Which vitamin deficiency is associated with increased risk of bone fractures?

Vitamin D deficiency is widely recognized for its crucial role in maintaining bone health. Vitamin D facilitates the absorption of calcium and phosphorus from the diet, which are essential minerals for bone formation and maintenance. When vitamin D levels are insufficient, the body's ability to absorb calcium from the intestine diminishes, leading to lower calcium levels in the blood. This can result in weakened bones, increasing the risk of fractures.

Additionally, vitamin D plays a vital role in regulating the balance of calcium in the bones and in the bloodstream. A deficiency can lead to conditions such as osteomalacia in adults, which causes bones to become soft and more susceptible to fractures.

The other vitamins listed, while important for various bodily functions, do not have the same direct impact on bone density and fracture risk associated with vitamin D. Thus, a deficiency in this vitamin is particularly critical in the context of bone health and fracture prevention.