How does a deficiency in Vitamin C affect the body?

A deficiency in Vitamin C can indeed lead to scurvy, which is a condition characterized by symptoms such as bleeding gums and fatigue. This vitamin is crucial for the synthesis of collagen, a protein that helps maintain the integrity of connective tissues, including gums, skin, and blood vessels. When vitamin C levels are low, collagen synthesis is impaired, leading to weakened blood vessels and gum tissue, resulting in bleeding gums. Fatigue is a common symptom as well, often due to the body's inability to effectively heal and maintain itself without adequate collagen and other supporting structures.

In contrast to the other options, the manifestations of scurvy specifically relate to the body's compromised capacity to maintain healthy connective tissue and blood vessels. Other symptoms associated with vitamin C deficiency also include easy bruising and poor wound healing, which align with the overall understanding of the critical role Vitamin C plays in immune function and overall health. Thus, the characterization of scurvy by bleeding gums and fatigue is accurate and highlights the significant consequences of inadequate vitamin C intake.