What is a potential consequence of vitamin D deficiency?

Vitamin D is crucial for calcium absorption and bone health. A deficiency in vitamin D leads to impaired calcium metabolism, which can cause rickets in children—a condition characterized by the softening and weakening of bones, leading to skeletal deformities. In adults, vitamin D deficiency can result in osteomalacia, which is the softening of bones that can lead to fractures and bone pain. This connection between vitamin D deficiency and these specific conditions underscores the importance of adequate vitamin D for maintaining healthy bones throughout life.

While other options mention issues that relate to health, they do not directly associate with the known consequences of vitamin D deficiency. Scurvy is related to vitamin C deficiency, while weakness in bones and teeth, although somewhat accurate, is too vague and not as specific in naming the conditions caused by vitamin D deficiency. Enhanced risk of blood clotting does not connect to vitamin D, since blood clotting is more directly influenced by vitamin K and other factors.