Table of contents:
Over the past few years, rickets has become a global concern, not only in areas with malnutrition problems. Rickets is a bone disorder that causes bones to soften and weaken. Generally, this disease affects children aged 6 and 36 months. This condition is caused by a severe deficiency of vitamin D so that absorption of calcium and phosphorus is impaired. Vitamin D is needed to stimulate the absorption of calcium and phosphorus, which are essential in the formation of healthy and strong bones. Without vitamins, your child's bones will not fully develop and become brittle and weak.
What causes rickets in children?
The main cause of rickets is a lack of vitamin D which the body needs to absorb calcium and phosphorus from your diet. Children can get rickets if they don't get enough vitamin D or have problems using vitamin D in the body. Vitamin D is not only found in food, but can naturally be produced in the skin when it is exposed to sunlight. Your child may not get enough vitamin D if they live in an area with little sun, have a vegetarian diet, or don't eat dairy products. In some cases, rickets can be hereditary.
What are the signs and symptoms of rickets in children?
You may be wondering how to know if a child has rickets or not. Here are some of the signs and symptoms of rickets that you can look for:
- Delayed growth
- Pain in the spine, pelvis, and legs
- Weak muscles
- Abnormal foot posture (curvature of the legs outward)
- Thickening of the wrists and feet
- Cracked bones
- Delayed tooth formation
If your child has any of these signs you should see a doctor right away. If left untreated during the child's growing period, the child will be in perfect stature by the time he is an adult.
How to prevent children from rickets?
The best way to prevent rickets is to eat a balanced diet that includes calcium, phosphorus and vitamin D. Vitamin D can be found in fish, fish oil and egg yolks. Other foods fortified with vitamin D include formula, cereal, milk and orange juice. It is important to note that breast milk contains small amounts of vitamin D. All breastfed babies are encouraged to receive a daily intake of 400 IU of vitamin D. You can consult your pediatrician for more information.
In addition to proper food intake, make sure your child gets enough sun exposure. You only need to expose your hands and face to sunlight at least a few times a week. Exposure to the sun for too long can actually cause skin damage. If your child is active in the sun for a long period of time, make sure to use sun cream.
Recent research shows that you can prevent your child from rickets even before the child is born. This can be done by ensuring adequate amounts of vitamin D during pregnancy. Not only does it make bones strong, vitamin D will also help the development of baby's bones in your womb. If you have darker skin or have had little exposure to the sun, you should talk to your doctor about additional vitamin supplements while pregnant.
x
