Which vitamin deficiency is known to cause a condition called Rickets in children, leading to soft bones and deformities?

Answer Details

Rickets is a childhood bone disorder caused by a deficiency of Vitamin D. Vitamin D is essential for the absorption of calcium and phosphorus from the intestines. Without adequate Vitamin D, the body cannot properly mineralise new bone tissue, leading to soft, weak bones that bend and deform under the weight of the growing child. Common deformities include bowed legs, knock knees, and a thickened wrist or ankle.

The other vitamins listed cause different deficiency conditions:

• Vitamin K deficiency impairs blood clotting, leading to excessive bleeding, not bone softening.
• Vitamin B12 deficiency causes megaloblastic anaemia and neurological problems such as peripheral neuropathy.
• Vitamin C deficiency causes scurvy, characterised by bleeding gums, skin haemorrhages, and poor wound healing.

Exam tip: Remember that Vitamin D and calcium work together for bone health. Vitamin D deficiency causes rickets in children and osteomalacia (soft bones) in adults.