Question

The deficiency of vitamin C causes
(a)Scurvy
(b)Rickets
(c)Pyorrhea
(d)Pernicious anemia

Answer 1

Hint: Scorbutic gums is one of the symptoms of this disease due to which gums become red. Weakness, feeling tired and sore arms and legs can also be considered symptoms of this disease. It is mainly caused due to the deficiency of vitamin C.

Complete answer:
In humans, severe vitamin C deficiency results in scurvy, a disorder characterized by hemorrhagic manifestations and abnormal osteoid and dentin formation. Due to deficiency of vitamin c in the body formation of intercellular cement substances in connective tissues, bones, and dentin is hindered, resulting in weakened capillaries with subsequent hemorrhage and defects in bone and related structures.
The main effect can be seen in the formation of bone tissue formation which becomes impaired. In children, it causes bone lesions and poor bone growth. The formation of the diaphysis and the epiphysis occurs between the fibrous tissue, and the costochondral junction becomes enlarged. Densely calcified fragments of cartilage get embedded in the fibrous tissue. The frequency of Subperiosteal hemorrhages potentially grows in adults and children due to small fractures.

Additional information:
Symptoms of scurvy that are related to defects in connective tissues develop after a few months of deficiency. The development of follicular hyperkeratosis, coiled hair, and perifollicular hemorrhages take place. As a result, gums may also become swollen, purple, spongy, and friable; they bleed easily in severe deficiency, and eventually, teeth become loose and avulsed. There is also a chance of developing secondary infections. Wounds usually take a long time to heal and tear easily, and spontaneous hemorrhages may occur, especially as ecchymoses in the skin of the lower limbs or as bulbar conjunctival hemorrhage.

So, the correct answer is ‘Scurvy’.

Notes: Collagen is primarily a structural protein in the human body that is necessary for healthy blood vessels, muscle, skin, bone, cartilage, and other connective tissues. Deformed connective tissue leads to fragile capillaries, resulting in abnormal bleeding, bruising, and internal hemorrhaging. Collagen is an essential part of the bone, so bone formation is also affected.