Final answer:
Spots on the tongue are an early sign of vitamin C deficiency, which can lead to scurvy, characterized by symptoms like bleeding gums and fragile capillaries. Eating foods high in vitamin C, such as citrus fruits, is essential to prevent this deficiency.
Step-by-step explanation:
An early sign of vitamin C deficiency is the appearance of spots on the tongue. This deficiency can lead to a disease known as scurvy, which can cause a range of symptoms including gums that are swollen and bleed easily, delayed wound healing, and increased tendency to hemorrhage due to fragile capillaries. A severe lack of vitamin C can affect collagen formation, leading to poor dentine formation, tooth loss, and weak bones that are prone to fractures.
It is important to consume an adequate amount of vitamin C, which is found in many fruits and vegetables, such as citrus fruits, tomatoes, and peppers, to prevent these potential health issues. Historically, scurvy was a significant problem until it was discovered that eating citrus fruits could prevent and cure the condition.