Which nutritional supplement is important to prevent rickets in infants?

Vitamin D is crucial for preventing rickets in infants because it plays a vital role in calcium and phosphate metabolism, which are essential for healthy bone development. Rickets is a condition characterized by the softening and weakening of bones in children, primarily due to inadequate vitamin D levels, leading to poor calcium absorption in the intestines. By ensuring adequate vitamin D intake, either through diet, supplementation, or sunlight exposure, infants can maintain proper bone mineralization, reducing the risk of rickets.

While calcium and iron are also important nutrients for overall health, calcium alone does not prevent rickets without the presence of sufficient vitamin D to facilitate its absorption. Vitamin C supports immune function and skin health but does not play a direct role in preventing rickets. Thus, the emphasis on vitamin D is critical for the proper prevention of this condition in infants.