See what causes nutritional rickets in children – preventive methods
Are you familiar with nutritional rickets? It’s a condition characterized by soft bones in children. It might seem like a rare and far-fetched disease that you only hear about in history books; however, it is more prevalent today than most people think, especially in Pakistan.
In this blog post, we will be exploring what nutritional rickets is, what causes them, and how to prevent them from happening.
Nutritional rickets is an easily preventable condition if the proper precautions are taken – but unfortunately, because of various socioeconomic disparities globally and even within specific communities, many children still suffer from this debilitating disorder. With the right strategies and knowledge at your disposal, however, we can work together to ensure no child ever has to endure such pain or disability due to a lack of nutritious foods!
What Are Nutritional Rickets In Children?
Nutritional rickets is a bone disorder that occurs when children do not get enough vitamin D, calcium, and phosphorus. Vitamin D helps the body absorb calcium and phosphorus, both essential for strong bones. Without proper levels of these three nutrients, a child’s bones can become soft or deformed.
What Are The Signs And Symptoms of Rickets?
Common signs and symptoms of rickets include
- Bowed legs or knock-knees
- Delayed age-appropriate milestones such as crawling, walking, or talking
- Swollen wrists or ankles
- Dental problems such as the late eruption of teeth
- Pain in the arms and legs (especially at night)
- Chest deformity with protrusion of the ribs
- Respiratory problems such as asthma and bronchitis
- Low levels of calcium and phosphorus in the blood
- Poor appetite
- Irritability
- fatigue
- Increased risk for fractures
- An overall poor state of health
If you notice any of these signs in your child, you must talk to a dietitian or nutritionist in your area.
Can Rickets Be Prevented?
Rickets can be prevented with adequate amounts of vitamin D through diet or supplements and a balanced diet rich in calcium and phosphorus. Vitamin D can be obtained from exposure to sunlight, certain foods such as salmon, tuna, mackerel, milk, fortified cereals, or supplements. It’s vital for children to have a balanced diet that includes all essential vitamins and minerals for their overall health and growth.
If your child shows signs of rickets, you must see your doctor immediately. Your doctor will likely order blood tests to look for low levels of vitamin D and calcium, along with X-rays of the bones. Treatment may include oral vitamin D supplements and dietary changes focusing on foods high in vitamin D, calcium, and phosphorus. Sometimes, a child may need physical therapy to help strengthen the bones and muscles. Most children with rickets can return to average growth and development with proper treatment.
Importance Of Sunlight In Preventing Rickets In Children
It is also crucial for parents to know how much sunlight their child is getting every day, as vitamin D from exposure to ultraviolet rays from the sun helps build strong bones. Experts recommend exposing children to at least 15 minutes of direct sunlight without sunscreen twice a week to get enough vitamin D. However. It’s essential that children wear sunscreen if they are going to be exposed for more extended periods or when the UV index indicates a high risk for skin damage from the sun.
Risk Factors of Rickets
Rickets is a preventable childhood condition. Common risk factors for rickets include inadequate exposure to sunlight (which helps produce vitamin D in the body), poor nutrition, or a genetic predisposition.
Certain medical conditions, including inflammatory bowel disease and cystic fibrosis, may also increase risk. Children who are exclusively breastfed without supplementation may also be at increased risk since breast milk alone does not typically provide enough vitamin D. For these reasons, it is essential that children receive adequate nutrition and exposure to sunlight to help reduce their risk of developing rickets.
Treatment of Nutritional Rickets In Children
Regular visits with a dietitian or nutritionist can also help identify and diagnose rickets early, allowing for timely treatment. Parents should also be aware of any changes in their child’s growth and development, as these could indicate the presence of a vitamin D deficiency or other medical condition that may increase the risk of rickets. Early detection and intervention are vital in reducing the risk of long-term complications associated with this condition.