What are the consequences of a vitamin D deficiency?

A vitamin D deficiency can lead to significant health consequences, particularly in the context of bone health. Vitamin D is crucial for the body’s absorption of calcium, which is necessary for maintaining strong bones. When there is insufficient vitamin D, the body may not absorb enough calcium, leading to weak bones.

In children, a severe deficiency can result in rickets, a condition characterized by the softening and weakening of bones, which can lead to skeletal deformities. In adults, this deficiency can manifest as osteomalacia, a disorder that causes bone pain and muscle weakness due to the softening of bones.

The link between vitamin D and bone health is well-established, making it clear why the correct answer emphasizes these consequences as critical outcomes of a deficiency. Furthermore, vitamin D plays a role in muscle function and immune health, but the most immediate and serious threats posed by its deficiency are indeed the structural impacts on bone integrity, which underscores the importance of maintaining adequate levels of this vitamin through diet or supplementation.