Vitamin D deficiency may lead to which condition affecting bone health?

Vitamin D plays a crucial role in maintaining healthy bones by facilitating the absorption of calcium and phosphorus. A deficiency in vitamin D can lead to rickets, particularly in children, which is characterized by the softening and weakening of bones. This condition results in symptoms like bone deformities, delayed growth, and skeletal pain. In children, the lack of vitamin D prevents proper mineralization of the bones, leading to rickets.

While osteoporosis, Paget's disease, and osteoarthritis are all conditions that can affect bone health, they are not directly caused by vitamin D deficiency in the same way rickets is. Osteoporosis is largely a result of aging and hormonal changes but can be exacerbated by vitamin D deficiency. Paget's disease involves abnormal bone remodeling and is not caused by vitamin D levels. Osteoarthritis, on the other hand, is primarily a degenerative joint disease influenced by factors such as age, obesity, and joint injury rather than vitamin D deficiency. Thus, rickets is the specific condition that directly arises from inadequate vitamin D intake or synthesis, making it the correct answer in this context.