Final answer:
Rickets is caused by a deficiency of vitamin D, leading to bone deformities in children.
Step-by-step explanation:
Rickets is a disease caused by a deficiency of vitamin D. It results in improper bone development in children, leading to bone deformities. The malabsorption of calcium and a lack of vitamin D contribute to this condition.
Vitamin D deficiency occurs when the body has an insufficient amount of vitamin D, a fat-soluble vitamin that plays a crucial role in various physiological processes. The two primary forms of vitamin D are vitamin D2 (ergocalciferol) and vitamin D3 (cholecalciferol). Vitamin D is essential for maintaining bone health, regulating calcium and phosphorus levels, supporting the immune system, and influencing various other functions.