A deficiency of vitamin C causes which disease?

A deficiency of vitamin C causes scurvy, a disease resulting from too little ascorbic acid in the diet.

Vitamin C is needed to make collagen, a structural protein that supports skin, blood vessels, gums, bones, and connective tissue. Without enough collagen, early symptoms can include fatigue, weakness, and aching limbs. As the deficiency worsens, gums may swell and bleed, bruises may appear easily, wounds heal slowly, and teeth can loosen.

Scurvy was historically associated with long sea voyages because sailors had limited access to fresh fruit and vegetables. In 1747, British naval surgeon James Lind conducted a famous dietary experiment showing that citrus fruits helped treat the condition. The British Navy later supplied lime juice, leading to the nickname “limeys” for British sailors.

Scurvy is uncommon where diets are varied, but it can still occur with severe food restriction, malabsorption, alcoholism, or prolonged neglect. Pellagra, beriberi, and rickets are also deficiency diseases, but they result from shortages of different nutrients.