Calcium is an central mineral that the body needs to form bones, conduct nerve signals, and release hormones. The levels of calcium in your body can be affected by your body's concentration of vitamin D, among other factors. Rickets is a condition of vitamin D deficiency in children that leads to low calcium levels and serious health problems.
Sources
Vitamin D forms in the skin as a result of exposure to sunlight. It is also present in certain foods---for example, fortified dairy products---and becomes available for absorption in your intestines in an inactive form. From there vitamin D goes to the liver, where your body stores it and changes it into its active form. According to the Merck Manual Home Edition, the active form of vitamin D stimulates intestinal absorption of calcium and phosphorous, the main minerals of bone formation.
Causes of Rickets
The main reasons for the development of rickets are lack of exposure to sunlight and inadequate intake of foods and supplements containing vitamin D and calcium. Lack of sun exposure is common in people who do not spend enough time outdoors---for example, institutionalized individuals---and people who cover their bodies for long periods of time. Breast-fed babies are at risk for developing rickets because breast milk lacks sufficient vitamin D for a growing baby's needs.
Symptoms
The symptoms of rickets reflect the lower levels of calcium in the body and its effect on bone growth and formation. According to Medline Plus, these symptoms include bone pain and tenderness, increased risk of fractures and weakening of the bones, causing deformities like bowlegs, curvature in the spine and a misshapen skull. Low calcium can also cause muscle cramps, stiffness and spasms as well as heart rhythms. Because teeth have significant deposits of calcium, rickets also causes delayed formation of teeth and increases the risk of cavities and other defects in teeth.
Treatment
The main treatment of rickets is the correction of calcium, phosphorus and vitamin D levels. Treatment includes increasing the consumption of vitamin D- and calcium-rich foods, such as fish and fortified milk, and taking vitamin D supplements. Children with long-standing rickets may have permanent bone deformities and growth abnormalities and may require orthopedic help, like braces, as well as long-term physical therapy.
