Which vitamin is primarily obtained from citrus fruits and helps prevent scurvy?

Which vitamin is primarily obtained from citrus fruits and helps prevent scurvy?

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

Answer: (C)

Vitamin C is the nutrient most closely tied to citrus fruits and to preventing scurvy. Humans can’t make vitamin C, so it must come from the diet, and citrus fruits are especially rich sources. It acts as a cofactor in collagen synthesis, which is essential for the health of skin, gums, and blood vessels. Without enough vitamin C, collagen production falters, leading to the symptoms of scurvy. While other vitamins have important roles (A for vision, D for bone health, K for blood clotting), none are the ones historically linked to preventing scurvy through citrus consumption.

Vitamin C is the nutrient most closely tied to citrus fruits and to preventing scurvy. Humans can’t make vitamin C, so it must come from the diet, and citrus fruits are especially rich sources. It acts as a cofactor in collagen synthesis, which is essential for the health of skin, gums, and blood vessels. Without enough vitamin C, collagen production falters, leading to the symptoms of scurvy. While other vitamins have important roles (A for vision, D for bone health, K for blood clotting), none are the ones historically linked to preventing scurvy through citrus consumption.