What is a classic manifestation of scurvy associated with vitamin C deficiency?

What is a classic manifestation of scurvy associated with vitamin C deficiency?

• A. Bone deformities
• B. Acne
• C. Blood vessel fragility
• D. Muscle spasms

Answer: (C)

Scurvy, resulting from a deficiency of vitamin C (ascorbic acid), is prominently characterized by blood vessel fragility. Vitamin C plays a crucial role in the synthesis of collagen, a key structural protein that provides strength and flexibility to connective tissues, including blood vessels. When there is inadequate vitamin C, collagen production is impaired, leading to weakened blood vessels that are more prone to rupture and leakage. This fragility manifests as easy bruising, bleeding gums, and petechiae, which are small red or purple spots on the skin caused by bleeding underneath. The other options, while related to various health conditions, do not accurately describe the primary effects of vitamin C deficiency. Bone deformities may be associated with other nutritional deficiencies, such as vitamin D or calcium, while acne is not directly linked to vitamin C deficiency. Muscle spasms are more commonly related to electrolyte imbalances rather than scurvy. Thus, the classic manifestation of scurvy that emphasizes the impact of vitamin C deficiency is indeed the fragility of blood vessels.

Scurvy, resulting from a deficiency of vitamin C (ascorbic acid), is prominently characterized by blood vessel fragility. Vitamin C plays a crucial role in the synthesis of collagen, a key structural protein that provides strength and flexibility to connective tissues, including blood vessels. When there is inadequate vitamin C, collagen production is impaired, leading to weakened blood vessels that are more prone to rupture and leakage. This fragility manifests as easy bruising, bleeding gums, and petechiae, which are small red or purple spots on the skin caused by bleeding underneath.

The other options, while related to various health conditions, do not accurately describe the primary effects of vitamin C deficiency. Bone deformities may be associated with other nutritional deficiencies, such as vitamin D or calcium, while acne is not directly linked to vitamin C deficiency. Muscle spasms are more commonly related to electrolyte imbalances rather than scurvy. Thus, the classic manifestation of scurvy that emphasizes the impact of vitamin C deficiency is indeed the fragility of blood vessels.