Nutritional Rickets
Nutritional Rickets
Nutritional rickets is a condition where bones become weak and soft due to lack of vitamin D, calcium, and phosphorus, which are key nutrients that are needed to build and maintain healthy bones.
Rickets can lead to a wide range of symptoms, including increasing bone pain, general fatigue, bone deformities, poor muscle development, and more.
Causes
Nutritional rickets is most common in developing countries where nutrition is lacking, however it can also occur in developed countries in areas where there is limited exposure to sunlight. This can lead to a deficiency in vitamin D, which is essential to the absorption of calcium.
Insufficient amounts of proteins or dairy products in a person's diet may also contribute to nutritional rickets, as these are also important for healthy bone growth.
Prevention
The best way to prevent nutritional rickets is to ensure a balanced diet rich in vitamin D, calcium, phosphorus, and other nutrients. Eating foods such as fish, eggs, fortified milk, and cheese can help provide the necessary nutrients.
It's also important to ensure that children are getting adequate amounts of sun exposure for a minimal of 10 minutes per day, as this is needed to help the body produce vitamin D.
Treatment
If nutritional rickets is diagnosed, the first line of treatment is usually taking a supplement of vitamin D and calcium. This should be combined with a balanced diet containing adequate levels of all the key nutrients.
In severe cases, a child may need to take daily doses of vitamin D, calcium, and phosphorus to prevent further bone damage.
Complications
Nutritional rickets can lead to a number of different health complications, including:
- Malformed bones
- Developmental delays
- Dental problems
- Poor growth
- Fractures
Additionally, nutritional rickets can lead to long-term muscle issues, such as weakness and impaired movement.