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Vitamin D and Rickets — NDEB AFK MCQ

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EasyBiomedical SciencesVitamin D and RicketsNDEB AFK

Which of the following vitamins is essential for calcium absorption and bone mineralisation, and its deficiency can cause rickets in children?

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Correct answer: DVitamin D

Vitamin D (calciferol) is essential for intestinal calcium and phosphate absorption, bone mineralisation, and calcium homeostasis. Deficiency causes rickets (children) — characterised by defective mineralisation of bone and cartilage leading to skeletal deformities — and osteomalacia (adults). Dental manifestations of rickets include enamel hypoplasia, dentin defects, delayed tooth eruption, and increased susceptibility to caries. Vitamin D deficiency is common in northern latitudes including Canada, particularly in winter months.

Reference: Kumar – Robbins & Cotran Pathologic Basis of Disease, 10th ed., 2021