An elderly man with a diet lacking fresh fruits and vegetables for several months develops bleeding gums, perifollicular haemorrhages, and coiled 'corkscrew' hairs over his legs. Which vitamin deficiency explains these findings?

• A Vitamin K
• B Vitamin E
• C Vitamin B12
• D Vitamin C ✓

Explanation

Scurvy from ascorbic acid deficiency impairs collagen hydroxylation, producing capillary fragility manifesting as perifollicular haemorrhage, bleeding gums, poor wound healing and corkscrew hairs. Vitamin K deficiency causes bruising and mucosal bleeding but does not produce perifollicular haemorrhage or hair changes. The ICMR recommended dietary allowance for vitamin C for an Indian adult is about 40 mg per day, obtainable from fresh fruits and vegetables.

Reference: Park's Textbook of Preventive and Social Medicine, 27th ed.

High-yield for: NEET PGINI-CETNExTFMGEUSMLEPLABMRCP

Written and medically reviewed by the StethoPrep medical team.