Rickets is a bone disorder in children, characterized by softened and weakened bones due to lack of vitamin D, calcium and phosphorous. Vitamin D helps the body absorb calcium and phosphorous, which are minerals that strengthen bones. Vitamin D also maintains proper calcium and phosphorous levels in the body. Patients with rickets should avoid foods that affect the absorption of vitamin D, calcium and phosphorous.
Fat-Free Diets
Patients with rickets should avoid fat-free diets. Vitamin D is a fat-soluble vitamin and adequate fat intake is required to enable the body to absorb the vitamin from foods. Low-fat dairy products such as milk, cheese and yogurt provide vitamin D and the fat needed to aid in the absorption of the vitamin. You should consume high-fat dairy products in moderation because they contain cholesterol, which can cause heart disease. Healthy fats that can be added to the diet to help the body absorb vitamin D include olive oil, peanut oil, corn oil and safflower oil. Disorders that affect fat digestion and absorption may make it more difficult for the body to absorb vitamin D.
Foods that Affect Calcium Absorption
Calcium is a mineral and a major component of bones and teeth. Patients with rickets should avoid excess intake of caffeine, foods containing oxalic acid and high-fiber foods, as these foods decrease calcium absorption. Excess intake of caffeinated beverages such as coffee and tea may cause loss of calcium in urine. Oxalic acid is a substance that binds to calcium and prevents its absorption. Oxalic acid is found in foods such as green leafy vegetables, beets, soybeans, tomatoes, green peppers, rhubarb leaves and pumpkin. High-fiber foods, such as bran and oatmeal, may bind to calcium in the intestines and decrease its absorption. Tannins and phytates are substances that can also decrease calcium absorption. Tannins are found in tea, while phytates are found in foods such as beans, oats, barley and rye.
Human Breast Milk
Rickets is most likely to occur in children aged 6 months to 2 years. Mothers of children with rickets should avoid exclusively breast-feeding their children. Breast milk does not contain enough vitamin D to prevent rickets. The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends vitamin D drops for breast-fed children. Children require adequate calcium and phosphorous intake for proper bone growth.
Rickets Symptoms
Children with rickets experience symptoms such as bone pain, delayed formation of teeth, dental caries, holes in the teeth enamel, muscle weakness, muscle cramps, increased bone fractures, bowlegs, thickened wrists and ankles, curved spine, odd-shaped skull, pelvic deformities, protruding breastbone, bumps in the ribcage, stunted growth and short stature. Symptoms of rickets should be treated early enough to prevent skeletal deformities.
