Which deficiency is known to cause rickets?

Rickets is a condition characterized by the softening and weakening of bones in children, primarily due to a deficiency of vitamin D. Vitamin D is crucial for the absorption of calcium and phosphate in the body, which are essential minerals for maintaining bone health. When vitamin D levels are inadequate, the body struggles to absorb these minerals effectively, leading to abnormalities in bone formation, particularly in areas that are still developing.

Children who are deficient in vitamin D can experience delayed growth, bone pain, and deformities, as the lack of this vitamin impairs the mineralization process necessary for strong bones. This can ultimately lead to skeletal deformities commonly associated with rickets, such as bowed legs or a curved spine.

While deficiencies in other nutrients, such as calcium or iron, can lead to various health issues, they do not specifically cause rickets. Calcium deficiency may contribute to poor bone health, but without sufficient vitamin D, calcium cannot be properly absorbed and utilized. Thus, the direct link between vitamin D deficiency and rickets is well established in medical literature.