Which vitamin deficiency can cause severe health issues?

A deficiency of vitamin D can lead to severe health issues, primarily because this vitamin plays a crucial role in maintaining bone health and regulating calcium and phosphorus levels in the body. When there is an insufficient amount of vitamin D, individuals may experience a higher risk of bone-related conditions such as rickets in children and osteomalacia or osteoporosis in adults. These conditions occur because without adequate vitamin D, the body cannot effectively absorb calcium, leading to weakened bones.

Vitamin D is also important for immune system function and may have implications in various chronic diseases, making its deficiency particularly impactful on overall health. While other vitamins are also essential and their deficiencies can cause health issues, the specific consequences of vitamin D deficiency—especially concerning bone health—underscore its importance in nutrition.