Final answer:
Dimineralization in infants and toddlers is mainly caused by a deficiency in nutrients such as vitamin D, calcium, and phosphate, leading to conditions like rickets, characterized by soft, weak bones and possible skeletal deformities.
Step-by-step explanation:
The primary cause of dimineralization in infants and toddlers is often attributed to a deficiency in essential nutrients, particularly vitamin D, calcium, and phosphate. This can lead to conditions such as rickets, where bones do not mineralize properly, resulting in soft and weak bones, potential bone deformities, and skeletal issues. Inadequate vitamin D impairs the intestinal absorption of calcium and phosphate, which are critical for healthy bone formation. Other factors contributing to mineral deficiencies can include overall undernutrition, poverty, and limited access to nutritious food, which can also cause problems like iron-deficiency anemia and compromise growth and cognitive development.