Which vitamin deficiency is responsible for rickets in children, presenting with skeletal deformities?

Vitamin D deficiency is the underlying cause of rickets in children, a condition characterized by impaired bone mineralization leading to skeletal deformities. This vitamin plays a crucial role in calcium and phosphorus metabolism, which are essential for proper bone development and maintenance. Without adequate vitamin D, the body struggles to absorb these minerals from the diet, resulting in weakened bones, growth retardation, and deformities such as bowing of the legs.

In children, rickets presents with symptoms including delayed growth, pain in bones, and skeletal deformities that can severely affect mobility and overall quality of life. Adequate vitamin D levels can be achieved through sunlight exposure, dietary intake, and supplementation, making it vital for preventing rickets and ensuring healthy bone formation.

Other vitamin deficiencies mentioned, such as those in B4, A, and C, do not lead to rickets. While vitamin A supports vision and immune function, and vitamin C is critical for collagen synthesis and wound healing, neither are directly linked to rickets or bone mineralization. Thus, vitamin D deficiency stands out as the primary cause of this condition in children.