Swollen, bleeding gums are another common sign of which vitamin

Analyze the question: The question asks which vitamin deficiency shows up as swollen, bleeding gums.

Explain the concept: Vitamin C (ascorbic acid) is needed to make collagen. Collagen is the protein that keeps gums, blood vessel walls, skin and connective tissue strong. Without enough vitamin C, collagen is weak and the tissues break down easily.

Go through the options:

• A. Vitamin K: It helps blood clotting. A deficiency causes prolonged bleeding from wounds and easy bruising. Swollen gums are not its classic sign.
• B. Vitamin B: A deficiency causes problems such as beriberi (B1), pellagra (B3) and anaemia (B12), not swollen, bleeding gums.
• C. Vitamin C: A deficiency causes scurvy. Its main signs are swollen, spongy, bleeding gums, loose teeth, slow wound healing and easy bruising.
• D. Vitamin D: A deficiency causes rickets in children and osteomalacia in adults, which are bone problems.

Answer: The vitamin is Vitamin C, which is option C.

Tip: Remember "C for Scurvy, C for Citrus". Citrus fruits such as oranges, lemons and grapefruit, along with guava, pawpaw and tomatoes, are rich in vitamin C. Other common pairings to learn for exams:

• Vitamin A: night blindness
• Vitamin B1: beriberi
• Vitamin C: scurvy
• Vitamin D: rickets
• Vitamin K: poor blood clotting