Which deficiency is associated with a lack of vitamin C in the diet?

The correct response is scurvy, which directly relates to a deficiency of vitamin C (ascorbic acid). Vitamin C is essential for the synthesis of collagen, a critical protein that helps maintain healthy connective tissues, skin, and blood vessels. When there is an inadequate intake of this vitamin, the body is unable to produce enough collagen, leading to symptoms associated with scurvy.

Individuals suffering from scurvy may experience fatigue, swollen gums, joint pain, and easy bruising due to the weakened state of their blood vessels and connective tissues. The condition can also result in more severe health issues if left untreated.

Conditions such as anemia, osteoporosis, and beriberi are associated with deficiencies of other nutrients. Anemia is commonly associated with a lack of iron, thyroid function may relate to iodine deficiency, osteoporosis with calcium or vitamin D deficiencies, and beriberi is specifically linked to a deficiency of thiamine (vitamin B1). Scurvy is thus uniquely identified with vitamin C deficiency, solidifying it as the correct answer in this context.