What deficiency is commonly associated with rickets in children?

The deficiency commonly associated with rickets in children is Vitamin D. Rickets is a condition characterized by the softening and weakening of bones, which is primarily caused by a lack of Vitamin D, calcium, or phosphate. Vitamin D is essential for the body’s ability to absorb calcium and maintain adequate phosphate levels in the bones, which are crucial for healthy bone development.

When children do not get enough Vitamin D, their bodies cannot absorb sufficient amounts of calcium, leading to weakened bones and the characteristic symptoms of rickets, such as bowed legs, delayed growth, and pain in the bones. While calcium is also important for bone health, it is the lack of Vitamin D that directly leads to the prevention of proper calcium absorption, thereby causing rickets.

Other deficiencies, such as Vitamin C, can lead to different health issues such as scurvy, and iron deficiencies lead to anemia, but they are not directly linked to rickets in the context of bone health. Thus, a deficiency in Vitamin D is the primary concern regarding the development of rickets in children.