Final answer:
Rickets is a childhood deficiency disease characterized by weak, soft bones and skeletal deformities like bowed legs, primarily due to a lack of vitamin D which is necessary for proper calcium and phosphate absorption in bones.
Step-by-step explanation:
The deficiency disease characterized by abnormal bone growth leading to bowed legs is known as Rickets. This disorder occurs primarily in children and results from a vitamin D deficiency. Rickets causes the bones to become soft and weak due to faulty mineralization. Consequently, affected children may have bones that do not develop properly, which leads to deformities such as bowed legs. In addition to a lack of vitamin D, low serum phosphate levels can also contribute to the development of Rickets.
The proper absorption of calcium and phosphate is critical for healthy bones, and vitamin D plays an essential role in this process. Without adequate vitamin D, the bones do not receive enough of these minerals, leading to the telltale symptoms of Rickets, including bone pain, skeletal deformities, and an increased likelihood of fractures. Timely diagnosis and treatment with vitamin D supplementation can help prevent and correct the abnormalities associated with Rickets.