A 40 year old female patient complains of sore gums, loose teeth and weakness. Patient gives history of delayed wound healing. Lab investigations reveal Hb was 8 gm%. This patient may be suffering from deficiency of:
## **Core Concept**
The patient's symptoms, including sore gums, loose teeth, weakness, delayed wound healing, and a low hemoglobin (Hb) level of 8 gm%, suggest a nutritional deficiency that affects multiple bodily systems. This presentation is indicative of a condition related to a lack of essential nutrients critical for maintaining healthy connective tissue, blood, and overall bodily functions.
## **Why the Correct Answer is Right**
The correct answer, **C. Vitamin C**, is linked to scurvy, a disease caused by vitamin C deficiency. Vitamin C (ascorbic acid) plays a crucial role in the synthesis of collagen, a key component of connective tissue. It is also essential for the proper functioning of the immune system and for the maintenance of healthy skin, bones, and teeth. Additionally, vitamin C is important for iron absorption and utilization, which can contribute to the development of anemia, as evidenced by the patient's low Hb level. The symptoms of sore gums (gingivitis), loose teeth, and delayed wound healing are classic for scurvy.
## **Why Each Wrong Option is Incorrect**
- **Option A:** While **Folate** deficiency can cause anemia and some systemic symptoms, it does not typically cause sore gums, loose teeth, or delayed wound healing to the extent seen with vitamin C deficiency.
- **Option B:** **Vitamin B12** deficiency can lead to anemia, neurological symptoms, and some gastrointestinal issues but does not directly cause the specific symptoms of gum disease and poor wound healing characteristic of vitamin C deficiency.
- **Option D:** **Vitamin A** deficiency primarily affects vision, immune function, and skin health but does not directly cause the combination of symptoms described, such as sore gums and loose teeth.
## **Clinical Pearl / High-Yield Fact**
A key clinical pearl is that scurvy (vitamin C deficiency) can present with a range of symptoms from mild (fatigue, malaise) to severe (poor wound healing, gingivitis, and petechiae). A classic sign is the presence of "corkscrew hairs." Vitamin C deficiency can also exacerbate existing conditions such as anemia by impairing iron absorption.
## **Correct Answer:** C. Vitamin C.