Final answer:
Scurvy is a disease caused by a deficiency in vitamin C. Vitamin C is essential for collagen formation and is necessary for the health of blood vessels, gums, and other tissues. A lack of vitamin C can lead to symptoms such as bleeding gums and delayed wound healing.
Step-by-step explanation:
The water-soluble vitamin that is deficient in people with scurvy is vitamin C. Scurvy is a disease caused by a lack of vitamin C in the diet. Vitamin C is necessary for the body to produce collagen, which is important for the health of blood vessels, gums, and other tissues.
The fat-soluble vitamins are vitamin A, D, E, and K, which are insoluble in water but soluble in fats or fat solvents. Unlike these, vitamin C is essential for fighting infection and maintaining the integrity of blood vessels, bones, and teeth by aiding in the synthesis of collagen.