Vitamin D deficiency is associated with which condition?

Vitamin D deficiency is associated with which condition?

• A. Rickets
• B. Scurvy
• C. Pellagra
• D. Anemia

Answer: (A)

Vitamin D enables calcium and phosphate absorption for proper bone mineralization. When vitamin D is deficient, bones in growing children fail to mineralize correctly, leading to rickets, which presents as soft, weak bones and deformities such as bowed legs and delayed growth. Scurvy results from vitamin C deficiency and affects collagen formation, causing gum problems and poor wound healing. Pellagra arises from niacin deficiency with dermatitis, diarrhea, and dementia. Anemia is a low red blood cell condition with many possible causes and is not the hallmark of vitamin D deficiency. Therefore, the condition most classically associated with vitamin D deficiency is rickets.

Vitamin D enables calcium and phosphate absorption for proper bone mineralization. When vitamin D is deficient, bones in growing children fail to mineralize correctly, leading to rickets, which presents as soft, weak bones and deformities such as bowed legs and delayed growth. Scurvy results from vitamin C deficiency and affects collagen formation, causing gum problems and poor wound healing. Pellagra arises from niacin deficiency with dermatitis, diarrhea, and dementia. Anemia is a low red blood cell condition with many possible causes and is not the hallmark of vitamin D deficiency. Therefore, the condition most classically associated with vitamin D deficiency is rickets.