Children, especially in high latitude Western countries who receive very little sunlight, are particularly at risk of developing which deficiency disease?

Introduction / Context:

This question examines basic health science and nutrition, specifically the effect of sunlight and vitamin D on bone development in children. In colder or high latitude regions, children may have less exposure to direct sunlight, which can lead to vitamin D deficiency and weak bones. Understanding which disease is primarily associated with lack of sunlight is essential for exam questions on nutrition and preventive healthcare.

Given Data / Assumptions:

Concept / Approach:

Rickets is a disease of growing children caused mainly by vitamin D deficiency, which leads to defective bone mineralisation, bone deformities, and delayed growth. Vitamin D is synthesised in the skin when exposed to ultraviolet rays of sunlight. Therefore, children with limited sunshine exposure are at higher risk of rickets. Dermatitis is related to skin inflammation, scurvy to vitamin C deficiency, and kwashiorkor to severe protein deficiency, none of which are primarily caused by lack of sunlight.

Step-by-Step Solution:

Verification / Alternative check:

A verification method is to recall typical textbook examples showing children in cold, cloudy climates being more vulnerable to rickets and being advised to take vitamin D supplements or cod liver oil. Public health campaigns in such regions emphasise vitamin D fortification and safe sun exposure. No similar direct connection exists between sunlight and the other listed conditions, confirming that rickets is the correct disease.

Why Other Options Are Wrong:

Dermatitis: This is a general term for skin inflammation that can arise from allergies, irritants, or infections, not specifically from lack of sunshine.

Scurvy: Caused by vitamin C deficiency, it leads to bleeding gums and poor wound healing, and is related to dietary intake of fruits and vegetables, not directly to sunlight exposure.

Kwashiorkor: This is a severe form of protein energy malnutrition seen in children who consume diets very low in protein, not a disease primarily linked to sunshine or vitamin D.

Common Pitfalls:

Some candidates may focus on the word Western and think of skin problems like dermatitis caused by cold dry weather. Others may confuse different vitamin deficiencies. To avoid such mistakes, associate rickets strongly with vitamin D and sunlight, scurvy with vitamin C, and kwashiorkor with lack of protein. This mapping helps quickly identify the correct disease in exam questions.

Final Answer:

The correct answer is rickets.