Question

Rickets in growing children are caused due to deficiency of -

• A. Vitamin A
• B. Vitamin B
• C. Vitamin C
• D. Vitamin D

Hint:

Vitamin D is also called the "sunshine vitamin". Its deficiency in children causes rickets, while in adults it causes osteomalacia.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is D

Step 1: Understanding Rickets.
Rickets is a childhood skeletal condition characterized by softened, weakened bones due to insufficient mineralization of developing bone tissue. This often results in bowed legs and other skeletal deformities.

Step 2: Role of Vitamin D.
Vitamin D is crucial for the intestinal absorption of calcium and phosphorus. A deficit in Vitamin D impairs bone mineralization, leading to rickets.

Step 3: Eliminating Incorrect Options.
- (1) Vitamin A: Deficiency results in night blindness, not rickets.
- (2) Vitamin B: Deficiency causes conditions like beriberi and pellagra, but not rickets.
- (3) Vitamin C: Deficiency results in scurvy, not rickets.
- (4) Vitamin D: Correct. Deficiency causes rickets.

Step 4: Conclusion.
Therefore, rickets in children is caused by a deficiency in Vitamin D.

Final Answer: \[\boxed{\text{Rickets is caused by deficiency of Vitamin D.}}\]