Question

Markus has a vitamin D deficiency and his doctor performs a blood test. The test results suggest that Markus has normal levels of calcium in is his blood, despite his vitamin D deficiency. In addition, Markus has all his teeth and does not exhibit bowed-legged syndrome. One reason for this is because it is extremely important to have calcium available for your neurons to function.

What does this suggest about markus’s bone density?

Answer 1

Markus's normal calcium levels despite vitamin D deficiency suggest his bone density could be compromised, as his body may be drawing calcium from the bones to maintain essential functions.

Step-by-step explanation:

Markus's normal calcium levels despite a vitamin D deficiency suggest that his body has been compensating, likely at the expense of bone density. Vitamin D is crucial for calcium absorption and without sufficient levels, his bones could be at risk for decreased mineral density, which can lead to conditions like osteomalacia or osteoporosis in adults. Although Markus does not show symptoms of rickets or bowed legs, which can occur with severe and prolonged deficiency in children, the absence of these conditions does not directly indicate normal bone health.

His bone density could still be affected because calcium may have been mobilized from his bones to maintain normal blood levels for essential bodily functions, like neural conductivity, muscle contraction, and blood clotting. This process of calcium reallocation can weaken the bones over time if the vitamin D deficiency is not corrected.