What health condition can arise from a deficiency of vitamin C?

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A deficiency of vitamin C leads to the development of scurvy, a condition characterized by symptoms such as fatigue, weakness, swollen and bleeding gums, joint pain, and poor wound healing. Vitamin C, also known as ascorbic acid, is essential for the synthesis of collagen, a protein that forms the connective tissues in the body. Without adequate vitamin C, the body cannot effectively produce collagen, which results in the breakdown of connective tissues, leading to the symptoms associated with scurvy.

Other health conditions like anemia, rickets, and osteoporosis are linked to deficiencies of different vitamins or minerals. Anemia is commonly related to iron deficiency, rickets is caused by a deficiency in vitamin D, calcium, or phosphate, and osteoporosis is associated with deficiencies in calcium and vitamin D. Thus, scurvy is specifically tied to insufficient vitamin C intake, making it the correct answer.

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