Rickets is a disorder that is caused by a lack of Vitamin D, Calcium, or Phosphate.
Rickets leads to softening and weakening of the bones in children, usually because of an extreme and prolonged Vitamin D deficiency.
Our body needs Vitamin D to absorb Calcium and Phosphorus from food. A deficiency of Vitamin D makes it difficult to maintain proper calcium and phosphorus level in bones which can cause rickets.
We can receive Vitamin D from two sources:
– Sunlight: Our skin produces Vitamin D when it is exposed to sunlight.
– Food: Fish oils, dairy products, fatty fish and egg yolks contains vitamin D.
Children who do not eat enough of these foods can develop Vitamin D deficiency. If Vitamin D and Calcium deficiency cause rickets then it is necessary to provide Vitamin D and Calcium to the child. It generally corrects any resulting bine problems for the child.
Symptoms:
– Delayed growth.
– Pain in the spine, pelvis, and legs.
– Muscle weakness.
Risks:
It can cause skeletal deformities such as bowed legs, thickened wrists and ankles, and breastbone projection.
Preventive measures:
– Bask in the sun regularly.
– Consume dairy products, fish with bones, and foods that contain calcium and Vitamin D.
– Consume green leafy vegetables, soya bean, tofu, dry nuts etc.
