If a child's body does not receive adequate amounts of calcium, which of the following conditions is most likely to develop?

• A. Scurvy
• B. Goiter
• C. Anemia
• D. Rickets

Answer: (D)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Step 1: Begin by understanding the role of calcium in the human body. Calcium is essential for the development and maintenance of strong bones and teeth. It also plays a role in muscle function, nerve signaling, and blood clotting.
2. Step 2: Recognize the condition associated with calcium deficiency. Rickets is a disease that occurs in children due to inadequate calcium or vitamin D, leading to weakened and deformed bones.
3. Step 3: Compare the other conditions listed in the problem. Scurvy is caused by a deficiency in vitamin C, goiter is caused by iodine deficiency, and anemia is often due to a lack of iron or vitamin B12. None of these are directly related to calcium deficiency.
4. Step 4: Understand why rickets is the correct answer. Without sufficient calcium, the bones cannot mineralize properly, leading to soft and weak bones, which is characteristic of rickets.
5. Step 5: Conclude that ensuring adequate calcium intake, along with vitamin D (which helps in calcium absorption), is crucial for preventing rickets in children.