What can result from a chronic deficiency in Vitamin D?

A chronic deficiency in Vitamin D can lead to bone diseases such as rickets in children and osteomalacia in adults. Vitamin D plays a crucial role in calcium absorption in the gut and maintaining proper bone structure by regulating calcium and phosphate levels in the body. Without sufficient Vitamin D, bones cannot properly mineralize, which results in a softening of the bones. Rickets manifests as skeletal deformities and growth issues in children, while osteomalacia leads to bone pain and muscle weakness in adults. This illustrates the importance of Vitamin D in overall bone health and highlights how its deficiency can seriously impact skeletal integrity and function.

In contrast, increased energy levels, excessive hydration, and improved immune function do not directly correlate with Vitamin D deficiency. In fact, Vitamin D is known for its role in supporting immune function, but a deficiency would typically impair rather than improve immune response.