# A child is diagnosed with rickets, a condition in which the bones become soft and weak. Explain why a lack of vitamin D and calcium in the diet leads to this condition.

> Eduqas GCSE Biology — 1.3.1 Diet and nutrition · Explain · 4 marks

## Mark scheme (4 marks)

1. Calcium is needed for the formation / hardening / mineralisation of bones (and teeth)
2. Vitamin D is needed for the absorption of calcium (from the gut / intestine / food)
3. Without sufficient calcium, bones do not harden / remain soft / have reduced strength
4. Lack of vitamin D means less calcium is absorbed, so even if calcium is present in the diet it may not reach bones in sufficient amounts / linking deficiency of both to the same outcome of soft or weak bones

## Key terms

- [vitamin D](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/glossary/vitamin-d)
- [calcium](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/glossary/calcium)
- [rickets](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/glossary/rickets)

## Related

- [Revision notes for Eduqas GCSE Biology](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/learn)
- [How to answer "Explain" questions](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/tools/command-word-cheatsheet)
- [Practice this with AI marking (free)](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/start)

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Source: [GradeNine](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/q/a-child-is-diagnosed-with-rickets-f89195b0) · Published by Druglandscape Ltd.