Rickets

Definition

A disease of bone development caused by a deficiency in vitamin D, calcium, or phosphorus, resulting in inadequate mineralization of bones and deformation of the skeleton

How it works

Rickets results from reduced ability to mineralize bones during growth, affecting both bones and joints

Role

Preventing rickets to ensure normal bone formation and motor development

Examples

• Child living in a northern climate without vitamin D supplementation
• Breastfed infant without adequate vitamin D intake
• Child presenting bowed legs and delayed growth
• Premature infant without adapted supplementation

Recommendations

Ensure sufficient vitamin D and calcium intake from an early age through diet, moderate sunlight exposure, and supplementation, follow vitamin D supplementation guidelines for all infants, especially breastfed infants and sun-exposed children, and perform regular examinations and biological tests for suspected cases

Key takeaway

Rickets is a preventable and treatable disease with adequate vitamin D and calcium intake

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