American Board of Surgery Qualifying Exam (ABS QE) Practice Test

Scurvy is a result of a deficiency in which vitamin?

1. Zinc

2. Thiamine

3. Ascorbic acid

4. Cobalamin

The correct answer is: Ascorbic acid

Scurvy is directly linked to a deficiency in ascorbic acid, commonly known as vitamin C. This vitamin is essential for the synthesis of collagen, a vital protein that contributes to the structural integrity of skin, blood vessels, bones, and connective tissues. When a person does not get enough vitamin C from their diet, the body cannot effectively produce collagen, leading to various symptoms associated with scurvy. These include weakness, anemia, gum disease, and skin issues, as well as a predisposition to bruising and poor wound healing. Ascorbic acid plays a crucial role in iron absorption and is also a potent antioxidant, which further emphasizes its importance in maintaining overall health. In contrast, the other vitamins listed—zinc, thiamine (vitamin B1), and cobalamin (vitamin B12)—are linked to different deficiency diseases, such as beriberi for thiamine, anemia for cobalamin, and immune dysfunction for zinc, but they do not cause scurvy. Thus, the connection between scurvy and ascorbic acid is clear and substantiates why this answer is the most accurate in the context of the question.