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.