What is the main cause of rickets? Can rickets be cured? Rickets is a long-term and excessive amount of vitamin D deficiency in children. Rickets causes to soften and weaken the bones of children. Occasionally, hereditary problems can cause rickets. It is necessary to understand the importance of vitamin D in the body. Vitamin D is a vitamin that provides the absorption of calcium and potassium minerals, which are taken with foods and which are very essential for bone health. In the absence of adequate vitamin D, it is difficult to maintain calcium and phosphorus levels in the bones. This deficiency can cause rickets, especially in childhood, where bone development is very rapid. Here, we will explain the causes, symptoms, and treatment of rickets. You can read the rest of the text to learn how to prevent rickets.
Rickets Causes
The human body needs vitamin D to get calcium and phosphorus from food. Rickets may occur if the child’s body cannot get enough vitamin D or if the body has problems using it correctly. Therefore, the causes of rickets can be categorized under two headings as vitamin D deficiency and absorption problems.
#1) Vitamin D Deficiency
Vitamin D has two important sources: sunlight and food.
Sunlight: Vitamin D is produced when human skin is exposed to sunlight. However, children in developed countries tend to spend less time outside. It also reduces the synthesis of vitamin D by preventing sun rays from sunscreens used because of fear of skin cancer.
Foods: Oily fish such as fish oil, egg yolk, salmon, and mackerel contain vitamin D. Vitamin D is also added by food companies to foods and beverages such as milk, cereal, and some juices.
#2) Problems Related To Absorption
Some children may have diseases that affect the absorption of vitamin D in their bodies. These diseases can be listed as follows:
- Celiac disease
- Inflammatory bowel disease
- Cystic fibrosis
- Kidney problems
|Benefits of Vitamin D ( What Is Rickets?)|
Rickets Symptoms
Signs and symptoms of rickets may include:
- Delayed growth
- Delay in motor skills
- Pain in the spine, pelvis, and legs
- Disorders of tooth structure (easy decay of teeth, intermittent and late teeth, and abscesses)
- Muscle weakness
How To Prevent Rickets
Sunlight is the best source of vitamin D. In most seasons, exposure to the sun for 10 to 15 minutes at noon is sufficient to take vitamin D. However, dark-skinned people and those living in northern latitudes may not get enough vitamin D from sunlight. Besides, it is essential to avoid direct sunlight, especially for infants and young children, because of skin cancer concerns. To prevent rickets, your child’s diet may include some foods that contain vitamin D, such as fatty fish such as salmon and tuna, fish oil and egg yolk, or supplemented with vitamin D. Vitamin D has been added to most of the following foods by the manufacturers.
- Baby food
- Breakfast cereals
- Some special pieces of bread
- Orange juice
If you are pregnant, you can ask your doctor about vitamin D supplements.
Rickets Treatment
Most cases of rickets can be treated with vitamin D and calcium supplements. Using too much vitamin D without doctor’s advice may cause vitamin D poisoning. It is, therefore, significant to follow the pediatrician’s instructions for correct dosing. Your pediatrician periodically monitors your child’s treatment with the required blood tests. For some cases of distorted legs or spinal deformation, your doctor may recommend specific support to position them appropriately as the bones grow. More severe skeletal disorders may require surgery.
