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Which of the following is the most important disease related to Vitamin C deficiency?
Goitre
Scurvy
Pellagra
Atherosclerosis
Scurvy
Scurvy is the specific clinical deficiency disease resulting from a prolonged lack of Vitamin C (ascorbic acid) in the diet. It is characterized by impaired collagen synthesis, leading to symptoms like bleeding gums, joint pain, and poor wound healing.
Scurvy is the specific clinical deficiency disease resulting from a prolonged lack of Vitamin C (ascorbic acid) in the diet. It is characterized by impaired collagen synthesis, leading to symptoms like bleeding gums, joint pain, and poor wound healing.
Think of Vitamin C as the 'glue' for your body's tissues; without this glue, the structures holding your teeth, blood vessels, and skin together start to fall apart.
Scurvy = 'SC' (Sea-faring Cutaneous issue) related to lack of 'C'.
C6тАЛH8тАЛO6тАЛ тАФ The chemical formula for L-ascorbic acid (Vitamin C).
Vitamin C acts as a necessary co-factor for the enzymes prolyl hydroxylase and lysyl hydroxylase. These enzymes catalyze the hydroxylation of proline and lysine residues in procollagen, which is essential for the formation of stable, triple-helical collagen fibers. Without Vitamin C, the extracellular matrix integrity is compromised, leading to connective tissue failure.
Vitamin C is water-soluble and must be obtained through the diet.
Humans lack the enzyme L-gulonolactone oxidase required for endogenous synthesis of Vitamin C.
Collagen is the most abundant protein in the human body, found in skin, tendons, and blood vessels.
Severe deficiency leads to 'petechiae' (small purple skin spots) and 'ecchymoses' (bruising).
Preventing scurvy ensures healthy maintenance of collagenous tissues.
High doses of Vitamin C may lead to gastrointestinal distress or oxalate kidney stones in susceptible individuals.
Citrus fruits (lemons, oranges)
Guava, amla (Indian gooseberry), and bell peppers
Goitre is caused by Iodine deficiency.
Pellagra is caused by Vitamin B3 (Niacin) deficiency.
Atherosclerosis is a cardiovascular condition related to plaque buildup in arteries, not a direct vitamin deficiency disease.
Scurvy was historically common among sailors who spent months at sea without fresh fruits.
B is correct тАФ Scurvy is the clinical manifestation of severe Vitamin C deficiency resulting from impaired collagen synthesis.
Always link water-soluble vitamins (B and C) to their roles as metabolic co-factors, while fat-soluble vitamins (A, D, E, K) are often involved in systemic processes like vision, calcium absorption, and blood clotting.