Nutritional rickets is a condition that develops in children who do not have enough vitamin D in their diet, which leads to bones that don't mineralize properly, causing weak bones. Although once thought to be rare in the United States, nutritional rickets is now thought to be a growing problem.
Children may be more at risk for nutritional rickets if they are exclusively breastfed, do not like to drink milk, have a milk allergy, have lactose intolerance or follow a vegan diet (no meat, eggs or dairy products). This is especially true if these children also have dark skin and/or limited exposure to sunlight, including the proper use of sunscreen. Children with certain chronic diseases, including cystic fibrosis, celiac disease, some liver problems and kids taking antiseizure medications, may not be able to absorb vitamin D well and can also be at risk for nutritional rickets.
In addition to nutritional rickets (vitamin D deficiency), children can also have various rare forms of rickets, such as vitamin D dependent rickets, vitamin D resistant rickets and renal rickets.
Symptoms of rickets can include:
- bone pain
- bowlegs
- skeletal deformities
- increased risk of fractures
- tooth deformities
- short stature
- poor weight gain
- muscle weakness and poor muscle tone
Rickets can be diagnosed by doing blood tests (calcium, phosphorus, alkaline phosphatase, parathyroid hormone levels and vitamin D levels), x-rays and looking for a history of poor vitamin D intake and the typical symptoms of rickets.
The treatment for rickets can include a prescription for a vitamin D supplement and increased intake of foods high in vitamin D, calcium and phosphorus to help build stronger bones.
