Dietetic Technician Practice Test

A deficiency of vitamin D results in which of the following conditions?

1. Rickets

2. Night blindness

3. Scurvy

4. Beri beri

The correct answer is: Rickets

A deficiency of vitamin D is primarily associated with the condition known as rickets. Rickets is characterized by the weakening and softening of bones in children, leading to skeletal deformities. This occurs because vitamin D is crucial for the absorption of calcium and phosphorus in the body, both of which are essential for healthy bone development. When there is an insufficient amount of vitamin D, the body is unable to maintain adequate mineralization of the bones, resulting in this condition. Rickets is particularly prevalent in areas with limited sunlight exposure, since sunlight is a natural source of vitamin D. Other health issues related to a deficiency in vitamin D can also arise, but rickets remains the most commonly recognized condition for this specific deficiency, especially in children. In contrast, night blindness is associated with a deficiency of vitamin A, scurvy is a condition resulting from a lack of vitamin C, and beri beri is linked to a deficiency of thiamine (vitamin B1). Each of these conditions reflects a deficiency of a different vitamin, highlighting the importance of all vitamins in maintaining various aspects of health.