Which one of the following diseases is caused mainly by the deficiency of Vitamin C?

Question

Prepp Team · Accepted Answer

Understanding Vitamin Deficiency Diseases

Our bodies need various vitamins and minerals to function properly. A lack of these essential nutrients can lead to specific diseases known as deficiency diseases. The question asks which disease is primarily caused by a deficiency of Vitamin C.

Let's examine the options provided to identify the disease linked to Vitamin C deficiency:

Rickets: This disease primarily affects children and is characterized by softened and weakened bones. Rickets is mainly caused by a severe deficiency of Vitamin D, calcium, or phosphate, which are crucial for bone health. Therefore, Rickets is not caused by Vitamin C deficiency.
Scurvy: This is a disease resulting from a severe lack of Vitamin C (ascorbic acid) in the diet. Vitamin C is essential for the synthesis of collagen, which is vital for the structure and support of skin, blood vessels, tendons, and ligaments. Symptoms of Scurvy include fatigue, gum disease (swollen, bleeding gums), bruising easily, poor wound healing, and joint pain.
Goitre: Goitre is an enlargement of the thyroid gland, located in the neck. It is most commonly caused by a deficiency of iodine, a mineral necessary for the production of thyroid hormones. Thus, Goitre is not related to Vitamin C deficiency.
Kwashiorkor: This is a severe form of malnutrition most commonly seen in regions experiencing famine. Kwashiorkor is caused by a deficiency of protein in the diet, despite adequate calorie intake. Symptoms include swelling (edema), enlarged belly, stunted growth, and changes in skin and hair. Kwashiorkor is not caused by Vitamin C deficiency.

Based on the analysis of the options, Scurvy is the disease directly caused by a deficiency of Vitamin C.

Disease	Primary Deficiency
Rickets	Vitamin D (or Calcium/Phosphate)
Scurvy	Vitamin C
Goitre	Iodine
Kwashiorkor	Protein

Revision Table: Common Deficiency Diseases

Nutrient Deficient	Associated Disease(s)	Key Symptoms
Vitamin C (Ascorbic Acid)	Scurvy	Gum bleeding, bruising, poor wound healing, fatigue, joint pain
Vitamin D	Rickets (children), Osteomalacia (adults)	Weak bones, bone pain, deformities
Iodine	Goitre, Hypothyroidism, Cretinism (in infants)	Enlarged thyroid gland, fatigue, weight gain, developmental issues
Protein	Kwashiorkor, Marasmus (severe calorie & protein def.)	Edema (swelling), stunted growth, muscle wasting, skin/hair changes
Vitamin A	Night Blindness, Xerophthalmia	Difficulty seeing in low light, dry eyes, corneal damage
Iron	Iron-deficiency Anemia	Fatigue, weakness, pale skin, shortness of breath
Vitamin B1 (Thiamine)	Beriberi	Nerve damage, muscle weakness, heart problems

Additional Information: Importance of Vitamin C

Vitamin C, also known as ascorbic acid, is a water-soluble vitamin that plays many vital roles in the body. Since it is water-soluble, the body does not store large amounts of it, and a regular intake through diet is necessary to prevent Vitamin C deficiency and diseases like Scurvy.

Key functions of Vitamin C include:

Acting as a powerful antioxidant, protecting cells from damage caused by free radicals.
Being essential for the synthesis of collagen, a protein that forms connective tissues (skin, tendons, ligaments, blood vessels).
Aiding in the absorption of iron from plant-based foods.
Supporting the immune system function.
Playing a role in the metabolism of protein.

Good dietary sources of Vitamin C include citrus fruits (oranges, lemons), berries, kiwis, bell peppers, broccoli, spinach, and tomatoes. Ensuring adequate intake of these foods helps prevent Vitamin C deficiency and protects against Scurvy.