What type of nutrition deficiency can lead to rickets in children?

Rickets is a condition that primarily results from a deficiency of vitamin D in children. Vitamin D plays a crucial role in calcium and phosphate metabolism, which are essential for the development and maintenance of healthy bones. Inadequate vitamin D levels lead to impaired absorption of calcium from the gastrointestinal tract, resulting in low calcium levels in the body. This deficiency compromises bone mineralization, leading to deformities and weakness in the bones, characteristic of rickets.

While calcium also contributes to bone health, the root cause of rickets is the lack of vitamin D, which is essential for the proper utilization of calcium. Iron deficiency and protein deficiency can cause other health issues but are not directly linked to the development of rickets. Thus, adequate levels of vitamin D are vital during childhood to prevent rickets and promote healthy skeletal development.