Which nutritional deficiency is linked to the development of rickets?

Vitamin D deficiency is specifically linked to the development of rickets, a condition characterized by the softening and weakening of bones in children. Vitamin D plays a crucial role in calcium and phosphorus homeostasis, both of which are vital for healthy bone development. Without adequate levels of vitamin D, the body cannot properly absorb calcium from the diet, leading to insufficient mineralization of bone tissue. This inadequacy culminates in rickets, manifesting in symptoms such as delayed growth, pain in the bones, and deformities.

The other options, while important for various aspects of health, do not have a direct association with the development of rickets. Vitamin C, although essential for collagen synthesis and overall health, is not linked to bone mineralization in the context of rickets. Folic acid is key for DNA synthesis and cell division, and deficiencies primarily affect red blood cell production rather than bone health. Protein is fundamental for growth and repair but is not specifically causative in the deficiency scenarios related to bone diseases like rickets. Thus, the deficiency of vitamin D is the clear factor leading to the development of this condition.