Which statement best describes the relationship between vitamin C and connective tissue health?

• A. Vitamin C is not involved in connective tissue.
• B. Vitamin C is essential for collagen formation and connective tissue integrity.
• C. Vitamin C only affects energy production in cells.
• D. Vitamin C is stored in large amounts in adipose tissue.

Answer: (B)

Vitamin C is essential for collagen formation, which is the backbone of connective tissue health. It acts as a key cofactor for the enzymes that hydroxylate proline and lysine during collagen synthesis, allowing collagen to form a stable triple-helix structure. That stability gives strength to skin, blood vessels, tendons, ligaments, cartilage, and bones. Without enough vitamin C, collagen fibers are weak, wounds heal slowly, and tissues can be fragile—why scurvy presents with gum disease, easy bruising, and poor wound healing.

It isn’t about providing energy to cells, and it isn’t stored in large amounts in adipose tissue. Vitamin C is water-soluble and is typically consumed regularly rather than stored long-term. All of this makes the statement that vitamin C is essential for collagen formation and connective tissue integrity the best description of its role.