What is a potential effect of prolonged vitamin D deficiency?

Prolonged vitamin D deficiency can lead to serious health issues, particularly affecting bone health. Vitamin D plays a crucial role in calcium absorption in the gut, which is essential for maintaining strong bones. When there is a significant deficiency over time, the body cannot absorb adequate calcium, which can result in weakened bones and conditions such as osteoporosis in adults or rickets in children.

Osteoporosis is characterized by decreased bone density and increased risk of fractures, while rickets is a developmental disorder that leads to bone weakness and deformities in children. Therefore, the impact of prolonged vitamin D deficiency on skeletal health is profound and highlights the vitamin's vital role in maintaining proper bone structure and function.