What disease is primarily caused by Vitamin C deficiency?

Scurvy is primarily caused by a deficiency in vitamin C, also known as ascorbic acid. Vitamin C plays a crucial role in the synthesis of collagen, which is an essential protein for the health of connective tissues, skin, blood vessels, and bones. When vitamin C levels are insufficient, collagen production is impaired, leading to symptoms associated with scurvy such as weakened blood vessels, joint pain, swollen gums, and an increased tendency to bruise.

Moreover, scurvy can also result in anemia due to impaired iron absorption, as vitamin C is important for the proper uptake of iron from plant sources. The disease is characterized by physical manifestations like fatigue, malaise, and eventually can lead to severe complications if left untreated.

In contrast, other diseases listed are not related to vitamin C deficiency. Rickets is caused by a lack of vitamin D, calcium, or phosphate; pellagra results from a deficiency in niacin (vitamin B3); and beriberi is due to a deficiency in thiamine (vitamin B1). Each of these conditions is characterized by distinct clinical features that highlight the specific nutrients involved, making scurvy uniquely associated with vitamin C deficiency.