What condition can result from vitamin D deficiency in children?

Rickets is directly linked to vitamin D deficiency in children. This condition affects bone development, leading to soft and weak bones due to the impaired metabolism of calcium and phosphorus, which are essential for healthy bone growth. In children, the lack of adequate vitamin D can result in skeletal deformities and delayed growth. Rickets is characterized by symptoms such as bowed legs, thickened wrists and ankles, and in severe cases, deformities of the skull and ribs.

The other conditions listed are associated with deficiencies of other vitamins or minerals. Scurvy is a result of vitamin C deficiency, osteoporosis typically relates to calcium and vitamin D deficiency in adults and involves bone density loss over time, while anemia can be caused by various nutritional deficiencies, including iron and vitamin B12. Thus, mentioning these conditions highlights their distinct causal relationships with different nutrients, reinforcing the understanding of how specific deficiencies impact health.