Question

Which vitamin deficiency causes bleeding gums?

• A. Vitamin A
• B. Vitamin C
• C. Vitamin D
• D. Vitamin B

Hint:

Vitamin C = Collagen Stability.
Deficient Vitamin C $\rightarrow$ Weak Collagen $\rightarrow$ Fragile blood vessels $\rightarrow$ Bleeding gums (Scurvy).

Answer 1

The Correct Option is B

Step 1: Understanding the Question:
The question asks which vitamin deficiency leads to the clinical symptom of bleeding gums.

Step 2: Key Concepts and Approach:
Bleeding gums is a classic diagnostic symptom of scurvy, which is caused by a severe deficiency of Vitamin C (ascorbic acid).
Vitamin C plays a critical role as a cofactor in the synthesis of collagen, a key structural protein.

Step 3: Detailed Explanation:

• Collagen Synthesis role: Collagen is the primary protein in connective tissues, providing structural strength to skin, tendons, blood vessels, and the periodontal ligaments that hold teeth in place.

• Enzymatic Function: Vitamin C is a required cofactor for the enzymes prolyl hydroxylase and lysyl hydroxylase.
These enzymes add hydroxyl groups to proline and lysine residues, which is necessary to stabilize collagen's triple-helix structure.

• Pathology of Deficiency: Without Vitamin C, the body produces weak, unstable collagen.
This leads to fragile blood vessels and weakened connective tissues.
As a result, capillaries in the gums easily rupture under minor mechanical stress (like brushing teeth), causing bleeding gums and loose teeth.

Step 4: Final Answer:
Therefore, a deficiency of Vitamin C is the cause of bleeding gums.