Rickets, also called osteomalacia, is a softening and weakening of the bones that results from a severe vitamin D deficiency. According to the University of Maryland Medical Center, rickets is rare in the United States. When it does strike, it is most likely to affect babies and toddlers -- children between 6 and 24 months -- due to the rapid growth of their bones. Proper nutrition, including adequate amounts of vitamin D and calcium, can prevent rickets from developing.
Rickets Features
Rickets occurs when there are inadequate levels of vitamin D, responsible for regulating blood levels of calcium and phosphate, which are essential for bone health. When calcium and phosphate levels become too low, these minerals may be released from the bones, leaving them soft and vulnerable to fractures. Vitamin D can be obtained through diet, and also through exposure to sunlight. The University of Maryland Medical Center notes that some cases of rickets result not from an actual deficiency of vitamin D in the diet, but from the body's inability to absorb it. The Mayo Clinic says that a diagnosis of rickets is made by bone X-rays, as well as blood and urine tests.
Signs and Symptoms of Rickets
Symptoms of rickets include slowed growth; pain in the spine, pelvis and legs; and muscle weakness. The Mayo Clinic says that rickets can also cause obvious skeletal deformities such as bowed legs, an abnormally curved spine, and thickening in the elbows, wrists and ankles. FamilyDoctor.org adds that other skeletal abnormalities include an enlarged forehead and irregularly shaped ribs and breastbones. Complications of rickets can include dental problems, breathing problems, pneumonia and seizures.
Rickets Causes and Risk Factors
As well as being between the ages of 6 and 24 months, other factors that increase the risk of rickets are having dark skin -- which doesn't produce as much vitamin D in reaction to sunlight as lighter skin -- living in geographical areas where there is little sunshine, and being born prematurely. The Mayo Clinic says that certain drugs, such as seizure medications, increase the risk of rickets, as does being breast-fed without vitamin D supplementation. Celiac disease, inflammatory bowel disease and cystic fibrosis can all cause improper absorption of vitamin D. UMMC says that a type of kidney disease called renal tubular acidosis can also cause rickets. Medline Plus adds that lactose intolerance or a strict vegetarian diet can increase vulnerability to rickets. Children can also inherit a form of rickets that is not associated with a dietary lack of vitamin D.
Nutrition for Rickets
To prevent rickets, offer your child foods that are rich in vitamin D. According to the Mayo Clinic, the highest concentrations of vitamin D are found in fish oils, fatty fish and egg yolks. The website adds that many foods -- such as milk, breakfast cereals and some juices -- are fortified with vitamin D, and are also good dietary choices. FamilyDoctor.org says you should also encourage your child to eat foods rich in calcium, such as milk, cheese and dark leafy greens. The Mayo Clinic adds that the American Academy of Pediatricians advises giving 400 IU of vitamin D daily to breast-fed babies. Since too much vitamin D can be dangerous, you should only give it to your child when advised to by a physician.
