What disease is the result of vitamin D deficiency?

Vitamin D deficiency is directly linked to rickets, a disease primarily affecting children, characterized by the softening and weakening of bones. This occurs because vitamin D plays a crucial role in calcium and phosphorus metabolism, essential minerals for maintaining bone health. When the body does not have sufficient levels of vitamin D, it cannot absorb enough calcium from the diet, ultimately leading to weakened bone structure and deformities such as bowed legs or a curved spine. This is particularly concerning during the growth phases of children when their bones are still developing.

The other diseases mentioned are associated with different nutritional deficiencies. Scurvy is caused by a lack of vitamin C; pellagra results from insufficient niacin (vitamin B3); and beriberi is due to a deficiency in thiamine (vitamin B1). Each of these conditions reflects the specific vitamin deficiency and its unique impact on the body's function, highlighting the importance of various nutrients for overall health.