What happens to collagen fiber production in periodontal ligaments when a diet lacks sufficient Vitamin C?

💡 Explanation

Scurvy, caused by vitamin C deficiency, impairs prolyl and lysyl hydroxylase, enzymes essential for collagen's triple helix stability. Because these enzymes require vitamin C as a cofactor, hydroxylation diminishes, therefore the collagen fibers are weak rather than being properly cross-linked and supporting the periodontium.

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