The childhood disease rickets results in softening and weakening of the bones due to deficiencies in vitamin D, calcium or phosphorus. Potential causes include, but are not limited to, poor diet, diseases that affect the body’s level of these substances and inadequate exposure to sunlight. Replenishing the body’s stores of these nutrients usually corrects the problem fully if it is addressed while the child is still growing. Your doctor will provide guidance on the proper diet and other measures necessary to treat rickets.
Vitamin D
Vitamin D plays an important part in bone health due to its role in helping the body absorb calcium and phosphorus. Good sources of vitamin D include fortified milk, liver, egg yolks, and oily fish such as sardines, salmon, mackerel and herring.
Calcium
Ninety-nine percent of the calcium in your body is found in the bones, making it a crucial nutrient for bone health.The best sources include dairy products of all kinds. Oily fish also contain calcium. Good plant sources include kale, broccoli and Chinese cabbage. Many foods have been fortified with this mineral as well, such as orange juice, tofu, cereals, fruit juices, and soy and rice milk.
Phosphorus
Low phosphorus intake can also contribute to rickets, but excess levels can upset the balance between this mineral and calcium, leading the body to leach calcium from the bones. Make sure your child gets enough phosphorus, but not too much, and your doctor can guide you in planning a diet that provides the proper amount. Foods rich in phosphorus include skim milk, nonfat yogurt,eggs, beef, chicken, turkey, halibut, salmon, whole grains, almonds, peanuts and lentils.
Considerations
Your child will likely require supplementation in addition to diet to fully correct deficiencies. In some instances, supplementation might be the only option, such as if your child has a condition that affects her ability to make and use vitamin D; in this instance, the doctor will give her specially formulated supplements. Do not give your child supplements without talking to your doctor first because, like drugs, larger doses of nutrients in a concentrated form can pose certain dangers. For example, taking too much of a fat-soluble vitamin, such as vitamin D, can result in toxicity. If your doctor does prescribe supplements, use them exactly as directed.
