Michigan Esthetician State Board Practice Exam

A deficiency in vitamin D can lead to which condition?

1. Scurvy

2. Rickets

3. Pellagra

4. Anemia

The correct answer is: Rickets

A deficiency in vitamin D is primarily associated with rickets, which is a condition that affects bone development in children. Rickets results from inadequate levels of vitamin D, leading to poor calcium absorption and ultimately causing weak and soft bones. This softening manifests as skeletal deformities, such as bowed legs or a weakened ribcage. In contrast, scurvy is caused by a deficiency in vitamin C, which leads to symptoms like bleeding gums and weakness. Pellagra, on the other hand, arises from a deficiency in niacin (vitamin B3) and is characterized by diarrhea, dermatitis, and dementia. Anemia is related to various deficiencies, most notably iron, but also folate and vitamin B12, rather than specifically vitamin D. Thus, rickets is the condition directly linked to insufficient vitamin D, highlighting the importance of this vitamin in maintaining bone health in growing children.