Question

Rickets is caused due to deficiency of
(a) Vitamin D
(b) Vitamin C
(c) Vitamin A
(d) Vitamin B

Answer 1

 
Hint: Rickets is a condition resulting in weak or soft bones in children, evident by bowed legs, stunted growth, bone pain, etc. The most common cause of rickets is the deficiency of Vitamin that is seen in Cod liver oil and shark liver oil and is abundantly produced in the presence of sunlight.

Complete Step by Step Answer:
Rickets is most commonly caused as the result of a deficiency of Vitamin D. It can result from a diet lacking vitamin D, very little sun exposure, exclusive breastfeeding for very long without any vitamin D supplementation, and certain genetic conditions.
The main mechanism for the cause of this disease is the insufficient calcification of the growth plates in the bones. It is generally diagnosed based on blood tests. The treatment is generally done with supplementation of Vitamin D and calcium. Sometimes surgery might be needed to correct the bone deformities.

Additional Information:
- Vitamin C deficiency can result in scurvy which manifests as spontaneously bleeding gums.
- The deficiency of Vitamin A results in a condition called night blindness. It is characterized by a reduced vision in the dark as vitamin A also called retinol plays a role in transforming the nerve impulses into images in the retina.
- The deficiency of vitamin B complex can result in various conditions such as megaloblastic anemia, pernicious anemia, Beri Beri, etc.
So, the correct answer is, “Vitamin D”.

Note:
- Though vitamin D deficiency is the most common cause of rickets, it is not the only cause.
- Rickets are caused due to the insufficient calcification of the growth plates in the bones.
- Vitamin D helps in the uptake of calcium in the bones and thus its deficiency results in reduced calcification.
- However, a deficiency of calcium or phosphorus may also lead to rickets.