Final answer:
Scurvy is caused by a vitamin C deficiency and is characterized by symptoms like bleeding gums and delayed wound healing due to impaired collagen formation. Vitamin D deficiency leads to rickets, with improper bone development in children. Water-soluble vitamins like vitamin C cannot be stored in large amounts and must be ingested regularly.
Step-by-step explanation:
Scurvy and Vitamin Deficiencies
The condition known as scurvy is caused by a deficiency of vitamin C (ascorbic acid). This vitamin is essential for the synthesis of collagen, which is an important component of connective tissue. When there is not enough vitamin C in the diet, people can experience symptoms such as bleeding gums, nosebleeds, joint pain and swelling, delayed wound healing, and hair and tooth loss. Wound healing is particularly compromised because vitamin C is crucial for the formation of the intercellular cement substance, which is mostly collagen. In contrast, deficiency in vitamin D results in rickets, a condition that primarily affects children, leading to improper bone development due to the malabsorption of calcium.
Fat-soluble vitamins, which include vitamins A, D, E, and K, differ from water-soluble vitamins like vitamin C in that they can be stored in the body's fat tissues and liver for longer periods. Water-soluble vitamins such as vitamin C need to be consumed more regularly because the body does not store them in large quantities. Historical records show that scurvy was a significant problem in earlier centuries, especially among sailors who lacked fresh fruits and vegetables during long sea voyages. However, with the availability of foods rich in vitamin C today, such as citrus fruits, tomatoes, and peppers, scurvy is much less common.