What is the likely reason for easy bruising in a patient with a vitamin C deficiency?

Easy bruising in a patient with a vitamin C deficiency is primarily linked to impaired collagen synthesis. Vitamin C, also known as ascorbic acid, is essential for the hydroxylation of proline and lysine residues in collagen, which is crucial for the formation of stable collagen fibers. Collagen provides structural integrity to blood vessels, and a deficiency in vitamin C leads to weakened blood vessel walls.

With insufficient collagen, the blood vessels become more fragile and susceptible to rupture, even with minor trauma, resulting in easy bruising. Individuals with vitamin C deficiency, often presenting with scurvy, can demonstrate symptoms such as easy bruising, bleeding gums, and poor wound healing, further corroborating the role of collagen synthesis in maintaining vascular integrity. Other potential causes of easy bruising related to blood components, such as platelet function or clotting factors, are not directly connected to vitamin C deficiency in this context.