clinically this manifests as swollen, bleeding gums, easy bruising, poor wound healing, and perifollicular hemorrhages. Replacing vitamin C through dietary sources like citrus fruits restores collagen production and symptoms improve within weeks. Other vitamin deficiencies produce different clinical pictures, so this specific set of bleeding gums and poor healing is characteristic of vitamin C deficiency.