Deficiency of what vitamin causes rickets?

Rickets is primarily caused by a deficiency in vitamin D. Vitamin D plays a crucial role in calcium and phosphate metabolism, which are essential for the development and maintenance of healthy bones. When there is insufficient vitamin D, the body is unable to absorb adequate calcium from the diet, leading to weakened bone structure and the characteristic deformities associated with rickets.

Vitamin D is necessary for the process of bone mineralization. Without it, bone tissue fails to mineralize properly, resulting in soft and pliable bones, particularly in growing children. This deficiency often occurs due to inadequate sunlight exposure, poor dietary intake, or specific metabolic disorders.

In contrast, other vitamins mentioned, such as vitamin A, vitamin C, and vitamin B12, do not directly relate to the development of rickets. Vitamin A is primarily involved in vision and immune function; vitamin C is essential for collagen synthesis and antioxidant protection; and vitamin B12 is critical for red blood cell formation and neurological health. These vitamins have distinct roles in the body and do not influence bone mineralization in the way vitamin D does.