Scurvy

  • Cause: Deficiency of Vitamin C (ascorbic acid) – an essential cofactor for prolyl & lysyl hydroxylase in collagen synthesis.

  • Biochemical defect: Impaired hydroxylation of proline and lysine residues in procollagen → defective collagen → weak connective tissue.

  • Key symptoms (real clinical data):

    • Swollen, bleeding gums

    • Petechiae, purpura

    • Poor wound healing

    • Bone problems in growing children

  • Real-life fact: Daily requirement = 75–90 mg/day; symptoms usually appear after 1–3 months of severe deficiency.

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