Vitamin D helps the body absorb calcium and phosphorus, which are important to build strong bones. Without enough vitamin D, your body cannot absorb these minerals properly. This can lead to soft, weak bones that are more likely to break or hurt.
In children, severe vitamin D deficiency causes a condition called rickets, which though rare, causes the bones to become soft and often leading to bowed legs. In adults, this condition is called osteomalacia, which causes bone pain and muscle weakness. People with low vitamin D may also develop osteoporosis, a disease where bones become fragile and brittle, increasing the risk of fractures.
