College of Massage Therapists of British Columbia (CMTBC) Practice Exam

What is an effect of Vitamin C deficiency?

1. Scurvy

2. Rickets

3. Beriberi

4. Anemia

The correct answer is: Scurvy

Vitamin C deficiency leads to the condition known as scurvy, which is characterized by symptoms that arise from inadequate collagen formation due to a lack of vitamin C. This vitamin is essential for the synthesis of collagen, a key protein in connective tissues, skin, and blood vessels. A deficiency in vitamin C can result in weakened blood vessels that can lead to easy bruising, bleeding gums, and joint pain. Other common signs include fatigue, anemia, and skin issues such as rough, dry skin and the formation of small red or brown spots on the skin. In contrast, rickets is associated with vitamin D deficiency, beriberi is caused by a deficiency in vitamin B1 (thiamine), and anemia may arise from various causes but is not specifically linked to a deficiency in vitamin C. Each of these deficiencies is related to the absence of different vitamins and results in distinct syndromes or health conditions. Thus, scurvy is uniquely tied to a lack of vitamin C, confirming that it is the correct answer.