Which vitamin deficiency can lead to bone disorders such as rickets?

A deficiency in vitamin D can lead to bone disorders such as rickets because vitamin D is crucial for calcium and phosphate metabolism, which are essential for maintaining healthy bones. Vitamin D facilitates the absorption of calcium in the intestines and is necessary for the proper mineralization of bone. When there is insufficient vitamin D, the body cannot absorb enough calcium, leading to weakened bones in children, which manifests as rickets—a condition characterized by bone pain, tenderness, and deformities. In adults, a deficiency can lead to osteomalacia, a softening of the bones. Thus, vitamin D plays a vital role in skeletal health, making its deficiency directly linked to disorders affecting bone integrity.