Low vitamin D levels in babies can lead to:

Prepare for the New Zealand State Nursing Exam. Study with flashcards and multiple choice questions, each question includes hints and explanations. Get prepared to excel in your test!

Low vitamin D levels in infants are primarily associated with rickets and abnormal bone growth. Vitamin D plays a crucial role in calcium absorption and bone metabolism. When there is a deficiency of vitamin D, it can hinder the synthesis of calcium and phosphate in the body, which are essential for healthy bone development.

Rickets is a disease characterized by the softening and weakening of bones in children, which can lead to deformities, delayed growth, and pain. This condition can manifest as bowed legs, a curved spine, and other skeletal abnormalities due to the insufficient mineralization of bones. Addressing vitamin D deficiency through appropriate supplementation and dietary sources is critical in preventing rickets and ensuring proper skeletal development in babies.

The other options do not accurately represent the effects of low vitamin D levels in infants. Improved bone density and enhanced cognitive abilities do not occur with vitamin D deficiency, and while low vitamin D might contribute to respiratory illnesses like common colds, it is not directly linked to them as a primary consequence. Therefore, the connection between low vitamin D levels and rickets confirms that option is the most accurate.

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