What is the disease caused by Vitamin D deficiency in children?

Vitamin D deficiency in children leads to rickets, a disease characterized by the softening and weakening of bones. This condition results from inadequate mineralization of the bone matrix, primarily due to insufficient calcium and phosphate levels. Vitamin D plays a crucial role in promoting the absorption of calcium and phosphorus from the diet, which are essential for maintaining healthy bone structure. When children do not receive adequate Vitamin D, either through diet, sunlight exposure, or supplementation, the growth plates of their bones may not mineralize properly, leading to deformities and a higher susceptibility to fractures.

In contrast, osteoporosis is typically associated with aging or hormonal changes and primarily affects older adults rather than children. Scurvy is caused by a deficiency in Vitamin C and leads to symptoms such as bleeding gums and joint pain. Beriberi, resulting from a deficiency in Vitamin B1 (thiamine), affects the cardiovascular and nervous systems. Thus, rickets is uniquely linked to Vitamin D deficiency in children.