Which vitamin deficiency is directly linked to the development of rickets?

The deficiency directly linked to the development of rickets is Vitamin D. Rickets is a disorder that affects bone development in children, leading to weak or soft bones, deformities, and growth disturbances. Vitamin D is essential for the absorption of calcium and phosphorus in the body, which are critical minerals for maintaining proper bone health. When there is insufficient Vitamin D, the body cannot adequately absorb these minerals, leading to a decrease in bone mineralization. This can ultimately result in the skeletal deformities characteristic of rickets.

Other vitamins mentioned, such as Vitamin C, Vitamin A, and Vitamin K, play important roles in overall health and have specific functions, but they are not directly responsible for preventing or causing rickets. Vitamin C is important for collagen synthesis and immune function, Vitamin A is crucial for vision and immune response, and Vitamin K is vital for blood clotting and bone metabolism but does not have the same direct effect on bone mineralization linked to Vitamin D.