Which vitamin deficiency leads to scurvy?

• A. Vitamin D
• B. Vitamin C (ascorbic acid)
• C. Vitamin A
• D. Vitamin K

Answer: (B)

Vitamin C deficiency causes scurvy because this vitamin is essential for collagen production. It serves as a cofactor for enzymes that hydroxylate proline and lysine in collagen, enabling proper cross-linking and stable connective tissue. Without enough vitamin C, collagen synthesis falters, leading to weakened gums, easy bruising, poor wound healing, and other connective-tissue symptoms characteristic of scurvy. The other vitamins have different roles—Vitamin D for bone mineralization, Vitamin A for vision and epithelial health, and Vitamin K for blood clotting—so they don’t produce the same scurvy symptoms.