Vitamin D helps grow strong bones, among other benefits, but vitamin D deficiency in babies has increased in recent years due to use of sunscreen. Exclusively breastfed babies have low vitamin D stores unless they get vitamins in supplements or adequate amounts of sun exposure, because breast milk is deficient in vitamin D. Formula fortified with vitamin D provides adequate amounts as long as an infant drinks at least 500 mL, or around 17 oz. per day, according to the American Academy of Pediatrics. Vitamin D deficiency can lead to rickets, characterized by soft bones and other side effects.
Bone Deformities
In additional to causing soft bones, lack of vitamin D can cause bowed leg bones, knock-knees, pigeon chest, a projection of the breastbone, bumps on the ribs, known as the rachitic rosary, and thicker than normal wrists and ankles. The skull may be misshapen or soft and the fontanels may not close. Spinal curvatures such as scoliosis and kyphosis may develop. Teeth may come in later than usual and may have defects such as holes in the enamel and an increased number of cavities. Pain in the legs and spine as well as weakness in the bone can lead to reluctance to walk and a delay in crawling, sitting or walking.
Poor Growth
Rickets causes poor growth and decreased adult height. Adults may be shorter than five feet, MedlinePlus reports. Height is normally affected more than weight, Patient UK states.
Muscle Spasms
Vitamin D deficiency can lead to low levels of calcium. Low calcium levels can cause tetany, involuntary muscle spasms. Tetany can affect the face, hands and feet, according to the Merck Manuals Online Medical Library. In severe cases, seizures can occur. Rarely an infant's heart muscle may be affected, a condition called cardiomyopathy, which can lead to heart failure because the heart can't pump efficiently. Weak chest muscles can lead to respiratory problems.
Parathesias
Parathesias, numbness and tingling, can occur because of low levels of calcium in the lips, tongue and fingers.
Member Comments